Chesapeake, situated in Virginia, is a city with a population of over 244,000 people. With that many people inhabiting the city, there is a need for laws to ensure everyone lives in harmony. The city of Chesapeake enforces several laws that are crucial for the safety and well-being of its dwellers. This article aims to give you insight into the most important City Laws of Chesapeake, US.
1. Noise Ordinance
One of the most significant laws in Chesapeake that aims to protect its residents is the noise ordinance. This law restricts the production of noises that can cause a disturbance to others. The ordinance is put in place and enforced to prevent excessive undesired noises that can cause irritation or impair the hearing of any person.
The noise ordinance applies from 9 PM to 7 AM; During these hours, any sound that is over 55 decibels is prohibited. Between 7 AM to 9 PM, the noise limit is 65 decibels.
The law exempts several activities during the restricted time, such as church bells, ice cream trucks, and yard maintenance tools, among others.
2. Pet regulations
Pets are part of the family, and as a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that the pet causes no harm to others. In Chesapeake, the pet regulations include the prohibition of barking or howling pet sounds that last for more than 10 minutes.
The dog owners should leash their dogs and dispose of any dog waste properly. If a person is caught walking their dog without a leash, they risk a fine and the possibility of being sued for dog attack liability.
It is also illegal to allow pets to defecate on private or public property without cleaning it up. A pet owner who fails to comply with the pet regulation laws can face fines and even the revocation of pet-keeping privileges.
3. Curfew for children
Being a parent is a tremendous responsibility, and the city of Chesapeake enforces curfew rules aimed at protecting children. With the curfew laws in the city, children below 18 years should not be out in public between 11 PM to 5 AM unless they are accompanied by an adult or they have an exemption from the police.
The laws seek to protect children from dangerous activities that expose them to harm such as drug use, youth violence, and vandalism.
4. Smoking Ban
Smoking is a health hazard to both the smokers and non-smokers hence the city of Chesapeake enforced a smoking ban in all public areas. The smoking law regulations prohibit smoking in common areas such as parks, sidewalks, and restaurants.
Smoking is allowed only in private homes and designated outdoor smoking areas.
The smoking regulation laws also ban electronic smoking devices. Those who violate the smoking laws are subjected to fines.
5. Traffic Laws
Traffic laws are essential in ensuring safe driving and reducing road accidents. Chesapeake city has the same traffic laws as Virginia state. The regulations include prohibition of drunk driving, reckless driving, driving without a seatbelt, among others.
It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless it's a hands-free device, receiving an incoming call, emergency calls, or displaying GPS maps. A driver under 18 years has restrictions on the number of passengers, having graduated driver licenses, and the hours he/she can drive.
Violating traffic laws can lead to stiff penalties such as getting your driving license revoked or even facing jail time.
6. Sign Ordinance
Sign ordinance is the law in Chesapeake the state that regulates outdoor advertising to ensure that it is safe and aesthetically enhancing the surroundings. The ordinance sets a certain standard for the size, height, color, lighting, and even placement of signs.
The violation of the sign law can lead to penalties that can range from a fine to a forced dismantling of the sign.
7. Property Ordinances
The property ordinances in Chesapeake city establish regulations for the physical safety and appearance of the homes. The law outlines the guidelines for fencing, building structures, swimming pools, and fire safety.
The ordinances ensure that buildings are safe to reside in while at the same time promoting aesthetic appearance.
The violations of the property ordinances can lead to hefty fines and forced vacation of homes, among others.
Conclusion
Chesapeake, like other cities across the US, has its regulations aimed at promoting safety, harmony, and aesthetic appearance. Some of the critical laws include the noise ordinance, smoking ban, pet regulations, and property and sign ordinances, among others.
It is the responsibility of every dweller to be conversant with the city laws of Chesapeake and comply with them to promote community safety and orderliness. Failure to do so can lead to stiff penalties and even the forced vacation of homes.
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