So You Want to Live Off-Campus
Make sure you know the laws that govern your activities
The City of Tallahassee recognizes that students are our customers and we value our student population. We want to help each of you be successful and to enjoy your stay in Tallahassee. Due to limited student housing and strict policies on campus, many students are renting houses in primarily single-family neighborhoods.
While the majority of our students blend in to this neighborhood environment and work well with their neighbors, there are some who view this living arrangement as an invitation to be disruptive. We have found the primary reason for the majority of violations is that the students do not know the laws. Due to recent increased violations of laws and complaints by citizens, the City has become much more aggressive in enforcing the items listed below. The following provides information that you might find helpful for you, in monitoring your guests, and in reporting problems that impact your quality of life.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us to make Tallahassee a better place to live…for everyone. Should you have any questions, please feel free to call the Neighborhood Services office at 850/891-6500.
Noise and Party Limits – Party Patrol
The City does not prohibit parties, but it does have a responsibility to protect the rights of those who are adversely affected by parties. City code prohibits obscene, profane, or indecent language as well as drunken, noisy, or disorderly conduct on a city street or other public place within the city limits that disturbs public tranquility. This includes the use of amplifying devices such as home stereos, car stereos, televisions, etc. Any of these turned up to the point of disturbing the peace or annoying any person who owns or occupies property in the neighborhood is in violation of the law.
All persons listed on the lease are responsible for any person or activity on the property. Please monitor your guests to ensure they are old enough to drink alcohol and they do not create a nuisance or noise situations that may disturb the quality of life of your neighbors. If you choose not to party responsibly, you will be subject to your party being shut down and possible arrest for law violations. A little responsibility goes a long way to encourage good feelings between neighbors and to ensure that your next party does not end in disaster.
To report problems, call the Tallahassee Police Department at 850-891-4200.
Number of Unrelated People Cohabiting in a Single Family District
The Tallahassee Code of Ordinances restricts the number of unrelated people living in a residence to no more than three unless the address is specifically grandfathered by the City to allow more than three unrelated occupants. This requirement applies to zoning areas designated as single family. When you plan to share housing with roommates, you are required to either restrict the number of occupants to three or seek appropriate housing in a multi-family district. Suspected violations should be reported to the Growth Management Department at 850-891-7050.
Parking on the Street
In many areas, residents and guests park on the street as necessary to accommodate overflow from the driveway. Make sure you are not parked in a "no parking" zone, blocking driveways, parking on sidewalks, in drainage ditches or easements, or on adjacent private properties. The towing laws will be strictly enforced. Before you and your roommates rent a home or apartment, make sure there is enough parking available to accommodate each resident's vehicle as well as those of any guests.
To report problems, call the Tallahassee Police Department at 850-891-4200.
Pets
All dogs must be kept in an enclosed area or on a leash. The leash must be long enough to allow the dog sufficient freedom to gain access to food and water and to gain protection from the weather. Constant and loud barking, leaving pets with no food or water, cruelty to animals and abandonment are all prohibited. All of these actions are subject to escalating fines, and or arrests.
When you leave town, please do not abandon your pet. The Animal Service Center can find homes or foster parents for many of the animals given up to them. Left alone in a neighborhood, a pet can starve, be mistreated or run over.
To report suspected problems or for more information, call the Tallahassee Animal Service Center at 850-891-2950.
Household Garbage and Trash
Garbage and recyclables in Tallahassee are collected at the curb once a week. Make sure your containers are at the curb by 6:30 AM on the scheduled day. The containers used for garbage and recycling collection tend to clutter the right of way and are not aesthetically pleasing. Please remember to pull yours back from the street the evening of your service day.
Dumping of trash, debris, limbs, grass or other yard waste on private property or in a storm drain or other public property is prohibited. For information on the storage and collection of garbage, recycling or yard trash, and to report suspected violations of these requirements contact the Tallahassee Solid Waste Department at 850-891-4YOU.
When you move into town, undoubtedly you will have many cardboard boxes to be disposed. Please break them down and stack them neatly by the street for collection on your bulk waste collection day, or bring them to Solid Waste Services cardboard recycling dumpster at 2727 Municipal Way. If placing them at the curb, please verify your bulk collection day by calling 891-4YOU or going to www.talgov.com. When you leave town, please place any furniture you will be disposing of by the street for bulk collection. Please bag or box all small items and place them in the black garbage barrel, so they do not get blown around your property and into the street.
Inoperative Motor Vehicles
Inoperative motor vehicles cannot be stored in the open. An inoperative vehicle is a vehicle that does not display a current license tag and/or is not equipped with all parts that are required to legally and safely operate on public streets and/or cannot be driven under its own power (whether or not designed for use on the public streets).
To report problems or for more information, call the Code Enforcement Division at 850-891-6500.
Owner/Occupant Responsibilities
The City of Tallahassee has a Minimum Housing Code that establishes minimum standards for residential housing. This code holds the landlord responsible for certain basic elements considered necessary for safe housing. Examples are, but are not limited to, adequate heating facilities, safe electrical systems, sound structural elements of the building, and functional sanitation facilities. Tenants can be held responsible by their landlords for destruction to the residence or for failure to comply with the sections of the code that are under their control. The City will also actively work with the landlord to force evictions where there are ongoing code violations. Please also see Yard Maintenance for examples.
To report problems or for more information, call the Code Enforcement Division at 850-891-6500.
Yard Maintenance – Trash and Debris – Outdoor Storage
In an effort to maintain the appearance of our neighborhoods, yards must be maintained to avoid unsightly high weeds or high grass (over 12" in height). Shrubs and trees should be trimmed to eliminate sight distance problems on corner properties. Outdoor storage of materials such as appliances, indoor furniture in yards, on porches, etc., building materials, loose bottles and boxes are prohibited by ordinance. Junk, trash, and debris cannot be left in the yard and must be properly disposed of. Generally, any equipment, materials, or furnishings that would ordinarily not be used outdoors may not be stored outdoors. Firewood is permitted but must be neatly stacked and free of insects and rodents.
Violation of this ordinance may result in the owner or tenant being issued a voluntary compliance notice or official notice of violation. To register a complaint call the Code Enforcement Offices at 850/891-6500 or leave a message on their code hotline, 24 hours a day, at 850-891-CODE (2633).
Good Neighbor Suggestions
- Don't speed in residential areas. Unless otherwise posted, residential areas have 30mph speed limits.
- Know the specifics of your lease.
- Possessing a concealed weapon of any kind or firing a weapon at any time is a crime.
- Ensure persons under the age of 21 do not possess or drink alcohol.
- Open burning or campfires are prohibited within the City limits.
- Excessively loud radio noise or slamming of car doors in the early morning hours can be especially disturbing for neighbors. Be considerate.
- Know and comply with your city regulations.
- Join your neighborhood association and Neighborhood Crime Watch Program.
- Be a considerate neighbor.
- Enjoy your neighborhood.