Get to know the neighbors
Introduce yourself to the people around you, especially those with whom you share a property line. Exchange your contact information so they can contact you if they have a problem, or if they notice something amiss on your property. Get to know a little about their schedule and lifestyle so you can be considerate of their working hours, baby naps, etc. Also, a small treat or a pile of cookies never hurts.
Maintain the yard
Don’t let your lush, elaborate garden spill over the fence. Neighbors may not appreciate the same aesthetics. Work to minimize the spread of fall leaves and growing shoots onto adjacent properties. Also, an overgrown, unkempt yard can anger the neighbors and attract dangerous vermin.
No person expects every yard to be worthy of a magazine cover, but during the summer your neighbors rightly expect you to regularly mow and do your part to minimize weeds.
Respect a power tool curfew
Limit the use of chainsaws, leaf blowers and other noisy tools to approved hours, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Try to make some effort to accommodate napping children and daytime sleepers.
Control your pets
Let Fido get some fresh air during the summer in a securely fenced yard. Keep your pup leashed at all times when travelling off of your site. Make sure that you are walking your dog in an approved doggie walk area and be sure to clean up after them.
Let kids be (good) kids
It may take a village to raise a child, but your “village” didn’t sign up to feed and babysit your kids every day. Do not leave your children unsupervised for long periods of time. Let your kids play outside during daylight hours and introduce them to the neighbors, both for courtesy and safety. Don’t let them play in neighbor’s yards and teach them that yelling is generally inappropriate and unnecessary.
Turn down the music
Try to keep your tunes from drifting beyond your property lines. Go out to the street and check if you can hear the stereo. If you are hosting a party, invite your neighbors. (Or at least warn them that you are going to be hosting one.) Be aware of the rules regarding noise and be conscious of when quiet time begins.
Be a considerate driver
Don’t speed through neighborhood streets or ignore posted road signs, even when there’s no one around. Kids, pets and pedestrians are always on the move during the summer, and it’s all too easy to slip into autopilot mode in your own neighborhood and forget to watch for these hazards. Know and respect the speed limit, and always check the driveway, sidewalk and street carefully before pulling a vehicle out of the driveway.
Be a considerate parker
Vehicle parking is at a premium during the summer months. Park your vehicle so that it is within the boundaries of your property. Make sure that you are never blocking the road or restricting the free movement of other vehicles. The road must always be open for emergency vehicles.
Take out the trash
If you are composting, make sure you maintain it properly so it is not stinking up the neighborhood. Clean up and take out the trash regularly to avoid attracting bugs or vermin.
Be a part of the community
Everyone likes to have fun at a party. However, organizing and hosting an event takes time and planning. Volunteering to help during an event is a great way to meet your neighbors and have a good time doing so.
Mind your water and power usage
Lawn sprinklers, running water hoses, or washing your car can use up a lot of water. Try hand watering your lawn or think about investing in a programmable automatic irrigation system. Watering for five to ten minutes a day, twice a day, is sufficient for most vegetation. Make sure spigots are turned off fully when not in use and routinely check your plumbing for leaks.
Leaving patio lights on, using power tools or plugging in extra electrical appliances can put an extra bump in your power usage. Be conscious of what’s plugged in and determine whether or not you can reduce the amount of electricity you’re using. It is also a good idea to run a thorough check on your appliances to make sure they are in good working condition.
Be familiar with the local area By-Laws; Rules and Regulations
In order for so many people to live together in a harmonious environment, certain By-Laws, Rules and Regulations have been enacted for everyone’s benefit. These By-Laws, Rules and Regulations cover a wide range of park life, experiences and occasional grievances. Everyone is expected to be familiar with, and responsible for following, these established criteria.
Educate your guests and visitors
Everyone likes to kick back and enjoy a good visit with friends and family. Just remember that you will be held fully responsible for the actions and behaviors of any visiting friends, relatives, business persons, assessors, handymen, landscapers or any other visitors or persons who register their visit to you upon their arrival. Be sure to talk with any visitors and make sure they understand this. Inform them of any applicable rules or regulations they may need to be aware of before they arrive. Guests who are unfamiliar with the rules may inadvertently exceed the speed limit and earn you a $30 fine for a first offense!
