Maintain your sidewalk, front property boundary
Each homeowner is responsible for repairing the sidewalk in front of their homes, unless the damage is City tree related. In September 2019, the City stopped imposing liens on one, two and three family properties that have sidewalk damage caused solely by City trees. DOT and the Parks Department will still inspect for dangerous sidewalk conditions, but the City, not the homeowner, will be responsible for fixing them if they are exclusively tree related.
View a map of all sidewalk inspections and upcoming repairs:
https://www.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/tree-work and request an inspection through the Trees & Sidewalks program https://www.nycgovparks.org/services/forestry/request
You can also call NYC’s 3-1-1 to report cracked sidewalks, street potholes, missing or faded street signs, broken streetlamps and trees in need of pruning.
Proper exterior lighting and house number marking can help deter crime and help first responders identify your house address, in case of an emergency.
An unwritten but longstanding covenant among Bayside Hills homeowners is a prohibition against fences and laundry lines in the front yard. The open frontage adds to a pleasant, expansive and inviting Hills appearance.
Put rubbish/garbage out on the right day
Only put your rubbish/garbage (1st day) and recyclables (2nd day) out on the day it's due for collection - Tuesday (garbage only) and Friday (garbage and recyclables <food and garden, paper, plastics, metals>) pick-up for most of Bayside Hills). If you accidentally miss the collection, bring it back onto your property as soon as possible to avoid a fine and try to contain recyclables and cans out of view from the sidewalk. Clean up in front of your property. Garbage can attract vermin, insects, and other pests, and is also unsightly. By picking up litter, you’ll discourage further littering.
You’ll risk a fine if your garbage is set out before 4p on the night before the scheduled pick-up.
Keep your garden tidy
Weed your garden regularly, because the presence of weeds in your yard is not only unsightly but can also spread to your neighbor's yard. Mow your lawn regularly and keep your flowers, trees and bushes trimmed appropriately. Put equipment away as soon as you're finished with it.
Report zoning violations
Call NYC’s 3-1-1 and write to the BHCA at BaysideHillsCivic@gmail.com to report neglected/abandoned properties, zoning violations like illegal two-family homes, illegal construction, permit violations, illegal second entrances, second driveway cuts and more. The BHCA has an effective Zoning committee that will make the inquiry and follow-up, if you wish to remain anonymous.
Be considerate
Be aware of close driveways and property lines. Living near each other, we share adjacent open spaces; take care to reduce noise and sound levels from yard speaker systems, radios and equipment.
Parking etiquette: As a courtesy and local custom, please park in front of your home or in your driveway, not another’s, whenever possible.
Note: that parking commercial vehicles overnight in Bayside Hills is a violation of the NYC code. See our BHCA flyer for details.
Control your pets
Keep your dog on a leash if it has a habit of running rampant on your neighbors' lawns, especially if they have a cat or a dog of their own, and make sure to clean up after it. If you have a particularly noisy dog, this may also become a source of contention for your neighbor.
If you have problems controlling your dog's barking or whining, consider seeking advice from your local vet or a local animal organization.
You can also call NYC’s 3-1-1 to report dogs that bark unreasonably:
(a) At or after 7 a.m. and before 10 p.m., continuously for a period of 10 minutes or more
(b) At or after 10 pm. and before 7 a.m., continuously for a period of 5 minutes or more."
And remember that hens are legal, if not for commercial purposes—roosters, geese, ducks, and turkeys are not. Fines can range from $200 to $2000.
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