Citation over front yard toilet planter dismissed

[May 10, 2011]  OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (AP) -- An eastern Tennessee man has won what became the battle of the bowl when the city cited his front yard toilet planter as rubbish.

William Terry's appeal of his citation went to City Court in Oak Ridge where a judge dismissed it Thursday, ruling the city's definition of rubbish was overly broad.

Flush with success, Terry told the Knoxville News Sentinel he might celebrate by flanking his driveway with two more commodes.

Judge Robert A. McNees III praised the city's effort to clean up neighborhoods and encouraged its continuation, but said the city must enact ordinances in language citizens can understand.

City code enforcement supervisor Denny Boss called the ruling an interpretation of who is right.

Terry called it wonderful for flowerpots everywhere.

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Information from: The Knoxville News Sentinel, http://www.knoxnews.com/

[Associated Press]

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