Checklist for Good Neighbors

It’s the Law!

Keep your neighbors happy and avoid the City’s enforcement team. All of the rules in this pamphlet come from municipal and vehicle codes and must be followed in all residential areas.

Parts
Parts don't belong in the front yard. This means parts from airplanes, boats, camper shells, cars or any other items.

Boats and Trailers
DMV-licensed vehicles, including a boat on a trailer, may be parked in your driveway or in the rear yard screened from public view.

Weeds
Keep those weeds down and get rid of trash immediately. You can be cited for having overgrown yards and debris in your yard.

Roofs
Yes, you can have solar collectors, antennas, and other equipment that normally is placed on roofs, as long as you have the necessary permits for them.

Chairs, tables, beds, and other furniture may not be placed on roofs.

Furniture can damage your roof and may place your rental deposit in jeopardy.

Animals
Prevent leash-law violations: While in the yard, your dog should be fenced or on a leash. When you take Fido for a walk, keep him on a leash.

A dog that barks continuously is usually looking for attention. If you make sure that he gets the attention from you (or your family), you can avoid attracting the attention of your neighbors.

Check with SLO City Planning about the number of dogs or cats you can have, and with Department of Animal Regulation about other types of animals.

Remember that breeding of other animals is not allowed in this city.

Noise
Be considerate at all times. Be especially aware of the noise you make at night and in the early morning. Your neighbors may be trying to sleep. Set amplified sounds at a reasonable level. Be sure the sound stays confined to your dwelling, especially between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Furniture
Keep those stuffed couches inside, please! Only outdoor furniture belongs outside.

It’s okay to put a barbecue and chairs on the lawn for special occasions, but you must put them out of sight afterwards.

If you want to keep outdoor furniture and barbecues in the front yard, they must be confined to a porch or walled patio.

Recreational Vehicles
Yes, you can park your currently-licensed RV in your driveway. RVs can also be parked in rear yards if screened by a six-foot-high fence.

Remember—RVs may never be used as permanent dwellings. However, visiting RVs may be parked in your driveway for up to seven days (no time extensions are possible), but may not be connected to the sewer system.

Vehicles
They don’t belong on lawns. You can even get a parking ticket for leaving them there. Park your working cars in the garage or other parking spaces or in the driveway.

It’s okay to work on your car, but be sure the car is in the driveway and that the job doesn’t take more than three days. If the work is going to take longer, please store the vehicle in the garage. Dead cars should be stored or towed away.

Fire
BBQs are great. Open pit fires and burning of trash or other items in your yard is prohibited.

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