What to do if your neighbor won’t cut their grass, stores junk in their yard

GRAYSON VALLEY, AL (WBRC) - Most neighbors take pride in the upkeep of their homes, but that’s not always the case for everyone.

Jeff Reynolds has lived in Grayson Valley for 17 years. He takes pride in keeping his property beautiful. “It looks good for the neighborhood. Keeps our property value up,” Reynolds says. Reynolds and his neighbor, Donna, help each other with yard work.

When we met the pair, Reynolds was moving a trampoline while Donna mowed underneath.

However, not all homes in their neighborhood are as well manicured.

Reynolds says unkempt yards look bad for the neighborhood. And overgrown yards can attract unwanted pests.

“Snakes, rats, things you don’t want there...bugs,” Reynolds says.

Jefferson County’s Weed and Litter Ordinance for unincorporated neighborhoods requires homeowners maintain their lawns, not litter, or store junk, like old, inoperable cars and tires. Penalties, if convicted, include a fine of up to $200 and or up to 30 days in jail.

However, the complaint process can take time as it moves through the legal system. For Reynolds, being neighborly and offering a helping hand should be your first move.

"Sometimes, it’s elderly people who can’t get out there, so I’ll go and cut grass or something,” says Reynolds.

If being a good neighbor, like Reynolds, doesn’t work and you want to report the issue to Jefferson County, you can call 205-582-6555.

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