A Guide For Resolving Neighborhood Problems. A Community Handbook

A Community Handbook

A Guide For

Resolving

Neighborhood

Problems

Neighborhood Problems Handbook

Reno Police Department

September, 2007

To the Citizens of the City of Reno:

Whether you live in your own home or in a rented apartment, most people agree that what we consider our living space is important for many reasons:

· Financially, whether we rent or buy, our place of residence is usually our single largest expense;

· Personally, it is like a sanctuary, and when we go home from a hard day’s work or even when we return from a vacation, there’s something about returning to our own place that makes us feel comfortable and secure; · Our home is where we spend time with loved ones and close friends, and

their peace and safety are as important or more important than our own; and · Our home is where we keep our “stuff.” Whether we spend time watching a

big-screen TV, or reading, or working on a hobby, or in our yard gardening, our home is where we keep the items that help us enjoy our lives.

Our sense of security and comfort can be taken away, even if just temporarily, when others who live nearby, or across the hall, or across the street, do things that disturb our peace and make us feel like our personal space has somehow been invaded. This community handbook is a reference guide to assist citizens during those times. Outlined in this Handbook are suggestions to solve

neighborhood problems, whether you are a homeowner or a tenant or a landlord. Also included are contact numbers for the services suggested.

There are several ways to approach neighborhood conflict; we hope the suggestions offered will help keep your living space peaceful and serene. Sincerely,

Mike Poehlman Chief of Police

Written and compiled by

Neighborhood Problems Handbook

Reno Police Department

SOLUTIONS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD PROBLEMS

Table of ConTenTs

Neighborhood Problems Handbook

Reno Police Department

INTRODuCTION

There are several ways to handle issues involving neighbors or neighborhoods:

The best solution is to gain compliance from the offending person or persons just by talking with them. Sometimes neighbors are unaware that something they are doing is offensive to another neighbor or a neighborhood. A civil conversation can often remedy a problem or issue;

If you do not wish to personally contact the offending household, send them a non-threatening letter explaining what you believe they are doing that is a problem and just asking them nicely to fix the problem or remedy the situation;

If you own a residence in a neighborhood with Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and/or a Homeowners’ Association, contact them about the issue to determine if they can help; if you rent, contact the resident manager(s) or the management agency, or your landlord, to ask for assistance;

If your problem is one that is, perhaps, shared by others who live nearby, meet with them to see if a team response to an issue will be more effective, still trying the above suggestions, but as a group; If the solutions suggested above do not work or are unavailable to you, consider mediation, an alternative to a legal remedy. Mediation is usually free of charge to all concerned, and provides unbiased negotiators trained to find solutions to problems;

If you know that a problem concerns something not in compliance with City ordinances, or is illegal, seek help from Code Enforcement or from local law enforcement; in Reno all you need to do is contact “Reno Direct”;

If there is a lot of similar criminal activity, such as vehicle or residential break-ins, a Neighborhood Watch group may be a solution;

If you are dealing with a problem shared by many residents in your neighborhood, such as vandalism or continual speeding in residential neighborhoods, consider attending monthly • • • • • • • • Page 

Neighborhood Advisory Board (NAB) meetings for your area to voice concerns about your neighborhood’s shared complaints. If there is a financial component to your problem, consider filing a complaint with Small Claims Court. Relief from your financial burden can be sought if, for instance, two teenagers who live next door have been seen putting graffiti on your fence or house, and you must pay to have these marks removed or painted over. Although there are small fees associated with filing a complaint with Small Claims Court, if you win the suit, the Court will usually include your fees in the financial settlement that must be paid by the losing party.

The steps involved in using these various remedies to resolve neighborhood issues or problems are outlined on the following pages.

Contact numbers for all departments and agencies discussed

are in the Phone Directory section immediately following this

Solutions section.

Neighborhood Problems Handbook

Reno Police Department

THE “HI NEIGHBOR” SOLuTION

The “Hi Neighbor” solution is usually the best. Leave your anger at home and knock on your neighbor’s door. They will be more receptive if you just explain your aggravation. It’s possible that the neighbor was unaware that something they were doing was bothering you. Perhaps your neighbor was just hoping you wouldn’t notice something; now that you have, a reasonable person will try to fix the problem. If you have a complaint about a neighbor’s children, whether they are small or teenagers, it’s likely that the neighbor was not aware of what the children were up to; in fact, the neighbor will probably appreciate a “heads up” so they can deal with the infraction(s). Before you suggest that a neighbor’s child or children are responsible for something, however, be sure you have proof, or some kind of information to back up your complaint. Nothing will upset a neighbor more than when they feel that an accusation has been made about them, or their children, with no evidence of any kind.

If you are the non-confrontational type, compose a short note to the neighbor and mail it, or place it on their doorstep.

Regardless of which path you take, remember to be positive and not convey an angry tone, either in person or in writing. Even today, one can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

THE OFFICE/ASSOCIATION SOLuTION

One of the purposes of a Homeowners’ Association or a Rental Management Office is to handle disputes between residents. If you have a legitimate

complaint about a neighbor, especially if you know that what they are doing is not permitted based on the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs), or is in violation of posted signage on the property, etc., let office staff handle the problem. You might consider contacting the office or association in writing. That way, you will have a written record of your attempt to resolve an issue if you must consider other avenues.

RENTAL PROPERTY SOLuTIONS

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant of a rental property, there are neighborhood solutions open to you.

The City of Reno has a program called Crime Free Multi-Housing. This program suggests methods to keep illegal

activity out of large rental complexes. The program advocates language in rental agreements that will allow landlords to evict undesirable tenants convicted of illegal activities. It also advocates thorough applicant screening, both to determine prospective tenants’ financial stability and to deny rental to those with a history of illegal activities. This program not only protects the owners of rental properties, but the tenants, who feel safer knowing that their neighbors have passed background checks.

For questions about Landlord/Tenant Law in Washoe County, Washoe Legal Services, in conjunction with United Way, has prepared a booklet “Private Landlord Tenant Law in Washoe County – Answers to Commonly-Asked Questions” that is available at no charge through Washoe Legal Services. If your question is not addressed in the booklet, you can call their office for further assistance.

THE MEDIATION SOLuTION

Mediation is an informal problem-solving process in which a third party, the mediator, helps opposing parties settle an issue by assisting with identifying the problems, clearing up misunderstandings, allowing venting of emotional

responses, and then finding points of agreement and areas of possible compromise.

The best things about mediation are that the third party serves as a stabilizing influence and mediation services are usually free for both parties. An obvious problem with mediation is that the opposing parties usually must agree to speak to or meet with the mediator.

The Neighborhood Mediation Center provides conflict resolution assistance at no charge within Washoe County. When you call their office they will ask you to describe the situation and help you consider different ways of resolving the issue. If it’s appropriate, they will speak with the other party about the situation and work with both of you over the phone or in person to come to an agreement that meets everyone’s needs.

Neighborhood Problems Handbook

Reno Police Department

THE “RENO DIRECT” SOLuTION

Reno Direct is usually a good place to start if you wish to report a neighborhood problem, request a City service, make a

suggestion or ask a question. Even if they are not the correct department to handle your request, they are very good at sending you to the right place.

Reno Direct handles several kinds of issues and complaints. These include reporting abandoned vehicles on public streets, timing of traffic signals, traffic signals that are out of order, traffic or City signs that are damaged or missing, potholes, oversized vehicles (RVs) and trailers parked on neighborhood streets, and graffiti-removal requests. They create service requests (SRs) for these issues and the SRs are passed on to the appropriate departments for follow-up.

When you contact Reno Direct they will let you know if the area about which you are calling is in the City limits or not, and give you the correct number to call if, based on location, it is not a City issue.

THE CODE ENFORCEMENT SOLuTION

Code Enforcement is part of the City of Reno’s Community Development Department. Code Enforcement works in cooperation with the community to promote safe and attractive neighborhoods and to maintain a desirable living and working environment. Code Enforcement does just what it says— enforce the City of Reno’s Municipal Codes.

As with most laws and regulations, the Reno Municipal Code can be

confusing, somewhat vague, and open to more than one interpretation. Also, Code Enforcement cannot enforce rules and regulations if they are only part of a housing development’s Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) or a regulation created by a Homeowners’ Association.

The kinds of issues that can be handled by Reno’s Code

Enforcement Officers are regulations and laws relating to:

Existing buildings and structures that are unsafe or present a danger to the public;

Building Code violations, including building something without the necessary permit(s);

• •

Housing Code violations, including standards for safe and sanitary rental housing;

Zoning Code violations, including buildings used for a purpose not permitted in a particular area, size and height restrictions, parking requirements, etc.;

Nuisance problems, including things like damaged fencing, excessive weeds, trash, etc. which are not only unsightly but pose a potential fire hazard;

Pools or ponds that are abandoned or not maintained, thereby presenting a danger to children and pets, and fostering

disease-carrying mosquitoes, etc.;

Generally dilapidated properties, which are unsightly as well as dangerous.

Additionally, Code Enforcement officers will check out overgrown vegetation or trees when they block vision to streets, sidewalks, signs, or signals.

Vehicles on private property will be checked out by Code Enforcement officers if the vehicles are stored or parked on unimproved surfaces in the front yard, or more than two unregistered vehicles or inoperable vehicles are kept in open storage. Any two “junk” vehicles with missing body parts, or that are wrecked, or with broken windows or flat tires must be kept behind a six-foot screened fence when stored on private property. No more than two (2) junk vehicles may be kept on the property at any time.

Code Enforcement will also investigate excessive garage sales. If a resident has more than four garage sales in a year or a garage sale is held continuously for more than 48 hours, that is a violation of the Reno Municipal Code.

• • • • •

Neighborhood Problems Handbook

Reno Police Department

THE ANIMAL SERVICES SOLuTION

Reno’s Animal Services has merged with Washoe County so that currently all issues/complaints relating to animals are handled by Washoe County Regional Animal Services,

regardless of whether the complaint concerns an animal in Reno city limits or in Washoe County.

Washoe County Animal Control Officers enforce all laws pertaining to animals at large, animal noise nuisances, animal bites and rabies control, and investigate reports of possible neglect or abuse to animals. Call their dispatch number to report these complaints. Animal Control Officers are on duty seven days a week. Call Animal Services’ main office number for routine questions pertaining to animal licensing, etc., or to check on a missing animal that they may have picked up.

If you see a wild animal in a residential area that may pose a danger to others, such as a bear, or if you see a wounded wild animal, call the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Animal Services generally only deals with domestic animal concerns.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH SOLuTION

“Neighborhood Watch” is a program in which a group of citizens who live in close proximity literally “watch out” for each other. Never a vigilante organization, Neighborhood Watch just provides avenues for neighbors to get to know each other well enough to observe when something “doesn’t feel right” at a neighbor’s residence or condo or apartment. If you know, for instance, that the entire Smith

family is on vacation, and you see an unfamiliar vehicle or person on their property, a call to the non-emergency dispatch number may be advisable. Neighborhood Watch allows neighbors to learn just enough about each other so that they know which vehicles belong at which residences, or if the families are out of town, etc. The Neighborhood Watch program does not advocate personal confrontation if you suspect someone is committing a crime. Call non-emergency dispatch if you see something suspicious, or call “911” if you witness an illegal activity.

Before a Neighborhood Watch is started, an informal canvas of the area should take place to determine how many

neighbors are interested, and if they are dispersed throughout your area; neighbors who live within a block or two of each other cannot form an effective Neighborhood Watch. The Neighborhood Watch organization recommends that at least 30% of any given area needs to participate in order to conduct a successful program. Once that level of interest is confirmed, the Community Affairs Division at RPD can help set up the first meeting and have an officer attend bringing needed

information to get the program started. If there are crimes in your neighborhood such as vehicle break-ins or graffiti and it is considered to be the work of one person or persons who may or may not reside in the area, a Neighborhood Watch is neither necessary nor appropriate. In that case, call the non-emergency dispatch number to report your suspicions or Secret Witness if you wish to remain anonymous.

THE “SOCIAL HOST ORDINANCE” SOLuTION

The Social Host Liability Ordinance has been passed and is part of the Reno Municipal Code’s nuisance laws. Section 8.22.300 Social Host Liability is aimed at reducing underage drinking, binge drinking and related problems associated with home drinking parties.

Social Host Liability refers to laws that hold

non-commercial individuals responsible for drinking events on property that they own. Disruptive gatherings, where alcohol may be a contributing factor, are a threat to public safety, health and quality of life issues and constitute a public nuisance.

The police will continue to respond to calls for service and educate, issue a citation, or arrest individuals involved in disruptive gatherings. They will periodically provide a report to Code Compliance on disruptive gathering locations. After the second call at a location within six months, Code Compliance will send a warning letter to the property owner. Upon a third

Neighborhood Problems Handbook

Reno Police Department

THE NEIGHBORHOOD ADVISORY BOARD SOLuTION

Sometimes a neighborhood issue involves a problem within the entire neighborhood rather than just an issue with one neighbor. When this appears to be the case, a possible solution is joining the Neighborhood Advisory Board (NAB) for your area. There are eight NABs in the City of Reno, each representing a particular area of the City. Each NAB meets usually once a month in the evening to discuss issues important to the area they represent.

The general purpose of the NABs is to foster partnerships among the citizens, the City Council, and City staff, which allows citizens to actively participate in City affairs. NABs maintain a close association with many City departments and act as a conduit for communication between the City Council and the citizens of Reno. These volunteer organizations bring neighbors together to improve the quality of life in their neighborhood, and contribute information, opinions, advice, suggestions and recommendations on all governmental affairs and services affecting a neighborhood. If your problem affects your entire neighborhood, joining a NAB may be the solution.

THE SMALL CLAIMS COuRT SOLuTION

Small Claims Court, located in the Civil Division of Reno Justice Court, is only a good solution to a neighborhood problem if it has a financial component. Technically, a small claim is a lawsuit against an individual or a business; however, the maximum dollar amount that an individual may file for is $10,000. If the neighborhood dispute does not concern money, small claims court cannot be used to solve it. Appendix A contains samples of the forms as well as information and instructions to file a small claim in Reno Justice Court.

SPECIAL SOLuTIONS FOR SPECIAL PROBLEMS

Occasionally, a problem may arise that is delicate in nature, because one wishes to report a potentially illegal activity within a neighborhood, but can’t be sure that the illegal activity is actually taking place. It is important to remember that, in most cases, it is better to be safe than sorry. If you suspect that a neighborhood child, for instance, is being abused, either physically or sexually, it is the duty of any good citizen to report that possibility to authorities. You can only hope you are wrong, but you may save a child’s life or improve a child’s situation substantially if you are correct. The Reno Police Department has special phone numbers you can call to report possible child or elder abuse.

DRuG ACTIVITY

If you notice a lot of traffic or cars coming and going at a neighborhood residence, but no one stays for long and you feel that something “just isn’t right” at that residence, you can call the Reno Police Department’s Street

Enforcement Team (SET) and let them know about your suspicions. You might want to keep a log for a day or two so you can let the SET detective know how many

vehicles you noticed going to that residence and how long each vehicle stayed. The SET Team will then conduct surveillance to see if they observe the same patterns that you reported. They will use other investigative techniques as well, after which they can act based on their own assessment of the situation. If your suspicions are correct you will have helped get a drug dealer out of

circulation. You may also have made your neighborhood safer if the residence is the location of a methamphetamine production operation using dangerous and volatile substances.

HOMELAND SECuRITY

Similarly, if you notice something odd about a residence that you think might be a homeland security issue, you can call a special number at the Reno Police Department to discuss your suspicions with a detective trained to deal with homeland security concerns. That detective will ask you pertinent questions to help determine if a risk truly exists and follow-up is needed.

Neighborhood Problems Handbook

Reno Police Department

• REMOVE THIS DIRECTORY AND KEEP IT IN A HANDY SPOT BY YOUR PHONE •

Page 

PHone DIReCToRY

* All numbers given below use the ‘775’ area code.

WHAT

WHO

PHONE NO.

Police, Fire, or Medical -

EMERGENCY ONLY Dispatch for any emergency 911 Report suspicious activity, graffiti in

progress, etc. Dispatch – Non-Emergency Only 334-2121 Mediation services at no charge to

settle neighborhood dispute Neighborhood Mediation Center 788-2127 Sighting of dangerous or wounded

wild animal in area Nevada Dept. of Wildlife 688-1500 Neighborhood Advisory Boards

information Reno Community Relations Division 321-8318 Abandoned vehicles, potholes,

traffic sign and signal repair, graffiti removal, illegal parking of RVs, Code Enforcement request, etc.

RENO DIRECT 334-2099 Report possible child abuse, child

sexual abuse, or child neglect Reno Police Department - Child Abuse/Sex Crimes Unit 785-8605 Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

information for owners of large rental complexes

Reno Police Department Community

Affairs Division 334-2455 Neighborhood Watch program

information Reno Police Department Community Affairs Division 334-2178 Report suspicious activity concerning

homeland security Reno Police Department Homeland Security 334-2441 Report possible drug activity in a

residence Reno Police Department – Street Enforcement Team (SET) 334-3065 Report information about a crime

anonymously Secret Witness 322-4900 File a small claim involving money Small Claims Court – Reno Justice _{Court Civil Division} 325-6501 Animal licensing; missing pet; routine

questions Washoe County Regional Animal Services – Main Office 353-8900 Animal abuse; animal bite; animal on

the loose; dead animal in road, etc. Washoe County Regional Animal Services – Dispatch (7 days) 322-3647 or_322-DOGS Information and brochure on landlord/

tenant law Washoe Legal Services 329-2727 Report possible child abuse or neglect Washoe County Social Services 785-8600

$10,000.00.

$10,000.00.