Talkin Waukesha Real Estate Weblog

For the past several years, on Christmas Eve, you can watch 24 hours of “The Christmas Story”. You know the show – the kid wants a Red Rider BB Gun so bad he can’t think of anything else and the response is “No- you’ll shoot your eye out!” One of the highlights of that show are their neighbors…. The Bumpus Family.

Several years ago, I’m pretty sure, they moved in next door to me. I would guess you’ve met them. They’re the family with 3 or 4 large dogs (apparently one for each child?), he has a drinking disorder and she has a food obsession, he swears, she screams, only one of them is employed (maybe) at any given time and their kids are never supervised or attended to. The outside of the home usually has toys spilling onto the sidewalk, their lawn gets cut only when it gets long enough for their children to get lost in the weeds, there are typically stray Frisbees or half inflated balls in the bushes, 2 or 3 dead cars in the driveway and a partially disassembled Little Tykes Playhouse or rusty swingset (with no swings and a broken slide) somewhere on the lot. You’ve probably never been inside the home, but based on the ripped shades, the mini blinds dangling from only one end and the single light bulb in lieu of a light fixture – one can only imagine.

What can be done about the Bumpuses? Actually, there are ordinances that are intended to protect you. The Zoning Code Book says “the regulations and restrictions set forth herein are enacted for the purpose of promoting public health, safety, morals, comfort and general welfare; to conserve and protect property, property values, to secure the most appropriate use of land…” For example…. did you know:

- Each dwelling is only allowed 2 dogs and/or 2 cats and there are regulations about how to dispose of their waste?

- Those inoperable or junk cars can only sit on your property for 72 hours

- Any piles of other junk can only accumulate for 72 hours

- Cars have to be parked on improved surfaces (not on the grass or mud!)

- Buildings are to be kept in good repair…including paint!

- There are all sorts of codes that address, smell, noise, permits, fences, etc.

You can check out the codes for yourself: http://www.ci.waukesha.wi.us/Code_Book/index.html

These codes are not a sacred doctrine that require theological interpretation and they don’t require a degree in engineering. They are public record… for the public.

What if these zoning codes are being violated? Help is just a phone call (262-524-3530) or an email message away! (http://www.ci.waukesha.wi.us/Forms/serviceissue/serviceIssueSetup.do ) The City doesn’t necessarily patrol the streets looking for violations, but they are pretty good about responding to complaints. The Weed Commissioner probably won’t come and cut the grass (but I think they DO shovel). They likely will not euthanize someone’s pet, but they will remind the violating citizen that we ALL have to follow the same rules and regulations….. even famous people like the Bumpuses.