15 Ways to Be a Good Neighbor
Follow these hints to keep your residence well-maintained. Know your city's standards and property ordinances.
- Keep your swimming pool covered and inaccessible to children, as well as free of stagnant water.
- Register all dogs and cats with the city to obtain a pet license. Clean up after your pet. Keep pets from roaming loosely or barking excessively.
- Be sure you have working smoke detectors. Replace batteries regularly.
- Check if building permits are required for remodeling or construction. Obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness if working within the historic districts or the downtown.
- Respect your neighbors. Keep your music from disturbing them.
- Remove all seasonal decorations no later than 60 days after the holiday.
- Be sure your address number is readable and well lit so emergency personnel can find you if necessary.
- Keep the exterior of your house in good repair. Report and remove graffiti immediately.
- Do not park/store commercial or undriveable vehicles or conduct major repairs on them. Park campers or RVs in side or rear yards on approved surfaces.
- When parking, do not block the public sidewalk or driveway approach.
- Keep tree branches and shrubbery trimmed.
- Zoning and occupancy disclosure forms must be provided to buyers for residential real estate closings. Know occupancy standards before renting or buying.
- Regularly mow your lawn. Keep your property clean. Do not park vehicles on the grass.
- Place trash by the curb after 7 p.m. on the evening before pickup. Remove containers after pick up on garage day. Store containers out of view from the street.
- Before constructing a fence, have your property surveyed. A fence permit is required.
Many of the standards on this page are contained within local ordinances-local laws adopted by your elected City Council. If you have any questions, call 630-256-INFO (4636). Citations can be issued when there are violations. If you live in a Historic District or a neighborhood governed by an association, you may have additional rules and guidelines to follow.