A Logan Circle man who refused to remove a ladder from the side of his house, perhaps allowing thieves easy entry to his neighbors’ homes, has inspired legislation requiring District residents to keep their ladders locked away.

The bill, introduced by Ward 2 D.C. Councilman Jack Evans, mandates that all ladders, when not in use, “shall be stored within a fully enclosed locked structure or locked and secured in a side or back yard so they are screened by a fence or wall from the view of any neighboring property, street or alley.”