At the August 24, 2021 meeting, the Board of Alderman approved significant changes to the city code that pertains to "Excessive Animal Noise" (e.g. barking dogs).
For years, if a resident had issues with excessive barking from a neighbor's dog - they could call the code enforcement officer, or the police department. If the dog was still barking (for an excessive amount of time) when an officer arrived, then a citation would be issued for the owner. However, it was often the case that by the time an officer arrived the dog was no longer barking. As such, no action could be taken by the city as that an officer didn't witness the event. This has been frustrating for residents and city staff.
The Public Works Board started reviewing this policy back in 2020 and looked at the policies of other cities in the area and around the US. The policy for the City of Houston became the basis for new recommendations for Crestwood. After many discussions and revisions by Public Works, with input from the Police Department and Prosecuting Attorney, the Board of Alderman also considered and tweaked the policy before approval in August.
The new policy states:
A Disturbance is: Excessive animal noise for a period of ten consecutive minutes between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., or any excessive animal noise for a period of five consecutive minutes from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. within a twenty-four hour period.
Three Disturbances within a thirty-day period (the “Initial Period”) results in a courtesy notice to the Responsible Person for such animal;
Upon three additional Disturbances within any thirty-day period after a courtesy notice has been issued to the Responsible Person, a notice of violation shall be issued to the Responsible Person for such animal; and
Upon three additional Disturbances within any thirty-day period after a notice of violation has been issued to the Responsible Person, the matter shall be to the Crestwood Municipal Court for the Responsible Person for such animal.
Of course the best action is to simply talk with your neighbor and let them know about the barking problem. But if that doesn't work or just isn't an option, then the new policy provides the resident with additional options. Residents can still call the Code Enforcement Officer or the Police, and if that officer witnesses the disturbance a citation will be issued. However, residents can now keep a log of disturbances and after three within 30 days, the city will take the action described above.
My summary above doesn't cover all of the details, so for more information you can contact Public Works at 314-729-4720. A copy of the "Complaint Packet" can be viewed HERE.