Changing the process for neighborhood disputes

Published: Dec. 30, 2016 at 5:24 PM CST
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A motion-sensing light that shines in your window at two in the morning, or dogs howling at all hours, those are just some of things that can lead to complaints between neighbors.

"The only thing that bothers me is the rooster crowing at weird hours," said Ron, who walking in Old Town.

The Wichita City Prosecutor's Office said it is getting backlogged with citizen-filed complaints about nuisances such as bright porch lights and barking dogs.

Right now, a complaint goes straight to the city attorney's office, without proof. Attorney's are asking city council members to require feuding neighbors to now call police; getting an officer involved to determine if there's enough evidence.

"I agree," Ron said. "You should have the local police come down and try to negotiate things for you to try and leave the emotions out of the situations so you don't escalate things and it becomes a neighborhood war."

The city is expected to approve this amendment to the ordinances Tuesday.

Prosecutors said violations will still be handled, but only with probable cause.