My Tall Mature Tree v. Your Gorgeous Unobstructed View

Conflicts between neighbors about trees and views have been esacalating. Would a "view ordinance" work?

1 minute read

April 20, 2004, 10:00 AM PDT

By Ratna Amin


Healthy, mature trees can add tens of thousands of dollars to a home's value. But so can an unobstructed view of the Golden Gate Bridge. "Under common law, homeowners have no right to what happens with the air space above someone else's property, unless they can persuade a neighbor to trim a tree or purchase the right to do so with an easement. But cities can pass ordinances to supersede common law." The City of El Cerrito, known for views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay, is trying yet again to find a way to deal with the inevitable conflicts between neighbors living in a place with views.

Thanks to Ratna Amin

Monday, April 19, 2004 in The San Francisco Chronicle

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