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1. What are the parking do's and don'ts?

Don'ts
- Please do not park on city streets between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. This ordinance is strictly enforced year round and is particularly important during the snow removal season.
- Do not park across the sidewalk or in the front yard on unimproved surface.
- Please do not leave your vehicle running while unattended.

Do's
- Do park your vehicle in the direction of traffic flow. It is illegal to park your vehicle facing opposing traffic.

2. What rules apply to bicycles, skateboards, and roller skates?

In the interest of pedestrian safety, bicycles, skateboards and roller skates are prohibited in the public parking lots and sidewalk areas of the downtown business district (Section 430.02 of the Code of Ordinances).

Skating (roller blades and roller skates - no skateboards) is permitted on residential streets where there is a speed limit of 25 miles per hour or less between the hours of sunrise and sunset. Persons who are skating shall do so in a prudent manner and not interfere with normal traffic flow.

To facilitate recovery in the event of theft, register your bicycle at no charge the Police Department.

3. What requires a permit?

Cleaning out that garage or basement? Well, you don't need a permit, but there are a few rules to remember, Garage sales are allowed up to three times per year for no longer than three days at a time. Please limit posting of signs to private property. Do not post signs on utility poles.

Real estate, garage sale, political and other permitted residential signs must be located on private property (behind the sidewalk or similar distance behind the curb in areas without sidewalk).

Sheds, signs, fences and swimming pools require a building permit. For permit information, please contact the
Neighborhood Services Department.

4. What rules apply to animals?

State, county and city regulations require that all dogs over the age of six (6) months must be licensed. Animals must be maintained under control at all times, they must not be allowed to run free.

No more than three pets may be boarded for remuneration without a kennel permit.

Farm animals may not be housed in the city without a permit and no farm or non-domesticated animal may stray beyond the premises of the owner.

5. What is the city curfew?

The curfew for youth 14 and under is 10 p.m. and for ages 15 through 17, the curfew is midnight.

6. How should sidewalks be kept up in the city?

Sidewalks must be kept clear of leaves, trash and all protruding branches or overhanging shrubbery.

7. How should vegetation be maintained?

Vegetation such as grass and weeds must be mowed to less than 6 inches in height.

8. What rules apply to garbage and open burning?

Open burning (leaves, vegetation, trash) is not allowed within the city limits. Building materials and vegetation, including yard and garden debris, are not permitted in residential trash containers. Please contact the Department of Municipal Services regarding disposal of these materials. 

The City provides residential trash pickup on a weekly schedule. The garbage container, or toter, holds approximately 90 gallons.

9. What are the rental housing policies?

All rental units must be registered and inspected on a periodic basis. The City's rental housing program is administered through the Neighborhood Services Department.

Appeals taken from a determination of a City housing official may be taken to the Property Maintenance Code Board of Appeals for consideration.

Learn more about rental housing on our Neighborhood Services Department page.

10. What are the city's grievance procedures?

The City has several appeals boards. Procedures have been developed to assist in appeals taken from a decision of a City inspector or other municipal official. For further information please contact the Neighborhood Services Department.

11. What rules apply to sound systems in motor vehicles?

No person operating or in control of a parked or moving motor vehicle, including a motorcycle or moped, shall operate or permit the operation of an electronically-amplified sound system in or about the vehicle so as to provide sound that is clearly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the vehicle between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., or clearly audible at a distance of 25 feet from the vehicle between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

A person who violates this section may be issued a Municipal Civil Infraction Citation with a fine as follows:
- First Violation - $25 Plus Costs
- Second Violation - $50 Plus Costs
- Third or Subsequent Violation - $75 Plus Costs