Henry Acuña hates to go out into his backyard. Every time he does, he sees piles of scrap metal, junk vehicles and stacks of tires.
"I've called the city several times to complain, and they say they'll pass it on to the proper department, and nothing's been done," Acuña said.
If something doesn't happen soon, Acuña said he and his wife may be forced to replace their chain-link fence with another sort of fence simply to block the view.
Teresa Williams, city code-enforcement administrator, said Acuña's neighbor on West Lincoln Street, south of West Ajo Way near Interstate 19, was forced to remove two vehicles from his lot in March when an inspector visited the property after receiving a complaint, which did not provide Acuña with much relief.
When the inspector visited the property on March 26, city code stated that junk vehicles could not be seen from the public right of way — in other words, the street or alley, Williams said.
People are also reading…
The city code has since changed, however, Williams said.
The law now says junk vehicles cannot be seen from the public right of way or the neighbor's yard, Williams said.
Acuña's neighbor can expect another visit in the near future, Williams said.
Williams also noted that property owners are allowed to use up to 25 percent of their back and side yards for storage, which can include junk vehicles, tires and appliances.
Acuña's neighbor was in compliance with that rule in March, Williams said.
Need help?
If you have issues with streets, such as potholes, call the city Department of Transportation on its traffic, streets and maintenance line, 791-3154.
Do you have a problem, but you're getting nowhere getting government to respond and fix it? E-mail taxpayer@azstarnet.com with the problem, your name and a phone number where you can be reached. Or call 573-4142.
