Living in Greeley
Greeley is a friendly community less than an hour’s drive from Denver, firmly rooted in Colorado life and recreation. With a population of about 100,000, and a vibe that is eclectic and wholly unique, Greeley offers limitless outdoor recreation; art, music and community events; and a range of shopping and restaurants for every interest and appetite.
Additional Info
Resources
- Good Neighbor Ordinances
Noise: When noise is an issue, the responding police officer has the discretion to decide if the noise coming from a property is unreasonable. They can issue a fine up to $1,000 per resident for the first offense. Greeley Police Dispatch (non-emergency number): (970) 350-9600.
Parking: It is illegal to park backwards on a city street, block a driveway, park in any part of your lawn or unimproved surface, or remain parked on the street for more than 48 hours in the same place. Additionally, in order to store a vehicle on your property, it must be operable (including current license plates) or stored out of public view.
Pets: If you own a pet, you are responsible for keeping your animals from creating a disturbance (for example a barking dog) and picking up all animal waste. Additionally, you are required to keep your animal on a leash or confined to your own property at all times and have a current pet license. Weld County Humane Society: (970) 506-9550.
Occupancy Limit: The City of Greeley investigates all complaints of over occupancy, which limits the occupants of a home to no more than two unrelated people or a family plus one. If a violation is found, the residents and/or property owner may be issued a citation for each day the property is over occupied. Fines are up to $1,000 per day. Do not forget that visitors who spend the night more than thirty days in any 12 month period are considered occupants.
Good Neighbor Ordinance & Chronic Violations: The Good Neighbor Ordinance (GNO) holds chronic violators accountable, which includes nuisance behavior and property conditions associated with party hosting, such as trash and litter, public urination, fighting, and vandalism. The GNO process tracks multiple violations over a period of time and designates properties and individuals as “chronic offenders” and subjecting them to increased scrutiny and penalties from the City of Greeley’s Municipal Court, Code Compliance, and Police Department.
- Know Your Stuff
Unreasonable Noise: The City of Greeley does not use decibel measurements to determine unreasonable noise except in the case of mechanical or industrial noise. Typically, noise heard beyond property lines is too loud. When loud noise persists, call GPD at (970) 350-9600, do not call 911. Once police arrive, they will determine if the level of noise is unreasonable by considering the time of day, type of noise, and other factors. A ticket may be issued. Violators are subject to fines of up to $1,000.
Off Campus Ticket: Did you know all UNC students are held accountable for your behaviors off-campus through the Student Code of Conduct? All citations and tickets which involve UNC students are forwarded from the Greeley Police to the UNC Dean of Students Office. For more information, call (970) 351-2796.
Alcohol: Greeley has a strict open container law which applies to everyone, even people 21 and older. Walking around with an open beer on a sidewalk or in a public place could get you a ticket. It is also illegal to sell alcohol without a license; this includes selling cups at a keg party or taking donations.
Providing Alcohol to Minors: If the minor is over 18 but under 21, the crime is a misdemeanor with penalties of up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. If the guest is under age 18 the crime is a felony punishable by up to six years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
Good Neighbor Ordinance & Party Hosting: The Good Neighbor Ordinance (GNO) is a tool for dealing with chronic problem properties and nuisance behaviors. If a house receives three citations (of any kind) in one year, or five citations in 18 months, the tenants and property owner can be held responsible under the Good Neighbor Ordinance, which may be subjected to fines and potentially jail time.
Guests: As a host, you are responsible for the behavior of your guests and their actions even if you do not know them and especially if you provide alcohol at your party.
Riots: A riot is defined as a public disturbance involving three or more people and property damage. Inciting or engaging in a riot is considered a felony. In addition to heavy fines and possible jail time, anyone convicted of engaging in a riot will not be able to attend any public college or universities in Colorado for at least one year.
Fire: Campfires need to be in approved containers within city limits. If you have questions about fire pits, call (970) 350-9500.
- Fire Safety
Smoke Alarms: DO NOT cover, disable, or tamper with alarms. Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your off-campus residence by pushing the test button monthly. You should have alarms in every bedroom and on every level of the building. You can purchase alarms for about the price of a pizza.
Escape Planning: Always know two ways out of every room, no matter where you are. You never know when an emergency will happen & the way you came in may be blocked in an emergency. If a window is your second way out, make sure it opens and that you can climb down safely (purchase an escape ladder if needed).
Cooking: Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in residential buildings. Make sure your cooking area is clear prior to turning on the heat and keep pets and small children away from the stove. If something goes wrong while you’re cooking, know what you’ll need to do to put out the fire. Don’t leave cooking unattended, especially when using high heat to fry, grill, or broil food. If you have to walk away, turn off the stove.
Smoking: Careless disposal of smoldering cigarettes is one of the leading causes of fatal fires. Smoke outside and/or make sure you have deep, sturdy ashtrays for cigarettes. Improvised ashtrays (i.e. plastic buckets or cup) may fall over, spill cigarettes, or catch fire itself. Make sure all cigarettes butts are completely out and wet down the ashes before disposing of them. Empty your trash after a party and take it outside, away from the house.
Candles: Candle fires happen because they are either unattended or somebody falls asleep. Do not leave candles burning unattended; blow candles out when you leave the room. Place at least one foot from anything flammable that could get knocked into candle or could be lit if the candle falls or is knocked over. Do not put them directly on wood, plastic, or other flammable surface. Candles can burn down and set objects on fire, so do not go to sleep with candles burning. Consider using flameless candles.
Upholstered Furniture: Fires started in couches, both inside and on front porches, by a carelessly discarded cigarette are not uncommon and have killed students. A smoldering couch can become fully engulfed in flames and spread throughout the house very quickly. Check the cushions on couches and chairs, both inside and out on the porch to make sure there isn’t a cigarette butt waiting to start a fire during the middle of the night.
Electrical Outlets: Overloading outlets, power strips, and extension cords with too many appliances can cause wiring to heat up, melt, and start a fire. Prevent overheating by using power strips with internal circuit protection that will open if it overloads.
Arson: Arson is one of the leading causes of fires in residence halls. If you see something, say something, no matter how small the fire might have been. A bulletin board, trash can, or door decorations might be the start of bigger fires.
There is a lot more to consider when looking for fire-safe housing. For more information on campus fire safety, visit:
National Fire Protection Association
- 87% of fatal college-related fatal fires have been off-campus, instead of in residence halls or Fraternity & Sorority Life housing, since 2001.
- 75% of fatal fires have involved alcohol as a contributing factor.
- 58% of fatal fires have either insufficient, disabled, or tampered-with smoke alarms.
- 29% of fatal fires have been caused by smoking (and it is the leading cause).
- 20 and 21 = the age of most students killed in fires.
- Be Smart. Party Smart.
Designate a Sober Host (who must be a resident of the property) to monitor noise and complaints. This should include controlling music volume, access to the party, outside disturbances, and to address any interactions with the neighbors or police.
Notify Your Neighbors In Advance and provide them with a phone number of the sober host. It also does not hurt to have a relationship with your neighbors well in advance to hosting a gathering so become friends with your neighbors now!
Think Before You Post! Posting your party using social media can lead to out-of-control parties, unwanted guests, unwanted behaviors, and more guests than your gathering can accommodate without unwanted consequences. You are assuming all liability for all behaviors and outcomes when hosting a gathering.
Provide Food and Non-Alcoholic Alternatives for all guests, especially if you have minors, designated drivers, and sober guests. Encourage guests to arrange alternative transportation and don’t be afraid to confiscate car keys when guests arrive.
Keep the Gathering Size Reasonable to stay in line with the capacity of your residence. Remember that unwanted guests do not know you or care if you receive a ticket.
Be Proactive by asking for help. If you're uncomfortable with the size of your party or people will not leave despite your requests, call the GPD non-emergency number (970) 350-9600 (dispatch) and ask for assistance in breaking up your party.
Be Cooperative towards neighbors, police, and others who come to discuss issues. Don't make the situation or citation worse. When police arrive, you must answer the door. Police must have legal cause or permission to enter your residence. Comply when the PD requests that all guests need to leave.
Clean Up all trash resulting from your party. Consider being proactive and have extra garbage bins at the gathering to dispose of plastic and paper products. Your neighbors may be more tolerant of your next party if they see you respecting the neighborhood.
Save a Life and call 911 if you suspect alcohol poisoning or drug overdose. For those under 21, the Safe Haven Law protects those underage from receiving a citation who call and get help for an alcohol/drug related emergency. To learn more, visit www.unco.edu/prevention.
Are you a UNC student who has received a ticket? Student Legal Services is here to help you protect your rights and navigate the process.
Contact us at: (970) 351-2001
Prevention Education & Advocacy Services administers the National Collegiate Health Assessment (NCHA) each year to learn more about students health, wellness, behaviors, and perceptions. The fact is the UNC student body consumes much less alcohol and other drugs than students think. For example in the last 30 days...
- Only 65.1% of UNC students had any alcohol compared to the believed perception of 93.6%*
- And only 25.5% of UNC students had any marijuana compared to the believed perception of 86.1%*
To learn more about UNC students or information about alcohol and other drugs, contact Prevention Education & Advocacy Services at unco.edu/prevention or 970.351.1136
*Results from the 2016 NCH
- Neighbor Etiquette
Here are some helpful tips to get to know your neighbors and the important city ordinances to help you take pride in where you live!
Introduce Yourself! A simple "hello" is your first step to building a good relationship with neighbors. Grow the relationship throughout the year by saying “hello” again and again; you never know when you will need that cup of sugar or help shoveling your walk.
Keep Neighbors Informed. Contact your neighbors before doing anything that could affect them... like throwing a house party, building a fence, or even getting a dog. Share your contact information (cell phone, etc.) so they can easily communicate with you during any event you might host or if other questions or concerns come up.
Be Aware of Neighborhood Expectations & City Ordinances. Be aware of not only the local laws and HOA covenants, but also the neighborhood expectations. Each neighborhood has a different feel, so as you get to know your neighbors, ask them about what is expected of each resident.
Be Aware of Differences. Age, faith, ethnic background, and family status can significantly impact how people live their lives. Be aware and respectful of differences between you and your neighbors.
Ask How You Can Help. Neighborly gestures contribute to a positive and welcoming neighborhood for all! Shoveling snow for your neighbor who may need assistance is a welcoming gesture.
Be Candid. If you neighbor does something that bothers you, respectfully let them know as soon as possible. If you cannot work out a fair compromise, take advantage of free and confidential mediation services offered by the City of Greeley Neighborhood Resource Office at (970) 336-4167.
Remember that citations follow the property, so be aware of prior citations to avoid costly GNO fines. Check property violation history by calling (970) 336-4167.
- Nuisance Issues
Code Violation Hotline: (970) 350-9833. There are several important nuisance ordinances to be aware of in Greeley. If violations are not corrected in the allotted time (usually 30 days) the City will bill the property owner for the expense, which may be passed down to tenants. The City may also issue citations for chronic problem properties or for violations that can’t be corrected by a contractor.
Trash: Residents are not allowed to accumulate trash and discarded items. Trash containers must also be stored out of public view.
Snow: You are responsible for clearing snow and ice off sidewalks adjacent to your residence within 24 hours of accumulation. Remember, its easier to shovel fresh snow!
Sofas: Furniture manufactured for indoor use is prohibited from outdoor areas. This includes unenclosed porches.
Weeds: Weeds and grass on your property can only be up to 6 inches tall.
- Contact Information
City of Greeley
- Neighborhood Resource Office
970-336-4167 - Code Compliance Hotline
970-350-9833 - Greeley Fire Department
970-350-9500 - Police Non-Emergency
970-350-9600
Other Helpful Contacts
- Weld County Humane Society
970-506-9550
University of Northern Colorado
- Prevention Education and Advocacy Service
970-351-1136 - Student Conduct and Accountability
970-351-2001
- Neighborhood Resource Office
