Mission Viejo Mess on Via Santa Maria
Neighbors say they had complained for years about the accumulation of refuse and non-working mechanical items in the front yard and driveway of the home at 22931 Via Santa Maria.
The occupant initially responded cordially to their requests to clean up the property but continued amassing appliances, go-karts, bicycles and other items visible from neighboring properties and the street. Frustrated neighbors eventually appealed to the Mission Viejo City Council, describing the property—which faces Oxford Preparatory Academy—as an eyesore and raising concerns about potential fire and safety hazards.
Public Nuisance Hearing Scheduled
The Mission Viejo Municipal Code classifies visible accumulations of junk, refuse, broken machinery, appliances and similar materials as a “public nuisance.”
Following its review of the property, the City issued a notice directing the occupant to correct multiple code violations by June 26, 2026. According to City officials, the deadline passed without the violations being remedied.
During a visit to the property in mid-July, corrugated boxes, storage bins, a generator, cabinetry, electric fans, go-karts, model airplanes and dozens of other items were scattered across the front lawn and driveway. The accumulation also blocked access to the home’s front entrance.
City Attorney Tarquin Preziosi said the next step is a public nuisance hearing before an independent hearing officer.
The Verdict
The hearing took place on August 5, 2026, at Mission Viejo City Hall. The hearing officer declared that the property was indeed a public nuisance and upheld an abatement action proposed by the City.
The property owner was notified of the decision on August 7 and given 10 days to "completely remove all prohibited trash, debris, stored items and unauthorized trailers" from the property's exterior.
Watch this space for updates to this ongoing story.
