MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to allow city residents to grow hedges to any height they like.

"This is pretty simple, it simply takes out the hedge prohibition in any front yard and exterior side yard on a corner lot," City Manager Joe Gavinski said.

The municipal code currently limits hedges planted in the front yard on the property line to four feet tall.

If the amendment passes a second reading the code would still require corner lots to maintain a clear vehicular sight triangle of 50 feet from the corner for safety purposes, "with no fence, shrub or other physical obstruction higher than 36 inches above the established street grade."

The hedge height change was requested by a local resident whose hedges were found to be out of compliance with the city code.

In the June 28 council meeting, community development director Gilbert Alvarado told council an adjoining neighbor complained about the height of the hedge because it makes it difficult to exit his driveway safely.

The city suspended enforcement until a decision was made.

Until recently the city has not actively pursued property owners with hedges above four feet and typically investigates violations only when complaints are made, Alvarado explained Tuesday.

"Hedges don't require permits," he explained Tuesday. "Typically the landscaping isn't mature enough that would require us to come out. Usually what happens is that someone will come to my department and complain. Code enforcement goes out and takes a look and either (the property owner is) going to comply or challenge the call."

The council will hear a second reading of the proposed ordinance change in their next meeting, July 26.