Neighbors Helping Neighbors

A Resource Guide

Welcome to College Hill

The College Hill neighborhood is a blend of longtime residents, young families, pre-school to doctorate students, merchants and professionals.  It is this diversity and the commitment from many who work tirelessly to improve the area that generates the unique character of the neighborhood and the reasons people choose to live her.

This guide is presented to you by the College Hill Neighborhood Association in order to promote neighborliness and goodwill among College Hill residents.  This guide provides information about resources, ordinances, and expectations that affect your welfare and that of your neighbors.

You are encouraged to make use of this guide as you make yourselves at home in this neighborhood and become members of a larger community.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Expectations

Living in a neighborhood is a wonderful experience.  Your neighbors could be students renting or residents who own their own homes, live, and work in the area.  Such an environment can be rewarding and enjoyable.  However, you may find that the differing lifestyles of students and residents can cause tensions.  Most often, difficulties are a direct result of poor communication between neighbors, or insensitivity toward your neighbor's rights and needs.

To help maintain good relations with your neighbors, keep the following in mind.

• By choosing to live in this neighborhood, you have chosen to belong to this larger, more diverse community.  You represent what College Hill, Cedar Falls, UNI, and the Cedar Valley value in this community.
• As members of this community, you now have responsibilities to your neighbors and the city.
• Respect the neighborhood as if this was your permanent home.
• Be cooperative.  Working together is more effective in solving common problems.
• Respect local codes and ordinances. These were developed to protect the rights of you and your neighbors.
• Foster a sense of community by:
  1. introducing yourself to your neighbors;
  2. respecting their uniqueness;
  3. participating in neighborhood events and the many opportunities in volunteer community service.
• Join the Neighborhood Association.  Members work hard to make your neighborhood an even better place to live.  Find out what is happening and how you can become involved through the newsletter.

Help preserve the qualities that make this neighborhood attractive to all residents.

Did You Know These Important Community Expectations

Occupancy

Cedar Falls zoning ordinance states that no more than 4 unrelated people can occupy an apartment or house.  This is true regardless where you live, or how many rooms there are.  This law is stated on a rental unit's occupancy permit and you will be cited for violating it.

Noise

• Be a quiet neighbor, especially during the week.  Loud noise at night can have a disruptive effect on the harmony of the neighborhood.  The most common causes of noise disturbances are loud talking, shouting and loud music.
• Please use acceptable language that does not demean you or your neighbors or children.

Parties

• Notify neighbors ahead of time that you are having a party.  Ask them to call you if the party becomes loud or bothersome.  This works best if you restrict parties to Friday and Saturday nights.
• Keep the size of the party down.  Avoid 'word-of-mouth' parties that are likely to get out of hand.  you will be responsible for the event and you are the one who will be accountable to your landlord, your neighbors, the university, and the city of problems occur.
• Keep music levels down, especially after 10 p.m. on weekdays when neighbors may be sleeping.
• A large outdoor party, 'kegger,' amplified music or a live band, requires permission from the Cedar Falls Police and City Clerk who will issue a keg and/or noise variance permit.
• Open containers of alcoholic beverages are not permitted on public streets or sidewalks, nor it public urination.  Both violations carry a court appearance, fine and court costs.
• After everyone has left, make sure all trash and garbage is removed from the yard and street.  Littering is an offense.

Property Maintenance

Keep your yard clean.  you are responsible to remove cans, bottles, plastic cups, wrappers, and other debris that may litter your yard and make the whole neighborhood look bad.  Indoor furniture may not be left on the porch or yard.

Lawn Maintenance and Snow Removal

You are responsible to keep the lawn mowed and the sidewalks clear unless you have made other arrangements in your lease.  After a snowfall, walks that are not shoveled can be dangerous.  The City may clear the walk and bill you if action is not taken within 24 hours after snowfall.

Trash Collection

• Garbage must be placed inside a city trash container for pick-up.  The container is to be stored at the rear of the property or within a screened side yard area.
• Trash containers may be set out after 8 p.m. the evening before the scheduled pick-up day, and removed by 8 p.m. on collection day or risk a fine.
• Large items, such as mattresses and discarded furniture, will be collected by appointment only.  Call Public Works to arrange for pick-up, 273-8692.

Animals

• Pets must be on a leash at all times.
• Keep pets off neighbor's lawns.
• Clean up after your pet's droppings outdoors
• Keep your dog from annoying or repeated barking.
• Provide safe, adequate care for your pet in your absence.

Crime Prevention

• Know your neighbors and report suspicious people or behavior immediately to the police.
• Keep your door locked, especially when you leave or when you are sleeping.
• Lock windows that are accessible from outside.
• Avoid walking alone at night and travel in well lighted areas.
• Lock your vehicle at all times and lock your bike with a high security lock.
• When away, make your apartment look occupied with timers for lights.  Ask your neighbors to watch over your property and leave a phone number to contact you.  Have your mail held at the post office.

Parking Issues

• Parking ordinances are strictly enforced in the College Hill area.  Illegal parking will result in tickets, complaints to the police, and/or towing.
• The City of Cedar Falls enforces days-of-the-week parking for streets in the College Hill area.  The purpose of this ordinance is to allow emergency vehicles access to any address when needed, and to assist in cleaning and snow removal.
• Vehicles of residents and guests must be parked on a prepared driveway or in the street.  under no circumstances is parking permitted on lawns, across sidewalks, or between the sidewalk and the curb.  Violators can be ticketed and towed.
• Parking your car on any city street longer than 48 hours without being moved is prohibited.
• Use public transportation and/or bike when practical.  Bike riding on the sidewalks of College and 23rd Street is prohibited.