Not only is junk a problem at this South Tucson house, but an observer says the roof is loose.

BRIAN J. PEDERSEN / arizona daily star

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A South Tucson home has a yard covered with junk that is spilling over into the parking lot of a neighboring store. The mess has caught the eye of city officials — but only after months' worth of complaints by nearby residents.

Neighbor Rosario Mendibles said she's been complaining to South Tucson "for some time now" about the home in the 300 block of West 29th Street because of piles of debris that fill not only the home's yard but also part of the parking lot for Valencia Market, 330 W. 29th St.

"It's a dangerous situation," Mendibles said, "because if there would ever be a fire, not only would they be putting in danger the firemen, but they'd also be putting in danger the neighbors on the other side."

Mendibles also noted that the home's roof starts lifting off its base whenever it gets windy.

She said she has contacted officials in South Tucson's Planning and Public Works departments, but to no avail.

The city is aware of the problem, City Manager Enrique Serna said, and is in the process of sending a letter demanding that the property owner do something about it.

"The notice we're serving identifies the unsafe conditions," Serna said. "They must be corrected within 60 days."

Serna said the letter addresses 12 "specific conditions" that need to be corrected, including hiring a qualified inspector to look at the roof, removal of all garbage from inside and outside the house, installation of smoke detectors within the home, and repair and installation of several windows.

Serna said the letter will be sent out this week.

Taxpayer Watch will check back in 60 days to make sure the problems have been addressed.

— Brian J. Pedersen