Gilbert, Arizona’s New Rules Crack Down on “Inoperable” Vehicles

The Great Debate: Balancing Cleanliness with Freedom to Fix

Gilbert, Arizona – A city known for its growth and modernization has stirred up controversy with new proposed rules targeting "inoperable" vehicles in residents’ backyards. Car enthusiasts and collectors may feel like they’re stuck in neutral as the Southwest gets involved in the right-to-repair debate. The new regulations aim to curb the number of abandoned and unused vehicles, but will they stifle individual freedom and creativity?

Gilbert’s Proposed Rules

Currently, residents of Gilbert are allowed to have any number of vehicles on their property, as long as they’re completely hidden from view via an "opaque" fence or wall. However, the new proposals aim to limit this number to just one. According to the Gilbert Sun News, the city wants to restrict the number of "inoperable" vehicles on a property to only one, effective at keeping the neighborhood looking pristine.

What is Considered "Inoperable"?

Gilbert Planning Manager Eva Cutro explains that an inoperable vehicle is anything that cannot be legally driven on public roads or move on its own. Trailers and campers are generally exempt, as are vehicles undergoing repairs, as long as they’re hidden from view and meet certain conditions.

A Heavy Hand or Just Right?

While some see these new rules as a step in the right direction for cleaning up neighborhoods and preserving property values, others feel they’re an overreach, stifling individual freedom and creativity. For mobile mechanics, this could limit access to vehicles, extending repair times and increasing costs.

The Impact on Small Businesses

The rules might be a blow to small businesses like mobile mechanics, who have grown in recent years. While some repairs can be done quickly, others may exceed the 15-day window, making it challenging for mechanics to do their job.

HOA Flexibility

In an effort to assuage concerns, Town Attorney Christopher Payne notes that HOAs can set their own rules, which could be more or less strict.

A Garage is Still a Garage

One comforting thought: the garage remains a judgment-free zone where individuals can work on their vehicles without fear of criticism. As the debate continues, car enthusiasts and collectors alike are left wondering – are these new rules too little, too late?