Cities across the nation are known for their progress. They are believed to be a step beyond their rural neighbors. In truth they are, yet you may question that if you read some of their funny and outdated city ordinances.

Riverside, California city ordinance – “Kissing on the lips, unless both parties wipe their lips with carbonized rose water, is against the local health ordinance.”

I’m really not sure exactly what Carbonized Rosewater is. For that matter where would I even purchase some? Furthermore, I’ve been to Riverside and I’ve seen people kissing and I’m certain that they didn’t rub anything on their lips first.

Zion, Illinois Ordinance – “It is illegal for anyone to give cats, dogs, or other domesticated animals a lighted cigar.”

I didn’t actually know this was a problem. I mean in all my life I can honestly say that I haven’t seen any animals smoking anything. I have seen the occasional idiot give their dog, beer so I guess if they changed that ordinance up a bit it would make more sense.

New York, New York city ordinance – “Women may go topless in public, providing it is not being used as a business.”

Staten Island, New York City Ordinance – “In Staten Island, You may only water your lawn if the hose is held in your hand.”

Can I just say, For the state that never sleeps there sure are a lot of backwoods city ordinances. There were actually quite a bit more that were strange and entertaining. I just thought it would be a bit it easier to share the top two.

Let me first address the topless New York City women. I’ve been to New York and haven’t seen any topless crazes however, just in case you feel the need know that it’s a go just as long as you don’t get paid. Maybe this city ordinance is just a polite way of saying no prostitution.

As for Statin Island, I just want to know where they were putting the hose. They may have just been lazy and hanging their hose off of a fence or leaving it on the ground. Or it may have been more colorful than that, maybe those Staten Island guys and gals have a sense of humor that the rest of us would have never guessed that they had.