Clean Up or Pay Up

Bella Vista is the latest city in Northwest Arkansas to pass an ordinance to control unsightly and unsanitary conditions. (Bella Vista became a city only 18 months ago – before that the property owners association enforced similar rules.)

Bella Vista’s recent action means all NW Arkansas cities now have laws on the books that cover such things as front yards that have been taken over by weeds, junk, or inoperable vehicles.

With the number of unsold, unoccupied homes increasing the number of complaints has also gone up. No one wants to live next door or even a few houses down the street from an eyesore. It’s not just a matter of aesthetics; overgrown yards become havens for insects, rodents and slithery creatures that few people want around.

Cities usually enforce their regulations beginning with a warning letter that states a time limit to correct the problem. Citations and fines come after that. Sometimes a city will have the necessary work done and bill the property owner. The final straw is a lien placed on the property.

For more information:
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2008/05/28/news/052908bzbvregulate.txt