Gilbert, Arizona’s new legislation limiting inoperable vehicles on private property sparks debate over personal rights and government overreach.
At a Glance
- Gilbert Town Council to consider code adjustments for inoperable and abandoned vehicles
- Proposed changes limit residential properties to one inoperable vehicle, excluding front yards
- Vehicles being worked on must be registered to the resident and not inoperable for more than 15 days
- Critics argue the ordinance infringes on homeowners’ rights and autonomy
Gilbert’s New Ordinance: Balancing Community Appearance and Personal Rights
The town of Gilbert, Arizona, a rapidly growing city with nearly 300,000 residents, is set to adjust its rules on inoperable vehicles. The Gilbert Town Council will consider code adjustments regarding inoperable and abandoned vehicles, aiming to address concerns about garbage and unused vehicles in residential areas. These proposed changes have ignited a debate over the balance between maintaining community standards and respecting personal property rights.
The new ordinance, which went into effect in mid-July, has already prompted some residents to report backyard nuisances. Planning Manager Eva Cutro proposed changes after two months of tracking the ordinance’s use, with the aim of centralizing restrictions in the community preservation ordinance.
Key Changes and Restrictions
Under the proposed changes, residents would be limited to one inoperable vehicle on their property, excluding front yards, and it must be out of public view. The definition of an inoperable vehicle includes those incapable of being legally driven or that cannot be started or moved under their own power. Importantly, the ordinance does not regulate vehicles in garages or enclosed spaces.
Residents can work on one vehicle in rear or side yards if screened from public view. However, vehicles being worked on must be registered to the resident and not inoperable for more than 15 days, up to three times per year. This provision has sparked particular concern among car enthusiasts and those with project vehicles.
Community Impact and Enforcement
The ordinance aims to maintain Gilbert’s appearance and has rules against blight. Supporters argue that abandoned vehicles can lower property values, encourage crime, and pose safety and environmental risks. However, critics have labeled the measure as overly intrusive, with some going as far as dubbing it the “Gilbert Gestapo.”
Enforcement of the ordinance could lead to serious consequences for violators. If a property owner fails to correct a violation within 30 days, the town has the authority to remove the vehicle and place a lien on the property for abatement costs. This aggressive approach has further fueled the controversy surrounding the ordinance.
Public Response and Future Considerations
The Gilbert community appears divided on the issue. While some residents welcome the stricter regulations as a means to maintain neighborhood aesthetics and property values, others view it as an infringement on personal freedoms. The town has scheduled a public hearing where citizens can speak on the proposed changes to the Land Development Code and Community Preservation Ordinance.
As Gilbert continues to grow and evolve, the debate over this ordinance underscores the challenges faced by rapidly expanding communities in balancing development, community standards, and individual rights. The outcome of this controversy may set a precedent for how other growing municipalities approach similar issues in the future.
