No frequent or continuous animal/bird/vehicle noise that can cross a residential property boundary.
Mufflers on vehicles must be in good working order.
Racing the motor, peeling the tires, or causing a vehicle to chatter or backfire is prohibited.
Burglar, fire, and motor vehicle alarms shall be set to automatically terminate after 2 minutes, or the owner or trustee of the house or vehicle may be cited.
Loading/unloading is prohibited between 9:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Loudspeakers/PA systems must not cause a disturbance that crosses residential property boundaries between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Mobile loudspeakers are exempt if the resident has a permit.
Domestic power tools may not be operated between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. (Codified Ordinance Sections 505.09 & 535.03-535.14)
A: Yes. During any school day, all children between the ages of 6 and 17, inclusive (other than a child who has been expelled from school) shall not be in any place in the City of Garfield Heights between the hours of 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. except in attendance at school, unless that child has written proof from school authorities excusing him or her from attendance. The penalty for the child violating this law is a fourth degree misdemeanor. For the parent or guardian a first offense is a minor misdemeanor. For a second offense, it is a fourth degree misdemeanor, and a third or subsequent offense is a first degree misdemeanor. (Codified Ordinance Section 531.05)
A: Curfew laws vary with the age of the child and the situation. Minors may not be upon any streets or sidewalks or in a public place (restaurant, bowling alley, shop, theater, store, pool hall, shopping center, and any other place devoted to the amusement or entertainment of the general public) unless accompanied by a relative over 18, a guardian, or some other responsible person over 21 years of age.
If the minor is attending or actively participating in a school, church, or city-wide event, then the curfew for such a minor shall be extended to one-half hour after the termination of such event.
THE NEW CURFEW HOURS BY AGE ARE:
Under 12: 9:00 p.m. – dawn
13-14: 9:30 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
15-16: 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
17: midnight – 6:00 a.m.
You are free to set curfew hours within your own household, so long as they include the restrictions above. If your child is found by a police officer to be in violation of the curfew laws, the child will be returned to your residence, these laws will be explained to you and the child, and the police officer may issue citations for the violation. The citation for the parent/guardian is for a fourth degree misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. The penalty for a subsequent violation is a first degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. (Codified Ordinance Section 531.04)
Common Legal Questions Asked by Residents A: YOU CANNOT PARK CARS ANYWHERE ON YOUR LAWN (FRONTYARD OR BACKYARD). YOU MAY NOT PARK CARS IN YOUR DRIVEWAY IF THEY INTERFERE WITH PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC ON THE SIDEWALK. Cars should be parked in your garage at night. If you have more cars than garage space, you may park them in the driveway, close to the garage. If your residential area allows street parking, you may not park a car within 3 feet of a driveway. (Codified Ordinance Section 351.03)
Q: What is ethnic intimidation? A: Ethnic intimidation is a criminal offense under Ohio Revised Code Section 2927.12 and Codified Ordinance Section 541.09. It is a separate offense from aggravated menacing, criminal damaging or endangering, menacing, criminal mischief or telephone harassment when committed because of the victim’s race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, Vietnam-era or disabled veteran status, or the victim’s desire to live or travel in any neighborhood. Violation of this law is an offense of the next higher degree than the offense, one of those mentioned above, that was committed.
Garfield Heights, Ohio, enforces a specific ordinance under Chapter 509.12 that addresses the issue of loitering. This ordinance aims to prevent individuals from lingering in public places without a legitimate reason, thereby helping to maintain public safety and order.
Key Aspects of the Loitering Ordinance
Definition and Prohibition: The ordinance defines loitering as remaining idle in essentially one location, including wandering around without a clear purpose, particularly in a manner that may obstruct others or pose a potential disturbance. It prohibits loitering in public places, such as streets, parks, and business fronts, especially when it leads to disorderly conduct.
Enforcement: Law enforcement officers in Garfield Heights are authorized to disperse individuals or groups found loitering. They can issue warnings or citations and, in some cases, arrest individuals who fail to comply with an order to disperse.
Penalties: Violations of the loitering ordinance can result in fines or other penalties. The specific consequences depend on the nature of the offense and whether the individual has previous violations.
Importance of the Ordinance
The loitering ordinance plays a crucial role in maintaining the community’s safety and well-being. By regulating public spaces, the city can reduce potential criminal activities, ensure free passage for pedestrians, and support local businesses by providing a secure environment for customers. This ordinance also helps the police manage and prevent potentially disruptive gatherings, contributing to the overall peace and order of Garfield Heights.
For more detailed information, you can access the full text of the ordinance and related laws on the Garfield Heights Codified Ordinances website. This site provides comprehensive details on local regulations and guidelines to help residents and visitors understand their rights and responsibilities.
In Garfield Heights, Ohio, the Snow Ban Ordinance plays a critical role in maintaining safety and accessibility during winter months. Under Chapter 351.16 of the city’s codified ordinances, this law stipulates that when snow accumulates to a depth of two inches or more within a 24-hour period, a snow emergency is declared. During such an emergency, parking on all city streets is prohibited.
The primary goal of this ordinance is to facilitate efficient snow removal and ensure that emergency vehicles can access all areas of the city without obstruction. The ban remains in effect until the city has completed snow plowing operations, and the emergency status is officially lifted by the Mayor, Safety Director, or Chief of Police.
Key Points of the Ordinance:
Notification: The city will make reasonable efforts to notify residents of a snow emergency through local media outlets.
Vehicle Restrictions: During a snow emergency, no vehicles are allowed to park on city streets. This includes all types of motor vehicles, which must be moved to avoid fines and potential towing.
Temporary Allowances: Vehicles may be temporarily parked for loading or unloading passengers for up to three minutes or goods for up to thirty minutes, provided the vehicle operator is present.
As the November 5, 2024, Presidential General Election approaches, it’s essential for eligible citizens in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, to ensure they are registered to vote. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to register, important deadlines, and where to vote.
How to Register to Vote
1. Online Registration:
You can register to vote online through the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. Visit Register to Vote Online to complete your registration.
2. In-Person Registration:
You can register at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, public libraries, public high schools or vocational schools, and county treasurers’ offices. Additionally, designated state agencies such as the Department of Job and Family Services and the Department of Health also provide registration services.
3. By Mail:
Voter registration forms are available on the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections website. Complete the form and mail it to the Board of Elections or the Secretary of State’s office. Ensure it is postmarked by the registration deadline.
4. Other Methods:
You can also register through the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal when applying for public assistance, or by phone at the Eligibility Contact Center (844-840-6446).
Key Deadlines
Voter Registration Deadline: October 7, 2024, at 9:00 PM. If registering by mail, ensure your form is postmarked by this date.
Early In-Person and Vote-by-Mail Voting Starts: October 8, 2024.
Vote-by-Mail Application Deadline: October 29, 2024, at 8:30 PM.
Election Day: November 5, 2024. Polls are open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
Identification Requirements
For in-person voting, bring one of the following: Ohio driver’s license, Ohio state ID card, U.S. passport, U.S. military ID card, or other approved photo ID. For Vote-by-Mail, provide the last four digits of your Social Security number, an Ohio driver’s license number, or a copy of an approved photo ID.
Where to Vote
Your polling location can be found using the Voter Lookup Tool on the Ohio Secretary of State’s website or by contacting the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections at (216) 443-8683.
Garfield Heights has enacted Ordinance 505.27, requiring dog owners to maintain liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000. This measure aims to protect the community by ensuring that victims of dog bites are compensated for injuries and damages.
By holding pet owners accountable, the ordinance promotes responsible ownership and enhances public safety.
Key Points:
Insurance Requirement: Dog owners must have at least $50,000 in liability coverage.
Penalties: Non-compliance can result in fines and escalating penalties.
Community Impact: The ordinance ensures victims of dog bites have access to necessary compensation.
Garfield Heights, Ohio, has implemented several important ordinances to maintain public order and ensure a peaceful community. One key regulation is Ordinance 535.02, which addresses noise disturbances. This ordinance prohibits various forms of noise that can disrupt the peace and well-being of the community.
Key Provisions of the Noise Disturbance Ordinance
The ordinance outlines specific activities that are considered noise disturbances, including:
Animals and Birds: Owners must prevent their pets from making noises that annoy or disturb neighbors.
Loud Music and Entertainment: Businesses and individuals must manage sound levels, particularly in commercial settings, to avoid disturbing others. For instance, sound levels should not exceed 95 decibels without proper signage warning of potential hearing loss.
Motor Vehicle Noise: The operation of vehicles without adequate mufflers or excessive idling is restricted, especially during late hours.
Construction Noise: The use of construction equipment and tools is restricted to certain hours (typically prohibited between 9:00 PM and 7:30 AM on weekdays and Saturdays, and before 10:00 AM on Sundays).
The noise disturbance ordinance is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life in Garfield Heights. It ensures that residents can enjoy their homes and public spaces without excessive noise disruptions, promoting a peaceful and respectful environment. This regulation also protects individuals’ health and well-being by limiting exposure to potentially harmful noise levels, which can cause stress, sleep disturbances, and hearing damage.
