Good Neighbor Guidelines

California State University, Sacramento encourages student residents within Sacramento neighborhoods to live up to the tenets of the following Good Neighbor Guidelines.  Like all residents, students are expected to conduct themselves as mature and responsible members of the Sacramento 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 which 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.

The good neighbor guidelines address the following areas:

A. Upkeep and Beautification

B. Traffic Safety and Parking

C. Neighborhood Relations

D. Alcohol and Other Drugs

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

A. Upkeep and Beautification:

Students and 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:

1. Maintain the property in accordance with all fire, health, zoning, building, and safety codes.
2. Maintain lawn and landscaping on a regular basis.
3. Dispose of litter, trash, and garbage on a regular basis in an appropriate manner.
4. 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:

Comply with the laws of Sacramento 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

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.
• 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.
• 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 semester 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.

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.

California State University, Sacramento

Student Activities - (916) 278-6595