The Party Rules...
City of Philadelphia Noise Ordinance
It prohIbits unreasonable noise between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a. m. Police
may issue appearance tickets to or even arrest violators. Fines range
up to $300 and/or 90 days in jail for repeat or serious violators.
The Open Container Law
It is illegal for a person to possess an open container of an alcoholic
beverage in a public place. Fines range up to $300 or imprisonment
up to 10 days for failure to pay fine withIn 10 days.
False ID Violations
Persons under the age of 21 who present falsified or fraudulently
altered proof of age for the purpose of attempting to purchase alcoholic
beverages are guilty of a violation, punishable by a fine and suspension
of driving privileges. First Offense: $300 fine and suspension of
driving privileges for 90 days. Subsequent Offenses: $500 fine and
suspension of driving privileges for one year (2nd violation) or two
years (three or more violations.) Courts are not permitted to suspend
sentences.
The PA Alcohol Beverage Control Law (which pertains to parties)
Persons under the age of 21 are prohibited from possessing any alcohol
beverage with the intent to consume the beverage. Violators are subject
to a fine of up to $300 and suspension of driving privileges for 90
days, first offense, $600 fine and suspension of drinking privileges
for one year (2nd violation), or 2 years (3 or more violations). Parents
are notified of all arrests.
City's Anti-Litter Ordinance
All garbage must be in tightly-covered metal leak-proof containers,
and bundled trash must be packaged to prevent it from being scattered.
Violators are subject to fines $50 - $100 first offense, $300 if don't
pay within 8 days, and/or imprisonment.
Being a Good Neighbor
Following the guidelines below you can help to create an environment
everyone finds peaceful and enjoyable:
Get to know your neighbors
They don't have to become your best friends, but there are many reasons
why knowing your nearest neighbors is a good idea. So, as you see
them in the halls, laundry room, lobby, in front of the building/houses,
or by the mailboxes smile and say hello; if they appear to be receptive,
introduce yourself.
Understand and follow the local community and landlord rules
Many communities have rules for things like where you can park, where
your pet can be, when certain facilities are open, quiet hours, trash
pickup, and more. These should all be spelled out either in your lease
or in a supplemental set of rules and regulations. Know them and follow
them. Your neighbors and landlord will thank you.
Observe reasonable hours for noisy activities
Vacuuming, hanging pictures, moving heavy furniture, all these activities
produce noise which can travel beyond the walls of your apartment/house
into shared walls. Make every effort to restrict these activities
to daytime hours. A good rule of thumb is to restrict these extra
noisy activities to the hours telemarketers can legally call you:
9am - 9pm. Check your lease/ rental regulations and local regulations,
and follow any specified quiet hours.
A word about children
For those of you without children, understand that your neighbors'
children have a right to be there, and that they are, after all, children.
Mind what you say and how you behave. You could be setting a positive
or negative image for children to follow. Treating neighborhood children
with respect can go a long way to maintaining & improving your
rapport with your neighbors.
Tidiness through trash management
Keeping your yard, entrances, balconies, walkways neat and tidy; and
putting covered plastic garbage cans and recycling bins curbside no
earlier than morning of pick up keeps everyone's home looking appealing.
If you have pets, understand that not all your neighbors are animal
lovers
If your lease allows pets, be aware of the rules concerning where
they can be when they are outside your apartment or house. Keep your
pet on a leash unless it is in your backyard or inside your home.
Don't let your dog roam free in the neighborhood or shared yard and
don't let your parrot practice his opera while you're at work. When
walking them don't let them run on the lawns of others. Walk them
by the side of the road and at all times be prepared to clean up after
your pet. Be aware of any noise your pet(s) may make while you are
at work or school. Ask a neighbor who's home during the day about
it. And if your landlord doesn't allow pets, don't try to get away
with it.
When it comes time to throw that party, remember your neighbors
Let them know ahead of time when the party will be happening; though
you needn't invite them. If it is going to be an open party, it would
be a nice gesture. Make sure your guests understand the rules of respect
for your neighborhood - including where it is okay to park -- and
that they remain inside your apartment/ home (or within your own personal
area outside) during the party. And remember: even when you're having
a party, local regulations for quiet hours apply.
Be considerate, be ready to compromise a little, and keep the
lines of communication open and you will be able to live quite happily
with your neighbors.