EPHRATA — With the end goal in mind of making the city safer and more aesthetically pleasing, Ephrata is asking its residents to do their part by keeping sidewalks and streets clean and clear of possible obstructions.

Ephrata reminds its homeowners twice a year to take a look at their property for trees and other plants that could possibly be inadvertently obstructing city streets, alleyways and sidewalks. The city says trees and other plants are in violation of city code if they touch any person or vehicle that is using/on a city street or sidewalk.

“In the past, the city has largely reacted only to complaints of damage from improperly maintained vegetation. Since 2008, the city has tried to be more proactive with advanced warning, information, and enforcement of the code, prior to the occurrence of damage,” reads a release from the city.

The city says homeowners have a responsibility to maintain their property and vegetation to ensure the following three things are not obstructed:

The open “clear-view triangle” on corner lots, which allows drivers to see oncoming traffic.

The unhindered travel of pedestrians on sidewalks or street.

The free passage of a vehicle down a street, including trucks and school buses.

Seven feet of clearance, at minimum, is needed over sidewalks and 12 feet is needs over city streets. Likewise, basketball hoops are unlawful if they are stored on the street and sidewalk, if the hoop is not being used for a game.

“In the spirit of voluntary compliance, the city is asking every homeowner to trim their trees, shrubs, and any other plants, and to store basketball hoops off of the sidewalks and streets, in order to help keep our town safer and cleaner,” states the city. “It says a lot about our community that 99 percent of people contacted immediately trim their trees/move the hoops voluntarily, just to help their neighbors.”

For more information contact Dennis Ohl at 509-754-4601 ext. 301. For a copy of the city’s codes visit www.ephrata.org or contact Ephrata City Hall at 509-754-4601.