Kelowna homeowners could be ticketed for tree neglect under proposed new rules.

The City of Kelowna is updating its rules around boulevard maintenance, and residents could be ticketed for failing to care for street trees or improperly altering boulevards. 

Property owners are responsible for watering boulevard trees and plants that have a common boundary with their lot, and if bylaw amendments are approved by council, bylaw officers will be able to issue tickets for violations.

A staff report says the changes aim to protect boulevard greenery, manage stormwater, and maintain the city91裸聊视频檚 urban forest. However, issues such as unwatered trees, paving over gravel strips, and adding unsuitable plants have created problems for the city and properties neighbouring boulevards.

The city91裸聊视频檚 boulevard maintenance is limited to pruning and replacing street trees. Transferring the responsibility of irrigation, mowing, and trimming to the city is not recommended. The report adds that 91裸聊视频渢hese activities are a relatively minor cost to the abutting property owner compared to the potential impact on taxation if a new maintenance service were to be proposed.91裸聊视频�

Updates to the bylaw update will help make the enforcement process more efficient and transparent, the report states.

The amendments will be presented to council at its Jan. 20 meeting.