Sorry the OP is having issues. I think the poster who suggested talking with them is the best way to first try to work things out. I'm sure all the rules and regulations are new to them, explaining them in a nice way would be a start.
Eloyfan - your comment about demographic economic level gave me a good laugh! Cary is not all McMansions and new subdivisions. It has many older subdiv and has homes in the entry level price range. I imagine if the person we are talking about could afford a new house in Knightdale in 08, they could certainly afford an older home in Cary for $180-200k or so.
Raleigh and I imagine Knightdale also have city rules about grass height and such. It's not unique to Cary. JDon't confuse that fact that just because people choose not to live in Cary, they couldn't afford to
BTW- the Mayor of Knightdale ( Killen) is the former Mayor of Cary. Aren't you glad he's spreading the gospel of vanilla across the county? Just kidding! I know ppl call Cary vanilla, I don't, but thought you'd get a kick out knowing this.