City Ordinance Targets Back Yards Filled With Junk : Regulation: City Council responds to complaints about eyesores that could be driving down property values.

Grover Smith’s back yard is a hodgepodge of rusting cars, old engines, 50-gallon drums and cardboard boxes in a neighborhood of neatly manicured lawns. To Don Stapleton next door, the debris is an eyesore that could send his property value plummeting.

Now, an ordinance given preliminary approval by the City Council is offering hope to Stapleton and others who want neighbors to clean up their back-yard junk. The law requires property owners to screen stored items from the street and adjacent homes with walls or fences. Those who want to keep large items--such as trucks, lumber and motorcycles--can use no more than 25% of their back yards, according to the measure. Violators will face a maximum six months in jail and $1,000 fine.

The ordinance was drafted after several years of complaints from Stapleton and other residents about neighbors who pile up debris.

A real estate agent told Stapleton recently that he would have trouble selling his home because of Smith’s debris-scattered yard, Stapleton said.

“The real estate lady said that with that back yard, we might have to slash the asking price by $10,000,” Stapleton said. “I’d hate to have to come down $10,000 because my neighbor is a pack rat.”

Although Smith has cleared part of his back yard after getting notices from the city, the engines, drums, a cement mixer, old vacuums and a truck remain.

Smith said he wants to cooperate with officials. He said he has been clearing debris for the last year, but before he can finish the job he must patch holes in his roof.

“There is no disagreement between me and the city about getting things cleaned up,” Smith said. “If somebody complains, I am willing to respond.”

Although the measure is intended to help resolve neighborhood conflicts, opponents predict that it will increase friction by involving the city in matters best handled over coffee and doughnuts. Some residents also say it is an unreasonable restriction of property rights.

“This is a severe overstepping of government powers,” Matthew Piazza told the council Tuesday before it adopted the measure. “Having the La Mirada City Council determine back-yard contents is setting a very dangerous precedent.”

Piazza and other critics also questioned how the city will enforce the rule to limit storage to 25% of a yard. Officials respond that the percentage is intended as a guideline, and that the ordinance was initiated so the city could deal with extreme cases. The measure is modeled after similar ones in Downey, Buena Park and other cities, said Tom Robinson, director of community resources. City Council members said it will help clean up trouble spots and address public safety hazards, including rats that nest in the debris and abandoned cars that leak oil.

The ordinance is a step toward protecting homes, which are many residents’ largest investment, Mayor Wayne Rew said. “I know that I wouldn’t buy a home if I saw one with junk piled up next to it.”

Under the city’s existing ordinances, residents who store large items such as stoves, cars and furniture in “any yard area” must screen them from streets or alleys. The new ordinance also requires residents to shield the items from adjacent homes.

The City Council is scheduled to consider the ordinance for final approval at its Oct. 26 meeting. If passed, the measure will take effect one month later. Violators will receive up to three warning letters and meet with city officials to discuss how to resolve the problem before charges are filed, said Greg Palmer, deputy city prosecutor.