GILBERT, Ariz. — Many homeowners take pride in maintaining an immaculate yard, but for those outside the reach of strict homeowners association (HOA) rules, a messy yard has typically not been an issue. However, the Town of Gilbert is changing that with a new ordinance aimed at preserving the community's appearance.

At the latest Town Council meeting, leaders voted to adopt the Community Preservation Ordinance. This new rule, approved in a five-to-one vote, allows for fines of up to $500 for homeowners with dead grass, piled-up debris, or non-operational cars in their yards. Essentially, anything considered junk or unsightly must be removed.

"It's really about keeping Gilbert as it is today and preserving that for the future," said town planning manager Eva Cutro. Unlike other ordinances, Gilbert's rule also applies to homeowners' backyards, not just front yards.

In some neighborhoods just south of downtown Gilbert, it is common to see stacked metal, dead grass, and several inoperable cars in both front and backyards. This situation led to some residents pushing back against the Town leaders during the council meeting.

“I see this as a violation of the Fourth Amendment,” said Chris Lindahl, a Gilbert resident, expressing his concern that the ordinance grants too much power to the town over private yards. Lindahl also disliked the idea that neighbors in two-story houses could look into his backyard and report him to Code Compliance if they found it unsightly.

Cutro clarified that the ordinance includes protections to ensure state and constitutional rights are not violated. Enforcement will rely heavily on neighbors notifying the city about issues in their neighborhood. If someone notices something unsightly in a neighbor's backyard, they can report it.

To address concerns about potential abuse of the system, Cutro stated that reports to the council will be made every three months to monitor the ordinance's implementation. If necessary, changes will be made to prevent any misuse. Initially, the town plans to work with homeowners to resolve issues before issuing citations. The goal is to educate and assist residents in maintaining their properties rather than immediately penalizing them.

There were also questions about whether home-improvement projects might lead to citations. Cutro explained that if someone is working to fix an inoperable car in their backyard or has stacked bricks for a project, this would be acceptable. The key is distinguishing between ongoing projects and neglected items.

The new ordinance, which relies heavily on code compliance officers to use discretion on a case-by-case basis, is set to take effect on July 18. The officers will evaluate each situation individually to ensure fair and reasonable enforcement.

This ordinance reflects the Town of Gilbert's commitment to maintaining a clean and attractive community. It underscores the importance of neighborly cooperation and civic responsibility in preserving the town's aesthetic standards. While the ordinance has sparked debate, town officials hope it will ultimately lead to a more beautiful and cohesive community.