Homeowners say they’re fed up with neighbors they accuse of making a mess, from overgrown yards to cars left for days.
It’s a common complaint sent to KPRC 2’s help desk.
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What can Houston residents do?
Peggy Kidwiler says the Spring Branch block where her family has lived for decades has slipped from tidy yards and neighborly evenings to overgrown lots, trash and cars left for days.
Kidwiler says she’s used the city’s 3-1-1 line but see little enforcement or follow-up. The family has lived on Forest Grove since the 1950s, and the complaint to KPRC 2 lists parties, beer cans and a house with multiple vehicles parked on the grass.
“And in these little neighborhoods, they, no one seems to care about them. So, it’s like nothing’s done,” said Kidwiler. “The cars that are parked in yards, that probably shouldn’t be, and it happens all over now.”
“Some people put fences up in the yards in the front, and that never should have happened, but they’re letting them. Some people hide junk behind it.”
Residents without homeowners’ associations often rely on civic clubs, not HOAs, to press for neighborhood standards. KPRC 2 reviewed the City of Houston civic club database and found many listings that appear inactive.
“She’ll report it and nothing happens. Nothing happens,” said Kidwiler.
Kidwiler said the change has affected how her elderly mother feels about being outdoors. Neighbors reported trash thrown into yards and people walking through the block at night.
“My mom has a problem with the safety of the neighborhood. Also, it, it’s not near as safe as it was 50 years ago, 30 years ago. Even a couple years ago she used to sit out on her driveway, enjoy the evening breeze, enjoy the neighbors coming over and talking. And now so many times she’s afraid. She’s afraid to do that because there’s people walking by that Trash gets thrown out in the yard, her yard. People don’t care about it.”
What residents can do
Start with 3-1-1 and get a service request number for any code, trash or parking complaint. Take clear photos, note addresses and record dates and times.
Follow up on the 3-1-1 case number if there is no response. If 3-1-1 does not resolve the issue, contact your city council member’s office and provide the case number and photos.
RELATED: How to find your Houston city council person
Only contact Houston police for noise, threats, trespassing or other immediate safety issues. Do not call police for routine code complaints such as yard debris unless there is an immediate danger.