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Have you said "Hi" to your neighbor lately?

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As warm spring and summer weather approaches, people start spending more time outdoors. Some start to build things, maybe a new shed or a patio cover. Others prefer to not do much but watch their grass grow. Some people start bringing out the camping equipment, RV's, and boats. And others just start to notice things they hadn't before. In the spring, code enforcement requests easily triple, and by May, there seems no end to the neighbor complaints. Sadly, many of the "offenders" are baffled, asking why their "always friendly neighbors" didn't just come over and talk to them. Feelings are hurt and relationships are weakened.

Your home is your castle, a place you want to return to in peace and harmony, and a group of caring neighbors can make the largest difference in our often impersonal world. Before placing a complaint, stop and ask yourself a few questions...

Are your neighbors ill or otherwise unable to perform the yard maintenance they used to?
Is someone on vacation and the "house sitter" isn't keeping up on the newspapers and lawn mowing?
Is this a one-time occurrence, like a wedding or graduation?
Are you angry with your neighbor for personal reasons like kids fighting or a relationship that broke up?
Do you have code violations just like your neighbor, but don't think yours are a problem?
And most of all... If you had a code violation, how would you like your neighbors to treat you?

Now look around at your neighborhood, including your own home, and see what you can do to make a difference. Feel proud knowing that you are doing the right thing, upholding local laws, being a good neighbor, and setting a great example. Don't leave your RV or boat out in the street. Keep your lawn mowed and your bushes trimmed. Beware of "pack ratting", curtail it by keeping your "collections" in the garage or shed. Before you build, contact the City for zoning and setback requirements. If you are interested in a home based business, contact the City first. And don't block the street or sidewalk with anything, including basketball hoops, toys, bark-dust or other landscaping materials, and poorly parked vehicles.

We at the City understand that not all issues are resolved by friendly neighbor relations, and for that, the City staff is here to help with code violations. We will investigate valid complaints, and take action if needed. But we also want to encourage you to not be one of the "neighbor wars", those groups of feuding homeowners who live tensely next to strangers. Instead, simply wave when you drive by your neighbor, say "Hi" at the mailbox, compliment that new landscaping, and pay attention to the normal activities around you. Then if you see something wrong, ask, "How can I lend a helping hand, share an experience, or offer a solution?"

Let's get the friendships going again. Let's take responsibility for our own property. Let's be proud of our neighborhoods again, and together help make Tigard an even better place to call home!