Lawyers, Answer Questions  & Get Points Log In
Municipal Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Municipal Law and Gov & Administrative Law for Michigan on
Q: I live on a very busy road and requested to have a circle driveway. I want to drive out head first, we were denied.

My car was totaled in front of my home due to speeders. Two lane road and turn lane. Speed limit 35 most do 55. We were denied a circle driveway because our in and out driveway would not be 100: feet apart. I feel like it is a life and death, safety issue. Road commisssion says too bad and denied... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 28, 2023

A Michigan attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. One option may be to look into other agencies - whether on a state or other level. It's possible the process could need the support of someone with expertise in traffic engineering and possibly civil... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Collections and Municipal Law for Oklahoma on
Q: In Oklahoma does a county treasurer? Have to notify the owner before. the property is sold. At a tax auction
T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 21, 2023

In Oklahoma, the county treasurer is generally required to notify the property owner before selling the property at a tax auction. This usually involves sending a written notice to the last known address of the property owner, as well as any other parties who may have a legal interest in the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Vermont on
Q: Can the words "shall" and "must" and "prohibit" be used in the goals of a municipal plan?

I am a Planning Commissioner involved in writing South Burlington's Municipal Plan.

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 15, 2023

Certainly, in the context of drafting a municipal plan, the use of terms like "shall," "must," and "prohibit" is common and can be essential for conveying the intent and requirements of the plan. "Shall" and "must" typically denote mandatory actions... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Municipal Law on
Q: I have a problem with the fox hunting club continue running on my land even after I told them not to.
T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 15, 2023

If a fox hunting club is trespassing on your land without permission, it's essential to take proactive steps to address the issue. Begin by documenting each incident, noting dates, times, and any interactions with club members. Ensure that your property boundaries are clearly marked to avoid... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Indiana on
Q: Our Indiana town has a mandatory registry for contractors. Is it legal for the Town to fine either a non-complying

contractor or the homeowner for whom they are working? Is it legal under State law?

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 14, 2023

The legality of fines imposed by an Indiana town for non-compliance with contractor registration hinges on the town's specific ordinances and regulations. Indiana state law allows municipalities to establish their own rules regarding contractor registration and penalties. These fines are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Support and Municipal Law for Ohio on
Q: What are my options for recourse in Ohio if a butler county juvenile court employee informed me incorrectly?

Had CS hearing for contempt- couldnt make it. Warrant issued. Paid to get recalled, was issued new hearing (employee came out, handed me new date paper & said “be there”). Again, date conflicting. I asked how to reschedule. She refused to go back (hearing was done w/ me in the lobby) to ask... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Sep 14, 2023

The employees cannot give legal advice. There are literally signs all over every court stating this. YOU are responsible for either hiring an attorney or learning the rules through independent research. Appear before the court ASAP and make your explanation. Better yet, invest in actually... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Civil Rights and Municipal Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Can a city that charges sales tax for emergency services also make a mandatory subscription service for ambulance servic

On July 17, 2023, Broken Arrow City Council adopted Ordinance No. 3794 which removed the opt-out provision for participation in the LifeRide emergency medical services program and made the fee mandatory for all utility customers of the City of Broken Arrow. During fiscal year 2017, when... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 14, 2023

In many jurisdictions, cities have the authority to charge fees for specific services, including emergency medical services like ambulance rides. The decision to make the fee mandatory for utility customers is typically within the purview of the city council or local government, subject to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Family Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for North Carolina on
Q: If a building inspector deems a house is against the building code, will they get dss involved for child safety?
T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 13, 2023

A building inspector's primary role is to assess and enforce compliance with building codes and regulations related to the structural and safety aspects of a building or dwelling. Building inspectors typically focus on issues such as structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, and fire... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets, Constitutional Law and Municipal Law for New Hampshire on
Q: can a police officer run my name through DMV RECORDS without a violation or traffic stop just to see if i have a license

if a police officer drives by me and i have had no police contact or reason for my information to be searchd online, did not break and traffic laws to warrant a stop, was not infact even pulled over for anything, can he just plug my name in the nh dmv database to see if i have a valid drivers... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 11, 2023

Law enforcement officers generally have broad authority to access DMV records, which includes license status information. This access, however, should be exercised for legitimate law enforcement purposes and not on a whim or for personal reasons. If you believe your rights have been violated, you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for California on
Q: Order to show cause for missing jury duty

I attended the first summons for jury duty, was asked to fill out a jury selection questionnaire for a criminal (murder) case and return on a later date to go through the jury selection process. I failed to return on this second date and now the court has sent me an order to show cause for why I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 9, 2023

In California, when you appear before the court to address the order to show cause, it would be wise to be truthful and express your concerns about your physical and mental health at the time of the missed jury duty date. You might consider obtaining documentation from a healthcare provider to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Michigan on
Q: Does the Michigan Governor have authority to remove locally elected City officials (NOT Township officials)?

4 Albion City Councilmembers illegally /improperly removed 4 appointed board members from the Albion Economic Development Corporation: on or about 21 August 2023. No advance notification of the removal was provided to the 4 EDC Board members. No written description or statement of the basis for... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Sep 5, 2023

Your question is way too complex for general legal advice. It's highly technical. Believe it or not, not all cities are created equal; by statute, there are distinctions based largely on size and charter. But your question alludes to the basics of state government: counties and cities are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for Maine on
Q: Peeing outside in maine

While travelling as canadain citizens to New Hampshire we stopped in maine at a gas station and it had no washroom. My children went behind the building and peed in a bush and the worker came out and said she was writing our license plate down and letting authorities know. Should we be worried?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 29, 2023

Public urination generally is considered a criminal offense or a civil infraction depending on the jurisdiction. If charged and convicted, this can have consequences, including fines or more severe penalties. Given that the incident involves minors, it would be prudent to consult with an attorney... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law and Traffic Tickets for California on
Q: In California ,if u parked car wrong way at your house & take Keys inside &tell brother 2park it, is "CAR ABANDONED"?

When my brother went outside2park da car, the cops were already looking at the car, my brother asked/told them he'd park the car right they REFUSED to! They didn't let him! He was holding the keys on his hand! During that time they'd been harassing my family u can say, they knew my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 29, 2023

Under California law, a vehicle parked the wrong way on a residential street could be cited for a violation of the California Vehicle Code, but it generally would not be considered "abandoned" simply because it's parked incorrectly for a short period of time. If your brother was... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Municipal Law for California on
Q: What permits or licenses do I need to prepare and serve food ? Like at a private kitchen or at an air bnb?

In california specifically

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 29, 2023

In California, to prepare and serve food to the public you typically need a food handler's permit and a health permit from your local health department. If you're operating out of a private kitchen or an Airbnb, you'll need to ensure the space complies with local and state health... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Municipal Law for California on
Q: Is there any regulation for a chain used as a barricade to block entry to parking at public school.

The chain was 2 inches off the ground as you enter to start going into the parking lot. There is an angle for 3 feet which points the nose of your car up. You cannot see the chain. It’s was 2 inches off the ground. I could not see it in my car proceeded to drive over the chain and hit the bumper... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 25, 2023

Under California law, property owners and public entities have a duty to maintain safe premises. While there might not be a specific regulation governing the height of a chain used as a barricade, if the placement of the chain creates a hazard that is not readily visible and causes damage to... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Is it legal in Tulsa Oklahoma to turn off my water without notifications thru mail or email
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 25, 2023

As long as you timely pay your water bill, no. Service cannot be discontinued on an account which is current without advance written notice.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can a town in MA charge its public high school students a fee to park in a free public lot off school property?

The parking lot in question is across the street from the high school and is on town property, but not the school's. There is a fee at this lot for beach users to park there from May to August, but it's free to the public the rest of the year. However, while free and open for the general... View More

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 18, 2023

In Massachusetts, public high schools are generally funded by taxes and state funds to ensure equal access to education. Charging students a fee to park in a free public lot off school property might raise concerns about access and legality. The state has regulations regarding student fees and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law and Constitutional Law for Tennessee on
Q: Is there a constitutional right violation in township committee zoning laws prohibiting living in an RV on your own prop
T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 16, 2023

The constitutionality of zoning laws that prohibit living in an RV on your own property can depend on various factors. Constitutional rights such as property rights, due process, and privacy might be relevant in this context. Courts often consider local government interests in maintaining... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Municipal Law for Texas on
Q: Hello, my question is” what are the limitations in Douglassville, Tx, relating to discharging a firearm in city limits”?

34 acres of wooded land, city population of less than 300, county population less than 500k, and I have been unsuccessful at finding the city ordinance.

T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 16, 2023

In Texas, the regulations regarding discharging firearms within city limits can vary depending on local ordinances and specific circumstances. However, in more rural areas like Douglassville, there might be less restrictive regulations due to the larger land size and lower population density.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Municipal Law for Texas on
Q: On unrestricted rural property in Montgomery County, Tx. Is there a limit to how many pets you may have?
T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 16, 2023

In rural areas of Montgomery County, Texas, where property might be unrestricted, there usually isn't a fixed limit on the number of pets you can have. However, it's crucial to consider some practical aspects.

While local regulations might not impose strict pet counts, it's...
View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.