This week, readers had questions about Hutchinson’s city code. You can read more city codes online at http://hutchgov.com/255/City-Code
Q: Is there a city ordinance that requires people to tarp their loads when they’re trucking things to the landfill? I live on 4th and there’s stuff all over the sides of the road.
Short answer, yes. Items should be secured in some way when transporting an open truck bed of material for the landfill.
I checked with Paul Brown, Hutchinson’s city attorney. He told me that Hutchinson City Code Sec. 10-408 requires that drivers secure items so they can’t fall out en route, when not driving an enclosed vehicle.
Hutchinson City Code Sec. 10-409 specifically has to do with the transportation of tree trimmings and brush. Loads of tree trimmings or brush only may be transported in open-bodied vehicles; provided that the material is securely tied in place to prevent scattering along the streets and alleys.
Q: I have noticed some folks along the northwest area of town dumping their grass clippings in Cow Creek. Is this legal?
Nope.
Hutchinson City Code Sec. 19-1002 says that no person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the municipal separate storm sewer system or watercourses any discharge that is not composed entirely of stormwater.
Things like grass clippings and dead leaves can clog the channels, so please keep them out.
Q: We seem to have a lot of annoying barking dogs. Is there a city ordinance regarding barking dogs?
Certainly, mine included. It’s important to note that there are a few steps you can take to mediate issues before calling Animal Control, however.
It’s tough to enforce something subjective, like how much noise is too much noise, but there are ordinances that apply to this.
Hutchinson City Code Sec. 7-411 states that it’s illegal for a dog owner to allow their dog to “make excessive noise which may be reasonably expected to disturb a neighbor.” An animal control officer or law enforcement officer may make an independent determination that the excessive noise is disturbing, or may be reasonably expected to disturb a neighbor.
My neighbors have been gracious enough to permit my excitable — and sometimes noisy — dog while I train him
You can also chat with neighbors about the barking, asking them to bring the dogs inside for enough of the day that you can catch a break, and suggest they look into dog training classes.
If that doesn’t work, an animal control or law enforcement officer can check in.
Read More: Ask Hutch: Tarps and barks – Opinion – The Hutchinson News