Good Neighbor Guidelines

Good Neighbor Guidelines Make for Peace and Harmony

We're In It Together Brochure.

Like all residents, students are expected to conduct themselves as mature and responsible members of the Riverside and University communities. As such, they are responsible for upholding all state and city laws and ordinances, especially those relating to noise, traffic, parking, zoning, and consumption of alcohol. In addition, as responsible members of society, they are expected to foster an atmosphere that nurtures positive educational pursuits, the development of understanding and tolerance of those with different cultural and political points of view, and an environment that encourages responsible behavior in the community.

l. Preamble

UC Riverside and the City of Riverside encourage student residents within Riverside neighborhoods to live up to the tenets of the following Good Neighbor Guidelines. UC Riverside further pledges to educate its students of the content of the Good Neighbor Guidelines and to hold students accountable. The Good Neighbor Guidelines outlines the basic elements of being a responsible member of the Riverside Community. Students, registered student organizations, and their neighbors may add additional provisions. Each registered student organization shall review and update their Good Neighbor Guidelines on an annual basis.

ll. Code of Conduct

The following guidelines are consistent with the educational role of the University, the rights and needs of all residents, city ordinances, standards of common courtesy, and are directed toward encouraging and maintaining positive neighbor relationships.

The code of conduct addresses the following areas:

A. Upkeep and Beautification

See Attachment A : Riverside Municipal Code, Title 6.14.010 Findings, Landscape Maintenance
See Attachment A: Riverside Municipal Code 6.14.020 Duty to Maintain Landscaping
See Attachment B: Riverside Municipal Code, Title 6.15.010 Abatement of Public Nuisances, Purpose
See Attachment B: Riverside Municipal Code 6.15.015 Definitions
See Attachment C: Riverside Municipal Code 6.15.020 Declaration of Nuisance

Students and registered student organizations are expected to maintain a safe, clean, and attractive environment for the health and well being of their members, guests, and neighbors. Specifically, the students will:

Maintain the property in accordance with all fire, health, zoning, building and safety codes.
Maintain the property consistent with the City of Riverside's Landscape Maintenance Ordinance (See attachments A and B).
Maintain lawn and landscaping on a regular basis.
Dispose of litter, trash, and garbage on a regular basis in an appropriate manner.
Clean up should be completed within 24 hours after social functions in order to ensure litter and trash is removed from the neighborhood.

B. Traffic Safety and Parking

Students will:

Comply with the laws of the City of Riverside and the State of California and hold invited guests to the same standard of conduct.
Give priority to traffic safety and reduction of parking such as parking in, or blocking neighbors' driveways, public alleys, and sidewalks, which are violations of the law.
Educate household members and guests about neighborhood parking restrictions and encourage safe responsible driving.
Make provision for guest parking for social events.
All residents and guests are prohibited from parking on lawns and other landscaped or unsurfaced areas at all times.
Educate household members and guests to arrive quietly and to depart in the same manner to avoid disrupting the neighbors.

C. Neighborhood Relations

See Attachment D: Riverside Municipal Code Section 7.35.010 General Noise Regulations
See Attachment E: Riverside Municipal Code Section 7.35.020 General Noise Regulations, Exemptions

Students will:

Foster and maintain good community relations and cooperation with neighbors and authorities.
Consider holding large social functions away from the house at facilities of sufficient size to accommodate the crowd and when alcohol is served.
Be responsible for their conduct and encourage admitted guests to adhere to the same standard.
Observe quiet hours after 10:00 p.m. (Sunday through Thursday) and 12:30a.m. (Friday and Saturday), with a limited number of events taking place on contiguous weekends.
Respect the rights of neighbors and follow existing laws and ordinances. All registered student organization members are to be knowledgeable about the Riverside Noise Ordinance (See Attachments F and G).
Take active steps to prevent damage to neighbors' property by admitted guests and household members.
Be responsible for damage to neighbors' properties caused by household members.
Be responsible for mediating and resolving neighborhood problems in a timely fashion. Telephone calls to neighbors will be made before 9:00 p.m. in a mature and civil manner (See guideline No.10 below).
Host a meeting annually, prior to the beginning of classes in Fall, with neighbors within 300 feet of the house and all other people who have expressed an interest to meet with student groups living in the neighborhood.
Provide telephone numbers of household contact persons or student organization leaders and alumni advisor to neighbors within 300 feet of the house prior to beginning of each academic year or with change of student organization officers.
Notify neighbors within 300 feet (multiple dwellings/manager) and all other people who have notified the student group of their desire to receive notices in writing of organized social events at least three days prior to function. Notifications shall include size, type of event, hours and a contact person who will be present at the event.
Use amplified sound only in accordance with the Noise Ordinance. Exterior amplified sound in residential areas is discouraged.
Encourage hiring private security for large functions when alcohol is served.
Initiate programs to foster positive attitudes about relations with neighbors, reduction of noise, elimination of alcohol abuse, and elimination of verbal abuse.
Set reasonable limits on the total number of large events per quarter and for the academic year the will take place at the residence.
Negotiate with neighbors regarding hours for basketball courts and limitations on athletic events where applicable (See Quiet Hours in Guideline No. 4 above).

D. Alcohol and Other Drugs

Students and members of recognized student organizations will set good examples and will:

Observe state and local laws governing alcohol and drug use.
Develop positive attitudes to combat abuse and encourage moderation. Recognized student organization officers should set good examples.
Not allow illegal drugs.
Where possible, sponsor alcohol and drug education programs including programs by national organizations or campus programs.
Encourage social events where only non-alcohol beverages are served.
Provide, at events where alcohol is served, a variety of accessible non-alcoholic beverages and food.
Provide non-drinking monitors at all functions where alcohol is served.
Educate all student organization members regarding national risk management and insurance policies and hold members responsible where applicable.

lll. Enforcement Compliance

In an effort to maintain positive University-Community relations, a variety of approaches will be used, collectively or individually, to ensure Guidelines compliance. The University addresses each situation on a case-by-case basis through campus advisors, Office of Judicial Affairs (individuals), Campus Board of Review (student groups) and/or the University of California, Riverside Police Department. University sanctions range from advising students on the Good Neighbor Guidelines, expulsion from the campus and citation or arrest for violation of city, state and federal laws. The city addresses each situation through the University/Neighborhood Mediation Program, Office of Neighborhoods, various city departments and the Riverside Police Department with sanctions ranging from non-binding mediation, citations and/or arrest for violation of city, state and federal laws.

It is the intention of all parties involved to find the most amicable resolution process that benefits those involved. Emphasis is placed on neighbor-to-neighbor communication and cooperation and the use of the University/Neighborhood Mediation process.

G. The storage or parking of trucks exceeding the manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds on all areas of all residential zones, and the storage or parking of other vehicles on the landscaped front and street side yard setback area of all residential zones, including but not limited to the front lawn areas, contrary to the provisions of Riverside Municipal Code §§ 19.74.052, 19.74.060 and 19.74.150.
H. Abandoned, boarded-up or partially destroyed buildings contrary to the provisions of the Uniform Fire code, Uniform Building Code, Uniform Housing Code and/or Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.
I. Peeling or blistering paint on any building or structure such that the condition is plainly visible from a public right-of-way.
J. The existence of loud or unusual noises, or foul or noxious odors which offend the peace and quiet of persons of ordinary sensibilities and which interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property and affect the entire neighborhood or any considerable number of persons.
K. The existence of hazardous substances and waste unlawfully released, discharged, or deposited upon any premises onto any City property.
L. The existence of any hay, straw, lumber, papers, or other substance upon the premises which has been rendered unmerchantable by reason of any fire on the property.
M. Any attractive nuisance.
N. Any other condition which is contrary to the public peace, health and safety. (Ord. 6347 § 1, 1997; Ord. 6150 § 1, 1994; Ord. 6076 § 1, 1993; Ord. 6022 § 2, 1992; Ord. 5910 § 1, 1991)

lV. Annual Review

The City and the University will conduct annual reviews of the effectiveness of the Good Neighbor Guidelines. When requested, City and University personnel will assist students and recognized student organizations in conducting an annual review, which will be directed toward developing positive relationships. The City and University will assume active roles in providing guidance to students and student organizations in adoptive procedures to assure compliance. The annual review will be conducted by the City and University unless complaints warrant additional review. The City and University will evaluate the Guidelines to make recommendations for changes or specifications and may take actions in matters within the City and/or Universities jurisdiction.

Attachment A

Riverside Municipal Code Title 6.14.010
Findings, Landscape Maintenance

The City Council finds and determines as follows:

A. The property values and the general welfare of the City of Riverside are founded, in part, upon the appearance and maintenance of private and public property located within said City.
B. The lack of maintenance of landscaping and sanitation on both private and public properties, including overgrown, dead, or decayed vegetation and weeds and the accumulation of rubbish and debris, is a condition which is injurious to the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Riverside and contributes substantially and increasingly to the deterioration of the City.
C. Unless corrective measures, as established in this chapter, are undertaken to alleviate such existing conditions and to assure the avoidance of future problems in this regard, the public health, safety and general welfare, specifically aesthetic, social and economic standards, will be depreciated.
D. The uses and abuses of property as described in this chapter are reasonably related to the proper exercise of the police power to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the public. (Ord. 6428 § 1, 1998; Ord. 6022 § 1, 1992)

Riverside Municipal Code 6.14.020
Duty to Maintain Landscaping

A. It shall be unlawful for any owner and/or occupant of property subject to the provisions of Chapter 19.62 of this code and used for commercial, office, industrial or residential purposes for which landscaping standards or requirements were established by the Design Review Board to fail to maintain such landscaping in accordance with such conditions of approval imposed thereon and generally recognized horticultural standards.
B. It shall be unlawful for any owner and/or occupant of any property used for commercial, office, industrial or residential purposes to:
C. Allow or permit on such property overgrown vegetation including trees, shrubbery, ground covers, lawns and other plantings which from the overall appearance results in the diminution of the appearance of the subject property as compared to adjacent properties.
D. Permit or allow on such property dead, decayed or diseased trees, shrubs, or other vegetation which is otherwise in need of landscape maintenance attention.
E. Maintain such property with a lack of vegetation so as to render the yard areas unsightly and which, from the overall appearance results in a diminution of the appearance of the subject property as compared with adjacent properties.
F. Owners and/or occupants of properties fronting on, or adjacent to, any portion of a street shall comply with the provisions of subsection (B) of this section 6.14.020 as well as Chapter 13.06 for any landscaping along said street or within the street right-of-way adjacent to their property fronting on, or adjacent to, any portion of the street. (Ord. 6428 § 1, 1998; Ord. 6022 § 1, 1992)

Attachment B

Riverside Municipal Code, Title 6.15.010
Abatement of Public Nuisances, Purpose

It is hereby declared to be in the public interest to promote the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Riverside by providing a summary procedure for the abatement of nuisances as declared by the City Council of the City of Riverside, which abatement procedures shall be in addition to all other proceedings authorized by this code or otherwise by law. (Ord. 5910 § 1, 1991)

Riverside Municipal Code 6.15.015
Definitions

For the purpose of this chapter the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given herein:

"Abandoned vehicle" means an unlicensed or physically inoperable vehicle.
"Abatement" means the demolition, removal, repair, maintenance, construction, reconstruction, replacement, or reconditioning of structures, appliances or equipment; or the removal, transportation, disposal and treatment of waste and abandoned materials and equipment capable of harboring, breeding, or attracting rodents or insects or producing odors or blight.
"Agricultural groves" means any grove of ten or more trees on a parcel or lot.
"Attractive nuisance" means any condition, instrumentality, or machine which is unsafe and unprotected and thereby dangerous to young children by reason of their inability to appreciate the peril which exists, and which may reasonably be expected to attract young children to the premises and risk injury by playing with, in, or on it. Attractive nuisances may include, but shall not be limited to:
1. Abandoned and/or broken equipment;
2. Hazardous pools, ponds, culverts, excavations; and
3. Neglected machinery.
"Building" means any structure including, but not limited to any house, garage, duplex, apartment, condominium, stock cooperative, mobile home, or other residential structure or any portion thereof, which is designed, built, rented or leased to be occupied or otherwise is intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy, and any commercial, industrial, or other establishment, warehouse, kiosk, or other structures affixed to or upon real property, used for the purpose of conducting a business, storage or other activity.
"Construction material" means any discarded material from the building or destruction of structures, road and bridges including concrete, rocks, asphalt, plasterboard, wood and other related material.
"Code Compliance Manager" shall mean the Code Compliance Manager for the City of Riverside.
"Excavation" means any wells, shafts, basements, cesspools, septic tanks, fish ponds, and other like or similar conditions more than six inches in diameter and three feet in depth.
"Foul" means very offensive to the senses.
"Garbage" means any putrescible animal, fish, fowl, food, fruit, or vegetable matter resulting from the cultivation, preparation, storage, handling, decay or consumption of the substance.

Attachment C

Riverside Municipal Code 6.15.020
Declaration of Nuisances

It is unlawful and is hereby declared a nuisance for any person owning, leasing, occupying or having charge or possession of any property and any vehicles thereon, in the City to maintain the property in such a manner that any of the following conditions are present:

A. The existence of any garbage, rubbish, refuse or waste matter upon the premises contrary to the provisions of Chapter 6.04 of the Riverside Municipal Code.
B. The existence of weeds upon the premises, including public sidewalks, streets or alleys between said premises and the centerline of any public street or alley.
C. The existence of overgrown, dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, and other vegetation, including but not limited to dead agricultural groves which are: (1) likely to attract rodents, vermin or other nuisances, or (2) constitutes a fire hazard, or (3) is dangerous to the public safety and welfare.
D. Overgrown vegetation including trees, shrubbery, ground cover, lawns and decorative plantings which substantially detract from the aesthetic and property values of neighboring properties.
E. Any abandoned or discarded furniture, stove, refrigerator, freezer, sink, toilet, cabinet, or other household fixture or equipment visible from a public right-of-way.
F. The existence of any abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative motor vehicle upon the premises contrary to the provisions of Chapter 9.28 of the Riverside Municipal Code.

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