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YOUR OPEN SPACE NEIGHBOR If your property borders City Open Space, you may have wondered, "Who is my neighbor?" In some situations, for example where a trail is near your property line, there is no mistaking that the land adjacent to your back or side yard is public property. But in other cases, the open space adjacent to private lots is relatively inaccessible to the public. In these circumstances, residents sometimes treat open space as a convenient extension of their backyards, a place for those bulky lawn clippings, large branches, or smelly compost piles. In more prominent situations, private landowners have extended yards, fencing, landscaping, and gardens into open space. Generally, the intent is not malicious, but merely a misunderstanding of where the property line is and what it stands for. Technically, these activities on open space property without permission are called encroachments. As the Open Space program continues to grow, issues relating to property boundaries and the private use of open space increase as well. Typically, encroachments are the most visible of these issues. The City's Municipal Code prohibits encroachments. The dumping of trash and yard waste on open space and the disturbance of open space resources is unlawful; however, the enforcement of these provisions has not been consistent. In an effort to address these and other boundary issues, the Department of Land Management will be evaluating the boundaries of our open spaces, including the confirmation of property lines, assessing the condition of the boundary and any fencing, checking for any encroachments into open space, and noting conditions on the open space side of the line that may have effects on adjacent landowners. Along with this on- the-ground data collection, Land Management staff will be drafting policies on boundary issues and encroachments for public review. Along with encroachments, other likely topics for review will include property boundary identification, signage, fences, fence maintenance, gate installations, and the management of adjacent open space lands. In the meantime, a good rule of thumb is to treat adjacent City Open Space with all the respect that you would give to any other private owner. Because after all, open space is shared by all of us and is not for the exclusive use by any one person. If you have any questions or comments about encroachments, boundary fencing, or private access to open space, please contact Jeff Moline, Open Space Coordinator, at 303.335.4729 or molinej @ci.louisville.co.us. v 4 ,. • Planting trees and .00 f gardens outside of a fence line is an - - .� encroachment on the Fence Ce ~ ' �' � � +` ilk , ''" ;� f : � �° City's property, even i - — that property is designated open Garden & Trees space. Any planting or Planted in Open Space dumping on open space is strictly prohibited. 4 7, We appreciate your adherance to these Trail regulations. Ala August/September 2004 6