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Committee approves signs to bar pets from courthouse courtyards after complaints about damaged landscaping
Summary
The committee voted to post signage prohibiting animals from relieving themselves in courthouse courtyards; staff said security and deputies will help enforce the rule after complaints that pet urine is killing grass and signage previously went unenforced.
The Infrastructure Committee voted to post signs in courthouse courtyards prohibiting pets from relieving themselves after staff and occupants reported the problem is damaging landscaping and causing conflicts with deputies and building occupants.
Why it matters: recurring pet waste and urine on courthouse lawns have killed grass, prompted complaints from occupants and required coordination between deputies, security and facilities staff.
A staff member described the issue as "an ongoing problem" and said the nearest real grass across the street draws pet traffic that "kills our grass." The staff member said prior signage had been ignored but added that with security now in place "the signage will allow them to be able to enforce it and also the deputies." When asked how to prevent urine damage to turf, a committee member observed that providing waste bags does not stop urine and that the only effective option to prevent turf damage is to prohibit animals from entering the area.
A motion to post signage prohibiting animals in the courtyards was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; no fines or enforcement procedures beyond security and deputy support were specified in the discussion.
Next steps: staff was directed to post signage and coordinate enforcement with courthouse security and deputies. Any further enforcement measures or penalties were not discussed and would require additional committee action.
