Week 1: Cleaning & Decluttering
Updated: 6 days ago
Deed Restriction Reminders
Cars and Parking Tara lots are designated for single-family homes. To help maintain safety and curb appeal throughout the neighborhood, please ensure all vehicles are parked in appropriate areas. In accordance with local ordinances, vehicles should not be parked on the street for extended periods (over 9 hours) and should never be parked on grassy areas. Households with multiple vehicles are encouraged to plan for adequate off-street parking. Options such as parking pads or carports may be considered with prior ACC approval. (TDR 5.1)(BR Ordinance)
Clutter-Free Spaces Keep all visible areas of your property free from clutter. This includes tools, toys, and garden accessories. Limit potted plants and use them intentionally—ensure their placement is well thought out and not just a collection. Potted plants should not replace flowerbeds. Ensure dead potted plants or empty pots are out of sight. Also, be mindful of the number of garden statues—opt for a few carefully placed pieces rather than overcrowding your yard. (TDR 5.5 & 5.8)
Inoperable Vehicles Inoperable vehicles, including boats, campers, or trailers, cannot be parked for more than 30 days or repaired on the property. (TDR 5.8 & 5.9)
Large Vehicles Anything larger than a standard pickup truck but less than 26’ should be moved to the back of the property, including large commercial vehicles. Buses, semi-trailers and anything over 2 axles are not allowed at all. (TDR 5.10 & 5.11)
Holiday Decorations Holiday decorations should only be up for the current holiday and removed within 30 days. Keep in mind: skeletons are for Halloween, Christmas trees are for Christmas—please don’t extend them for other holidays. Holiday lights should be tasteful, and color-changing features should have a smooth transition or blink in a standard way. (TDR 5.18)
Satellite Dishes, Window Units and Solar Panels These are not allowed in the front or street facing side of the property. If placed on a non-street side of your property, please conceal them so they cannot be seen from the street. (TDR 4.13, 5.15 & 5.17)
Pets Pet owners are reminded to keep pets on a leash at all times while outside and to pick up after them. Pet waste should be properly disposed of in the pet owner’s trash can. (TDR 5.19)
Helpful Tips
Pressure Wash for a Fresh Look Cleaning your driveway, sidewalks, porches, and patios can make a noticeable difference in your home’s overall appearance. Removing built-up dirt and grime not only improves curb appeal but can also help extend the life of these surfaces. As a bonus, some local young residents in Tara offer pressure washing services—email us if you’d like their contact information.
Wash Windows for More Light Clean windows can instantly brighten your home, allowing more natural light inside while improving how your home looks from the outside. It’s a simple task that makes a big impact both indoors and out.
Remove Moss and Mildew Take time to clean exterior surfaces such as siding, patios, and walkways to remove moss and mildew buildup. Left untreated, these can cause staining, surface damage, and even create slippery areas. Regular cleaning helps maintain both the appearance and safety of your property.
Manage Drainage to Protect Your Property Improper drainage may seem minor at first, but over time it can wash away soil, weaken structures, and even contribute to sinkholes—especially around foundations and sidewalks where repairs can become costly.
Make sure water is directed away from your home and has a clear path all the way to the street or a proper drainage area such as a rock bed or designated runoff path. Water that stops at the sidewalk can pool and lead to erosion, cracks, and uneven surfaces.
Check how water moves across your yard toward the street. In some cases, grass or soil in the right-of-way may sit slightly higher than the sidewalk, unintentionally blocking drainage. If you notice water collecting, consider creating a small opening or gentle channel to allow it to pass through, or regrading and replanting that area so water can flow more freely.
Gutters play an important role in this system. Keep them clean and ensure downspouts are positioned to carry water away from your home and toward the street or a proper drainage path.
Sinkholes or drainage issues on the property side of the sidewalk—especially near walkways—are typically the responsibility of the property owner and should be addressed by a professional. These problems are often caused by long-term water erosion from improper drainage and can usually be corrected with a properly installed drainage system.
Reduce Mosquito Breeding Areas Standing water is the primary cause of mosquito problems, and even small amounts can become breeding grounds.
Drain standing water around your property—even small puddles
Keep gutters clean so water doesn’t collect
Call 311 to schedule mosquito abatement
Consider professional pest control if needed
Use DIY options like mosquito dunks or yard treatments for ongoing prevention
Report and Fix Issues: For issues beyond your property, use local reporting tools to help keep the neighborhood in good shape:
Report sinkholes or water leaks between the sidewalk and the street using the Red Stick 311 app or by calling 311
Use the same app to report road issues
Report street light outages through Entergy’s app
Large Item and Bulk Pickup Properly prepare out-of-cart items for pickup and schedule large item collections through 311. To keep our neighborhood looking its best, please only place items out the night before or the morning of your scheduled pickup. Large items like sofas, toilets, and other bulky materials can be unsightly if left on the curb for extended periods.
Other Spring Clean Topics
Home Maintenance, Yard Maintenance, Home Improvements & Design
