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Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
What time is it illegal to mow your lawn? Know the rules in Rochester
Warmer weather has finally arrived in New York, which means neighborhoods will be filled with the sound of buzzing bees, chirping birds — and the drone of lawnmowers and trimmers. While necessary, it can be frustrating if people enjoy taking care of their lawns early in the morning or late at night while you're trying to sleep, but there are laws governing when you can landscape and maintain your yard. Here's what to know. Yes, there are yardwork-related noise regulations throughout the Rochester area, but they vary between municipalities. Here's a look at the noise ordinances in the city of Rochester, Irondequoit, Greece, Brighton and Henrietta: : You can use lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, tillers, mulchers, chippers and other lawncare devices between the hours of 8 a.m. and sunset. : You can't use certain machinery if it creates excessive noise at the premises' property line, including lawn mowers, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. : You can use lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, tiller, mulchers, chippers and other lawncare devices between the hours of 8 a.m. and sunset. : There aren't specific noise ordinances relating to lawncare but "the creation of any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise is prohibited." : You can't use any motor-driven vehicle, including lawnmowers, without "an adequate muffler properly installed and maintained." It differs. If you violate a yardwork-related noise regulation, penalties range from fines to imprisonment. For example, first offenses in the city of Rochester come with a fine of $200, second offenses, $400, and third and subsequent offenses, $600. In the towns of Irondequoit and Greece, you could face fines or up to 15 days of imprisonment. See the list: Explore 5 lesser-known spring destinations in the Finger Lakes Since there are restrictions in many Rochester-area municipalities — most of which are enforced by local police departments — you can report the issue to your local police department or even take legal action by filing a claim in small claims court or a lawsuit in civil court, according to online legal resource FindLaw. However, your best first step may be to try and talk to your neighbors about your concerns and possibly share your local noise ordinance with them so they're aware of it. Emily Barnes on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network's New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: What time is it illegal to mow your lawn? Know the rules in Rochester
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Oklahoma law changes how guns can be used to protect property: What 'defensive display' means
Oklahomans can now legally point a firearm or other weapon at someone if they are defending their home, private property or business under a new law signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Existing state law allows people to point weapons in self defense, but House Bill 2818 expands the justified "defensive display of a firearm or other deadly weapon" to include defense of property. The new law took effect immediately after Stitt signed it on Thursday, May 16. During debate on the House floor, Democratic lawmakers questioned the law's author, state Rep. Jay Steagall, on responsibilities of a gun owner and whether Oklahoma youths would interpret the law to allow flashing a weapon as an acceptable response to fear of confrontation. Steagall replied that the bill still penalizes those who point a firearm "for purposes of whimsy, humor, or prank, or in anger." "We don't have any control over the way someone else perceives something. There's not a way for me to legislate that," Steagall said during a presentation in March. "But what we can do is provide a clear definition of what's lawful and what's not lawful when it comes to the display or the pointing of a firearm." More: Bill allowing firearms in municipal buildings in certain situations heads to Stitt's desk According to the new law, defensive display of a firearm includes the following: Verbally informing another person that you possess a firearm or have one available – "I've got a gun" Exposing or displaying the weapon in a manner where a reasonable person would understand that it's meant to protect against unlawful force Placing your hand on a firearm while it's "in a pocket, purse, holster, sling scabbard, case or other means of containment or transport This is the latest law to expand gun rights in Oklahoma, a state known for its permissive rules on the ownership, carrying and use of firearms. Another proposed law recently sent to the governor's desk for his approval would allow elected municipal officials and judges with a valid firearm license to carry concealed guns in buildings leased or owned by their city, if a policy is approved by the city council. In the United States, most states follow some version of the Castle Doctrine, which allows the use of deadly force in self defense. According to an analysis by FindLaw, however, state laws vary when it comes to which locations or specific situations allow someone to claim their use of force was justified. The National Conference of State Legislatures notes that Oklahoma is one of 28 states where the person claiming self defense has no duty to attempt retreat before firing their weapon. It's also one of just 10 states that allow that person to "stand their ground." In 2019, Stitt signed legislation on the "constitutional carry" of handguns. The measure loosened the state's gun laws, allowing most adults to carry a loaded, concealed firearm without a permit. After that law went into effect, the average number of gun deaths per month increased nearly 20% compared to the 10 years before the new law went into effect, a period in which the population grew just over 6%, according to a 2022 analysis by The Oklahoman. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: New law HB 2818 lets Oklahomans point guns to protect property
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Yahoo
Why picking fruit or flowers from someone else's property in Louisiana is considered theft
Now is the time of year when flowers are in bloom and fruits are ripening. If vegetation or flowers are growing on public property, then its usually permissible to pick it. However, if you see a bloom or ripe fruit that's not on public property, can you pick it? In Louisiana, picking fruit or flowers from someone else's property without their permission is generally considered theft. Even if fruits or flowers are encroaching onto your property, picking is still considered theft. The flower or fruit's ownership depends on where the trunk or stem is located, therefore, if the trunk or stem is on your neighbor's property, then they own the fruit or flower. If you are caught picking or taking vegetation from someone else's property then you may be charged with trespassing and/or theft, according to FindLaw. If the vegetation is on public property, then it's legal to pick it, as there is no written law as to owns it. However, if it's a designated plant or part of a conservation project, then it is not permissible. This is the case for protected species, designated wildflower areas, or national forests and parks where permits are required to pick vegetation, according to Seedles. Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Picking fruit from another's property in Louisiana could be theft
