Missouri City officials are changing the way they notify residents of specific violations to speed up the process. City ordinance calls for a minimum street clearance of 13 feet, 6 inches for low-hanging tree branches on properties. The new process approved by City Council Aug. 19 calls for the violation notices to be hand delivered and provides a 10-day abatement period for property owners to correct the issue.

"We have had this ordinance for years," City Manager Ed Broussard said. "We are adding this change to see what we can do about mitigating this problem faster. We are letting [residents] know right at the time of the notice."

Since April, nearly 500 inspections have been conducted by city officials concerning low-hanging trees in violation of city ordinance. In the past, property owners were notified of violations by mail.

Residents can report violations by calling the city's development services department at 281-403-8600 or by visiting www.missouricitytx.gov.

Meetings

Missouri City City Council

City Hall, 1522 Texas Parkway

281-403-8500 www.missouricitytx.gov

Sept. 16, 7 p.m.

Meets the 1st and 3rd Monday.