Tacoronte Resident Sues City Council Over Neglected, Pest-Infested Urban Plot
A Tacoronte resident has filed a legal claim against the City Council for failing to address a hazardous, abandoned plot of land that has caused ongoing pest infestations and fire safety concerns.
The management of private land in urban areas is back in the spotlight after a Tacoronte resident took legal action against the City Council over an abandoned plot next to her home. As reported by El Día, the resident of El Hornillo Street filed a property claim after spending over 18 months trying—and failing—to get the 2,000-square-meter site cleaned.
This is more than just an eyesore; it is a serious health and safety concern. The plot is filled with debris and overgrown vegetation reaching over two meters high, which has attracted rodents that are now invading the resident’s home, where two children live. With summer approaching, the resident is also warning of a high fire risk caused by the dry brush in this densely populated neighborhood.
The situation highlights a breakdown in communication between the local government and the public. Since March 2025, the resident has tried to file official complaints, but she reports being met with administrative delays and a lack of records in the municipal system. Despite requesting meetings with officials, the case remains unresolved.
Local regulations are clear on this issue. The Tacoronte ordinance on waste management and street cleaning gives the City Council both the power and the duty to intervene when private land fails to meet basic safety and hygiene standards. The law allows the Council to clear the land and control pests, charging the costs back to the owner, or to enter the property if public safety is at risk.
Because municipal officials have not responded to requests for information, the resident has now escalated her claim. Beyond the financial burden of paying for her own pest control, the family has suffered from the loss of use of their home and the ongoing stress caused by the situation. This case highlights the tension between negligent property owners and a local administration that may face legal liability for failing to act.