Getting along with your neighbors

So...go next door and introduce yourself!

You may feel self-conscious but get over it. In short order you'll feel safer and more comfortable.

Most non-student neighbours want to know their student neighbours.

If your neighbours know you, they might better tolerate any inconsistencies on your part. And you might find them quite willing to lend the snow shovel or lawnmower or check the mail and keep an eye on the house when you're away.

Bylaws

Bylaws are City of Kingston regulations governing everything from parking infractions to property standards.  Some city bylaws can be accessed through the City of Kingston website while others are available only on paper. View a property standards checklist and read how to communicate a breach of standards to your landlord and city officials. Other bylaws of interest to students are use of indoor furniture outdoors, noise and winter parking restrictions.

Noise Prohibitions by Time and Place - To report an infraction contact 613-546-4291 ext. 3135 Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For all other times, please contact Kingston Police at 613-549-4660.

In residential neighborhoods there is a 24-hour prohibition on “the operation of any electronic device or group of connected electronic devices incorporating one or more loudspeakers or other electro-mechanical transducers, and intended for the production, reproduction or amplification of sound.”
(Bylaw 9309 – 1979; 80-191 – 1981)

In short, if noise from your stereo is bothering your neighbours – at any hour of the day or night – you can face a penalty of up to $5,000.

Use of indoor furniture outdoors

Yards 2.5(a) All furniture for exterior use shall be of a material that readily repels water. Furniture that becomes dilapidated shall be disposed of. (Bylaw 83-56 – 1975) 
 

Parking regulations

On-Street Parking in Residential Areas
On-street parking in available in residential areas, but is subject to restrictions. Please respect signs for time restrictions.

Restricted Time Zones
Signage on-street indicates restricted time zones in certain areas, such as residential neighbourhoods. These time restrictions allow for street sweeping and reduce traffic flow in residential neighbourhoods.

No Parking Areas
You may not leave your vehicle in "No Parking Areas", designated with signs. “No Parking Area” do allow for brief stopping of vehicles for loading or unloading passengers.

Parking Near Intersections
Parking is not permitted within a corner of any street or intersection for a distance of 6 meters back from the corner on each intersecting street in metered areas, 9 meters on side streets in non-metered areas, and 23 meters back from the corner on each through street, in order to ensure maximum visibility for moving traffic.

Winter Parking Regulations
No parking is permitted on any City street between December 1 through March 31, between the hours of 1 am and 7 am.

Related links:
Local government