FILLMORE : Property Care Rules Go in Effect May 14

Collapsing fences, overgrown landscaping and clotheslines in front yards should be a thing of the past when Fillmore’s new property maintenance regulations become effective May 14.

The Fillmore City Council approved an ordinance Tuesday that establishes minimum standards of upkeep for homeowners. The move was prompted by citizen complaints last year of unkept houses. Council members said the new regulations promote cleanup, but will not force property owners to paint houses or manicure yards.

The city’s code-enforcement officer, Joe Clyde, said he has lobbied for a maintenance ordinance for five years. “I don’t think it’s that stringent and it’s a tool that I need, especially for out-of-town owners,” Clyde said.

The ordinance lists overgrown vegetation, discarded furniture and appliances, and clotheslines in front yards or unscreened side yards as “unlawful and a public nuisance.” Deficient structures such as broken fences and gaps in exterior walls are also targeted, and homeowners may be requested to remove graffiti.

Violations will be treated as infractions and no fines have been set, city officials said.

“Our intention is to get compliance rather than prosecute,” said City Atty. Joe Kern. “And generally, people want to comply. The violations may come through ignorance or indifference, but only in cases of obstinance will they be taken to court.”