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Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
What Topeka ordinances say about noisy neighbors, barking dogs and loud music
When barking dogs or blaring music disturb their peace, Topekans can remedy that by reporting it. The city can then address the problem and cite the noisemaker in connection with violating any of various ordinances listed in Article II of Section 9.45 of city code. To submit a noise complaint, call the Topeka Police Department at 785-368-9551, according to the city's website. Residents being kept awake by barking dogs might be glad to know that city code 9.45.330 bans "the keeping or harboring of any animal which by causing frequent or long continued noise shall disturb the comfort or repose of any persons in the vicinity." City animal control officers don't respond to barking dog calls, the city's website says. "Topeka Police Officers respond to these complaints under the noise violation ordinance," it says. City code 9.45.190 bans the use or operation of any device that produces or amplifies sound in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet and comfort of others between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. For a violation to occur, the sound must be "audible at a distance of 50 feet from the premises, building structure or vehicle in which the device is located,' the ordinance says. Construction-wise, the city bans between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. 'the erection (including excavation), demolition, exterior alteration or exterior repair of any building or exterior construction project.' It prohibits the operation between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. 'of any pile driver, steam shovel, pneumatic hammer, derrick, steam or electric hoist or other appliance, the use of which is attended by loud or unusual noise.' The city's rules call for its officials, in determining whether a noise ordinance has been violated, to take into account: The volume of the noise. The intensity of the noise. Whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual. Whether the origin of the noise is natural or unnatural. The volume and intensity of the background noise, if any. The proximity of the noise to residences. The nature and zoning of the area within which the noise emanates. The density of the inhabitation of the area within which the noise emanates. The time of day or night the noise occurs. The duration of the noise. Whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent or constant. And whether the noise is produced by a commercial or noncommercial activity. Shawnee County has considerably less-restrictive rules governing its unincorporated areas than the city does regarding noise. The county's rules ban noise from the discharge, explosion or use of any fireworks is except from 8 a.m. to midnight on June 27 to July 4. They also prohibit "the keeping or harboring of any canine which by causing frequent or long continued noise shall disturb the comfort or repose of any persons in the vicinity." Commissioners put the county's rules in place about 20 years ago, removing numerous requirements from the initial version of the proposal involved after residents said one reason they moved to rural areas was so they could have the freedom to make noise. Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@ or 785-213-5934. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka ordinances spell out remedies for barking dogs and loud music
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Little-known driveway rule could get your car towed... and it changes depending on where you live
Drivers have been warned about a little-known driveway rule that could result in their car getting towed. In Columbus, Ohio, drivers aren't allowed to leave their car parked in the same spot for over 72 hours without moving it at least 75 feet away, per Columbus city code chapter 2151.09. Under Ohio law, it is illegal to park in front of or too close to a driveway, with state guidelines requiring vehicles to be at least five feet away, if it connects to a public street. In Cincinnati, the rules are even stricter. Vehicles parked on the street must be moved within 24 hours - regardless of whether a sign is posted, according to Municipal Code 508-12. If drivers in both Ohio cities don't comply with the rules, they could face a fine from the city or even have their car towed. Commercial vehicles, cars for sale, and trailers not in use also aren't allowed to park in residential parking zones. The law also prohibits parking within 20 feet of a fire station driveway, and within 75 feet across the street from its driveway if signs are posted. Parking too close to sidewalks, crosswalks, within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, intersections, and any bridge is also banned. Any car parked within 30 feet of stop signs, flashing beacons, or traffic devices could also be fined. Other rules include no parking within 50 feet of a railroad crossing or on the roadway. In addition, parking within one foot of another vehicle isn't allowed, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer. The only time there is an exception is when police instruct drivers to do so or traffic is rerouted. In Cincinnati, officials say you can't legally stop someone from parking in front of your home if they're obeying the law. Parking Services Supervisor Christopher Brown said residents should try speaking with their neighbors if there's an issue before escalating the situation, per The Cincinnati Enquirer. 'Start by asking them to park elsewhere,' Brown told the publication. Residents in both cities can report violations through 311 complaints, which prompts city officials to mark the vehicle with a warning. If it remains unmoved after another 24 hours, a ticket will be issued. If it's still there after a day, the car may be towed. Residents can also request a temporary parking restriction from police if it becomes an issue. It needs to be submitted and approved in advance, and signs will be posted 24 to 36 hours before the restriction begins.
