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List what the city requires for your sidewalk sign

Practice: Keeping the AI to your sources. About 5 minutes.

About this exercise

You want to put a sandwich-board sign outside your bike shop and need a checklist of what the city ordinance requires. You want exactly 4 numbered requirements ("shall" items only, not "encouraged" ones), each under 15 words and ending with its section number, using the 2026 amendment where it changes a section. Use only the ordinance text, plain text, nothing else.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Mixing rules and suggestions. The AI lists everything in the ordinance, so 'encouraged' items look mandatory. Try: Say: "Only 'shall' items. Skip 'encouraged' ones."
  • Missing the amendment. The changed numbers are below the main text, and the AI often copies the originals. Try: Add: "Apply the 2026 amendment where it changes a section."
  • Repeating hearsay. Your neighbor's comment about enforcement may show up as advice. Try: Say: "Output only the 4 requirements."
  • Not saying how many. The AI decides the length itself and usually returns more requirements than you can use. Try: Be exact: "exactly 4 numbered requirements."
  • Getting markdown back. AI defaults to bold labels and headings, which show up as stray symbols in a checklist you'll print. Try: Ask for "plain text, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Asks for required items only
  • Applies the amendment
  • Asks for section numbers
  • Says exactly how many
  • Asks for plain text

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