Sounds like one of those things that might be in a gray area as far as the law goes. Cops might notice certain things while on patrol that doesn't seem like a big deal, but when somebody complains, then they have to follow up on it. Years ago my Dad had a 38 Chevy that he was keeping for a project, it was in the backyard next to his storage shed. A neighbor on the other side of the street and two houses down complained. The car could stay but he needed to put plates on it. I once got a ticket for my back bumper being within 3 feet of my neighbor's driveway. After that we referred to them as "the cop callers".