The neighborhood surrounding Syracuse University is home to a diverse residential and business community. While the origins, cultural backgrounds, and reasons for living or renting here are unique among neighbors, residents share common interests in seeking to maintain a clean, safe living and working environment. Guidelines for good citizenship come from many sources. The City of Syracuse website offers information, including resources listed at the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development. Additionally, neighborhood civic, cultural, and recreational groups offer opportunities to engage residents’ interests in a variety of shared objectives:
- Housing Visions Unlimited, Inc.
- Neighborhood Watch Program, City of Syracuse
- Outer Comstock Neighborhood Association (OCNA)
- South East University Neighborhood Association (SEUNA)
- Thornden Park Association
- Tomorrow’s Neighborhood Today
- University Neighborhood Preservation Association (UNPA)
- Westcott Community Center (WCC)
- Westcott Neighborhood Association website, the best resource for information on University Neighborhood businesses, news and events.
- Westcott Street Cultural Fair (WSCF)
City of Syracuse
Syracuse University is located in the City of Syracuse, in the County of Onondaga. The Visit Syracuse website has all the details on what makes Syracuse unique – beyond our snowfall – including details on more than 40 museums, parks, restaurants, cultural venues, and more.
Many students, staff, and faculty members reside in the neighborhoods surrounding the University. It’s important for all residents to be knowledgeable about the local codes and ordinances that govern property condition, parking, noise, safety, trash removal, and more.
Codes and Ordinances
The City of Syracuse Division of Code Enforcement maintains the Housing and Property codes and enforces compliance with the Syracuse Zoning Ordinance.
If you have questions or concerns about the condition of a property in which you are a tenant, please contact the Division of Code Enforcement for the City of Syracuse. A member of their staff will be able to guide you through the process of reviewing a property’s occupancy certificates and obtaining an inspection if needed.
Please note that landlords are responsible for providing tenants with certain items and/or services, which, if not done, are in violation of city ordinances as well. For further information, please contact the Office of Off-Campus and Commuter Services (OCCS) at 315-443-5489 or review a Model Lease Agreement.
Noise Ordinance
The City of Syracuse enforces the ordinance that no one shall play any radio, stereo, television, musical instrument or any other device that produces sound in such a manner as to create unnecessary noise that crosses property boundaries and annoys a person of reasonable sensibilities.
The Noise Ordinance is in effect 24 hours a day. Complaints can be called into the Syracuse Police non-emergency number at 315-442-5111.
Please Note: The Neighborhood Safety Patrol (NSP) patrols the university neighborhood and will respond to noise complaints. The NSP is a joint effort between Syracuse Police Department, SU Public Safety and the Community.
Trash Removal and Recycling
In most cases, landlords supply tenants with suitable and ample receptacles for proper disposal of trash and recycling. City of Syracuse trash laws have recently been updated and are more stringent than ever. Find the full details on their website.
Sidewalk Maintenance and Snow Removal
In the City of Syracuse, repair and maintenance of sidewalks is the responsibility of the property owner, this includes snow removal. In some cases, a lease may include terms that require a tenant to remove snow. In this case, tenants may request for landlords to supply snow removal equipment as a condition of their lease.
If you have further questions about sidewalk maintenance, or snow removal in the City, visit the Department of Public Works’ website or talk to your landlord.
Pets
The City of Syracuse upholds a leash law. For full details on a pet owner’s responsibilities, and details on required vaccinations, helpful phone numbers, and more, visit the city’s Pets/Animals website.
Parking – Off Campus
Parking restrictions are set by the City of Syracuse and vary from street to street. Read the signs carefully to avoid being ticketed or towed.
Odd-even parking is common and starts at 6 p.m. on odd dates on the odd-numbered address side of the street and 6 p.m. on even dates on the even-numbered side. Many streets have restrictions on daytime parking. If you plan to bring a car to campus, make sure ample legal parking exists at your apartment, or on the street, before you sign a lease.
Visit the City of Syracuse Parking Bureau website for full details, or call them at 315-479-5300.
Parking – On Campus
All members of the Syracuse University community must register and pay the applicable fee to the University Office of Parking and Transit Services to obtain a permit for each vehicle they operate on campus. Parking permits must be displayed in the vehicle at all times.