If it is as I think, I doubt it is someone reporting it because they see it as a violation. I think they are doing it just to be mean because they don't like her. Hopefully she gets an inspector who is more like me where she can wear a short skirt, low cut dress or bikini top and just happened to be wet from hosing off the car or something. If Bodhi were doing that, I'd be there all day trying to find something wrong with her property but somehow leaving empty handed at the end of the day. Just doing my job and being through. :D :D

And so you surrender your rights to the police state....

I'd be tempted to clean up the exterior of the house, so it looks nice and just not be their. Tell them you have to work.

Kind of limits the inspector to outside.


Don't fight with the city, its a bad idea. Every once in awhile a big builder around here gets into a pissing match with them. It always costs him money.

And the overall outcome is usually........?

Is costing a company more money a good thing?

That's true, but I doubt that the county cares about what's going on inside the house or garage, unless the anonymous complaint said that he is running a business in a residential zone, or something. That uncertainty another good reason to be proactive by going to the county before the 30th and asking what this is all about. If the county is not interested in what is going on inside, one way to get them interested is to make a big show about denying them access.That absolutely is a fundamental right, but enforcing that right can be an expensive PITA.

The Fourth Amendment has always been my favorite part of the Bill of Rights:That language embodies one of the main reasons America was established - the right to be left alone.

On the other hand, we should also respect the county's role in protecting the neighbors' interests. If this dispute can be settled amicably, then everyone comes out ahead. In most cases, the best way to do that, IMHO, is to be cooperative.

Bingo. I've only been involved in a few projects, but each time we went above and beyond what the code requires. Once you establish a good reputation with the authorities, they become much more cooperative. It amazes me that so many people choose to fight city hall. Even if you win the fight, you lose time and money.

Well, I talked to my landlady this morning, and at least cleared things up with her. She called the county office and they did tell her the specific violations cited: the lawn was not cut and there was a container of oil out front "accessible to children." I can understand why that would be a concern to someone, and if I had thought of it as a hazard to kids (or cats/dogs) I wouldn't have left it out there for one second. So again, if someone had left a note on my door or just said something to me when I was out in my driveway, I would have been quick to clean it up and be mindful of kids in the future. I mean, I can understand how one might want to avoid confrontation ... you never know when your simple comment might launch a serious problem. But this is a pretty nice neighborhood, I'm in and out a lot and always make an effort to smile/wave/greet neighbors. The neighborhood kids always play in my yard and I never complain ... I'm very friendly to them and they all think I'm really cool. If one of their parents' was concerned their child would play in my oil, I can't imagine them not just politely saying, "hey, I know you're probably busy, but my little Susie gets into things, and I'm worried she's going to get into that dirty oil on your porch."
But all that said, I'm guessing whoever filed this complaint probably was not someone who even has a kid ... it seems more like someone who has a beef with me. I'm a pretty docile person, but I do come in late at night (which people associate with being unsavory) and I do have a lot of car activity going on. They have no legal recourse against my registered, running cars or what I keep inside my private garage, so they file a complaint about my grass.
Either way, all I can really do is clean it up, keep it clean and keep in mind that there's always someone silently waiting to give you a hassle. As for the inspector, I believe they are only allowed to inspect a specific checklist or outdoor violations ... they sent it in the letter. I'll just do the best I can and cross my fingers.

He loses and a project dies. Than the city does him no favors on the next.

I deal with city inspectors on a regular bases. Most are nice guys, make their job easy and they won't make your life difficult.

Well you really can't mow the lawn on your scedule and your right we've been getting pounded with rain for quite a long time.

Your probably right about the complainer not actually having kids. Whats the average age of the kids in your neighborhood? I'm quite sure their parents have taught them not to play in dirty things (oil) and to be honest, I can't think of many kids who would want to stick their hands in it accessible or not.

Yep, I like to think we have a good reputation around town and the feedback I get from people idicates that.

I tell the inspector when he comes to do anything, I don't want to give him a writers cramp.:D On my last CO inspection he didn't have to write a thing in the problem area of his report.:cool:

Sounds like you have it covered.

Didn't I guess that? Do I get a gold star? :D

Suggest she rent the house to a family of howler monkeys for a bit, then go back to regular old people. I'm sure the complaints will stop.

Or start smoking your own fish in the back yard.