SANTA ANA : Law Clarifies Rules on Upkeep of Houses

The City Council has granted preliminary approval to an ordinance which prohibits, among other things, drying laundry on a clothesline visible from a public street and leaving trash containers in public view on days trash is not picked up.

The council on Monday approved the ordinance, which is designed to keep residential neighborhoods safe and clean.

The ordinance refines a set of rules under which residents did not necessarily know when a property was considered unsafe or unsightly enough to violate the law, said Robyn Uptegraff, executive director of the planning and building agency.

The ordinance lets “residents know more specifically what’s expected of them. It’s spelled out more clearly for the community” and for code enforcement personnel, she said. The city plans to publicize the new rules.

The ordinance also states that property owners must keep private driveways in good condition and ensure they are not hazardous to pedestrians, and that patios and balconies may not be used for storing items such as refrigerators or mattresses. Walls, fences and hedges must also be kept in good shape.

Uptegraff said that the conditions outlined in the new ordinance were already prohibited under other ordinances, but not listed so that homeowners would necessarily realize their properties failed to meet legal requirements.

By listing those requirements in the new ordinance and educating the public, Uptegraff said she expects many people will comply with the rules on their own.

“The primary goal is to maintain single-family neighborhoods as a quality place to live,” she said.

Within the next few months, city staff will distribute flyers to neighborhood associations explaining the responsibilities of property owners. Residents will receive similar notices along with their water bills.

The council will consider the ordinance for final approval on Jan. 17.