The city once again inspected my front yard and as a result my violations have doubled. I am now in violation of code GMC30.11.070(A) that states that no person shall construct, locate or maintain within the space between the street and a setback line established by ordinance or by this title, any bulding, wall, fence or structure. The front setback in the R-1 zone is 25 feet. This is in addition to the continued violation for lack of required landscaping.

I poured a small concrete footing and placed a small arbor (4' wide, 18' deep and 7' high) in my front yard as a decorative element (actually a highlight) to my landscaping. It was a rude awakening to discover that this qualifies as a structure or a fence depending on which city official you talk to.

Thousands of people in Glendale have been cited regarding this code that until recently has not been enforced. Why now you might ask. Apparently the current city council decided to a strick interpretation and enforcement of this code. Prior to this, code inspectors had discretion regarding decorative landscape elements versus structures. The current council decided that arbors(even small ones) are structures and therefore forbidden.

My normal political isolationist leanings have taken a direct hit from the city's onslaught. It is now my mission to get rid of or amend this code. Since this is my first foray into politics, it should be interesting. All this to save a $300 arbor.