UPDATED December 31st

With the cold weather, we’ve run into assistance dog owners allowing their animal to pee and poop on the property.

Not only is this a nuisance and unsanitary, it is unneighborly. We ask that anyone in the community with assistance animals, please be reminded to be respectful, lead your animal to a spot off the property to do its business, and clean up appropriately.

We’ve responded to reports of dogs being allowed to poop near the main lobby entrance, on the plaza and by the back dock. Additionally, pee has shown up on the building and in the driveway, as evidenced by recent snowfall. Urine will cause hard to treat unpleasant odors – especially when an animal pees repeatedly in the same location – and dog poop does attracts rats.

If such conditions are found, it can result in cleanup charges to the Unit Owner, and causing any nuisance or disturbance condition can lead to a Notice of Violation and potential fines.

See more below.

ORIGINAL POST September 5th

Recently We’ve Addressed A Number Of Complaints Related To Registered Service And Support Animals

This includes excessive barking and dogs in the common areas off leash.

Pursuant to Section 11(f) of the declaration, dogs and cats are prohibited in the building. However, the Association provides reasonable accommodations for disabled residents as required by the Fair Housing Act. Trained service animals or emotional support animals are allowed, properly registered with the office, to assist residents with disabilities.

Formal requests get put in writing to the office, reviewed by the Association’s legal counsel, and if found to be sufficient, approved by the Board of Directors.

For more about this process and the law we are required to follow, Click Here.

While properly registered assistance animals are allowed, include in the common areas, they and their owners need to be good citizens as well. The following rules apply to all assistance animals:

1. Service animals or emotional support animals shall be on a leash or in a carrier while on any common property. Animals running at large or unattended are prohibited.
2. Service animals or emotional support animals shall not be permitted to defecate, urinate, or track in mud/dirt on the common property. In the event of an accident, the resident shall immediately pick up, clean up, and dispose of pet waste.
3. Service animals or emotional support animals shall be controlled so as not to create a nuisance, including but not limited to excessive barking while on the property.
4. Residents are responsible for the actions of service animals or emotional support animals, and for the costs of repairing any damage caused by the animals.

Consistent with our understanding of the relevant law, there is no exception allowing dogs or any animal to be unleashed or not a carrier, when present in a public space. When they are present in the common areas, they must be in the direct control of their owner at all times. This includes the hallways, stairs, elevators, decks AND outdoors on Park Tower Property – the sidewalks, driveways, etc.

Failure to comply with the rules can (and has in the past) resulted in fines and removal of the animal from the property.

If you observe animals not in control of their owner, such as dogs off leash on the 2nd Floor Roof Deck, or in an elevator, please report this to the staff immediately. During office hours you can contact us at 773-769-3250. After hours call the front desk at 773-769-3083.

Write us anytime with any questions or concerns, at parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com.