Columbus push to remove yard clutter raises questions

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) – An Indiana city is weighing its desire for clutter-free yards against concerns about intruding on residents’ lives as it considers an ordinance targeting junk on lawns.

The Columbus community development department and city code inspector Fred Barnett introduced an ordinance in May that would require residents to remove indoor furniture, appliances and scrap from yards. The Republic reports  it also would require them to put trash bins in a place that hides them from public view.

Councilman Frank Jerome says he’s concerned the proposed changes might not give people the leeway to live as they wish.

The ordinance could carry fines of $50 to $200 if the infraction were handled administratively by the city and penalties as high as $5,000 if a complaint goes to court.