Question: Are there any special guidelines for owning swimming pools in the city?

Answer: According to Albert Lea City Code, Section 74-15, swimming pools over 1 1/2 feet deep, along with any of the walkways or paved areas near them, cannot be closer than 5 feet to any property line.

The pool or the entire property where it is located must be fenced in or enclosed by a wall to prevent uncontrolled access by children from neighboring properties.

The pool itself must be screened with a masonry wall, board fence or compact hedges to obscure the view of the pool from the street and neighboring properties.

 

Question: Who is responsible for trimming and removing trees on boulevards?

Answer: According to Albert Lea City Code, Section 22-504, city staff typically perform all trimming of boulevard trees, though public utilities can trim as necessary to protect their electrical lines or residents.

Residents, through a permit process, may contract with a tree service licensed with the city to trim adjacent boulevard trees. The property owner bears the entire cost of the tree trimming when using a contracted tree service.

Section 70-41 states no boulevard trees can be removed by anyone other than a city employee or contractor hired by the city unless written permission is given by the park superintendent. If approved, the property owner must bear the cost of removal, including the stump.

The owner will be responsible for the cost of a replacement tree if deemed necessary by the park superintendent.

 

Have a question about something happening in the community? Send the question to sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com, and we’ll find out the answer.