Outdoor Junk and Clutter
Some Things Your Neighbor Should Not Have to Look At!
Outdoor Junk and Clutter Facts at a Glance
Most residents of the County know that there are just some things your neighbors shouldn't have to look at. Be a considerate neighbor and take the following actions to make your yard clutter free!
The "rules of thumb" on outdoor junk and clutter is relatively simple.:
Items usually kept indoors become out of code "outside storage" when they are left out of doors.
Even if it is an item normally kept outside, to be polite to your neighbors remember the old saying "A place for everything and everything in its place."
So to be a considerate neighbor (and to comply with County Property Codes) residents should take care to ensure that:
- Tools and lawnmowers are put away in a garage or shed after use.
Excess construction materials are donated or recycled after projects.
Bags of trash are in trash cans with tight-fitting lids and are stored at the side of the house, are screened by plants such as evergreens, or are placed behind a fence.
Random things of any kind don't accumulate haphazoardly on the side of the house or on the porch. Everything has a place and is in it.
Out of Code Outdoor Storage Creates A Variety of Problems
The most frequent complaint of ugliness in our neighborhoods is what the County Code terms 'outside storage.' It provides shelter for rodents and insects that can affect our health. It creates safety concerns for those who approach the home. It clutters the yard and renders your space unusable. It detracts from the appearance of the home that is in violation as well as the entire neighborhood. It sends a negative message to people looking to buy homes in the neighborhood and can diminish the value of the violator's home and neighbors as well. Also, it invites criminals to target the neighborhood since it appears no one cares about their property. |
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So what are you going to do with all of that stuff?
Organize and sort possessions that require storage.
Store in home, garage or shed, or behind plantings that can shield them from view (Remember that sheds or fences require zoning approval.)
Sell or give away stuff you no longer need. There are a number of ways to reuse items.
Recycle what you can.
Take unwanted material and trash to the County Landfill.
Participate in an organized community clean up or arrange for a
clean up in your community. Call (703) 792-7018 to find out about upcoming clean ups or to organize one for your neighborhood.