BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR
Being a good neighbor means staying informed and complying with city rules and community standards. Additionally, it means getting to know your neighbors and engaging as a community member. We hope you take pride in being a citizen of Aggieland and experiencing the greater B/CS community.
Our top Good Neighbor tips:
- Introduce yourself to new neighbors. Make a note of the names of individuals in each house as you meet them, and exchange phone numbers if you’re comfortable doing so. You never know when you might need a helping hand (or have the opportunity to offer one)!
- Communicate about your plans. If you’re planning a gathering that might bring lots of traffic to the neighborhood or heading out of town, let your neighbors know. Invite them to contact you if they notice any problems that need to be addressed.
- Participate in neighborhood gatherings. If you get invited to your neighborhood’s block party or National Night Out event, take the time to make an appearance! Your neighbors will appreciate the opportunity to get to know you better, and you’ll be cultivating invaluable relationships.
- Engage with your community. Stay informed about what is going on in your city by signing up for email updates from the City of College Station or City of Bryan.
Frequent Code Violations
Students should also be aware of city code violations to be a good neighbor. Being aware makes following the codes so much easier! Stay informed so you do not receive a violation from the city.
Per College Station and Bryan ordinances, no more than four unrelated persons can live together in most single-family homes. In general, it is best to Remember Me+3 before signing a lease.
However, certain areas may have more restrictive occupancy standards. These include College Station’s Restricted Occupancy Overlays and Bryan’s Residential Neighborhood Conservation Districts, where no more than two unrelated persons may reside. In contrast, some homes in College Station have recently been approved to house more than four unrelated occupants.
Students can be charged with a violation if:
- They are a signee on a lease that violates the city ordinance.
- The student is a “ghost tenant,” or a tenant living at the property but not on the lease; this also violates the city ordinance.
Consequences of occupancy violations
Violations can be costly and stressful. Consequences can include citations ranging from approximately $250 to $2000. Fines can be issued daily until the home’s occupancy is brought into compliance. Additionally, unlawful housing arrangements can result in significant hardship for students who find themselves searching for housing mid-semester in order to avoid further citations, as well as those who are officially on the lease (and are therefore responsible for the full rent for the home) once the extra “ghost tenants” have been forced to move out.
How to check occupancy limits
To see if a different occupancy standard applies to the place you plan to live in College Station, check the City’s Occupancy Difference Map. If the place where you plan to live is not marked as Approved Shared Housing or Restricted Occupancy Overlay and is not in a High Occupancy Zoning area (shaded in a different color on the map), then Remember Me+3 when considering the number of unrelated roommates you can legally have there. If in doubt about a College Station home, contact Planning & Development Services at (979) 764-3858.
Please note that neighborhoods with deed restrictions will not be reflected on the map, so it is wise to ask your prospective landlord whether any such restrictions apply to the property before signing a lease. You can also reach out to [email protected] to check for deed restrictions.
For homes in Bryan, check the Planning and Zoning Map for Residential Neighborhood Conservation Districts, where no more than two unrelated occupants may reside.
Have questions about this ordinance? Texas A&M students may consult with Off Campus Student Services staff by calling 979.845.1741 or emailing [email protected]. For questions about College Station code enforcement or city ordinances, contact Code Enforcement at [email protected] or 979.764.6363.
Community ordinances are clear that it is unlawful for anyone to engage in "loud noise" that because of its volume level, duration or character annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, health, peace or safety of reasonable persons of ordinary sensibilities within the limits of the City, especially between the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Learn more about noise considerations on the City of College Station website.
After trash has been collected, tenants have 12 hours to remove the sanitation container from the street. Trash should be securely stored in the provided container until the scheduled pickup day, and the lid should be secured so litter doesn’t spread. On collection day, containers need to be placed at least four feet away from all other objects (including vehicles and other trash cans).
After trash has been collected, residents have 12 hours to remove the container from the street.
If the provided trash container is insufficient for the amount of trash routinely generated by the household, an additional container can be provided at a minimal additional monthly cost. Contact the city’s Public Works Department for more information.
Residential streets need to stay safe and accessible for everyone, especially emergency vehicles. Make sure to be aware of important parking tips to abide by city parking rules and regulations.
Tips
- Don’t park on the grass within city limits.
- Don’t park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
- Don’t park facing traffic. Park in the direction of traffic flow.
- Don’t park in a no parking zone.
- Don’t park within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Not following parking rules could result in a parking citation or an emergency vehicle not being able to access someone in need. Do your part in being a good neighbor and make sure you are aware of parking guidelines.
KNOW YOUR RESOURCES
Learn more about the resources available through Student Life, on-campus, and in the community.
KNOW YOUR RESOURCES
Learn more about the resources available through Student Life, on-campus, and in the community.