Welcome to the Neighborhood

Welcome Cal students! Many of your neighbors were once in your position, starting out a new chapter of their lives at Berkeley. Some have lived in this neighborhood since the 1970's and 1980's and are proud of their streets, gardens, and neighborhood associations. Be friendly and form relationships with your new community!

Cal Community Expectations

It's a privilege to be a part of the Cal community, and it comes with responsibility for upholding standards of the community. Members are expected to know and comply with all laws, university policies, campus regulations, and to conduct themselves in ways that support a scholarly environment. Visit the Berkeley Center for Student Conduct to learn more.

City Laws and Ordinances

Community quiet hours are 10 pm to 7 am every day. This applies to every neighborhood and every street. Penalties for unreasonable noise include an official warning on your first response, and a fine of up to $100 on your second response.

Any party or social event that has amplified music and is "open to the public" or anticipates more than 50 attendees must be permitted by the city and inspected by a city fire inspector no later than 10 business days prior to the event. The purpose is to protect the health and safety of guests as well as nearby residents.

There are various levels of penalties for loud or unruly gatherings. First violations typically include a warning, public notice, and order to disperse the gathering. A second violation at the same property within 120 days (including the same night) will result in an automatic $750 fine. A third violation at the same property within 120 days (including the same night) will result in an automatic $1500 fine. Fines will continue to increase with subsequent violations.

Public nuisances include hindering the quiet enjoyment of a significant portion of the neighborhood, gatherings of ten or more people, excessive noise or traffic, obstruction of public streets by crowds or vehicles, public drunkenness, serving alcohol to minors, fights or disturbances of the peace, and litter.

Roles and Procedures of Berkeley Center for Student Conduct

Police and neighbors can report complaints and incidents involving Cal students to the Center for Student Conduct (CSC) as possible violations of the Code of Student Conduct. CSC staff review all reports to determine if they are actionable. Actionable cases follow an established process to determine if a student or student organization has violated the Code. CSC sanctions aim to be appropriate to the violation and can include monetary fines, restriction of privileges, restitution, university service, counseling, and additional assignments. For more information regarding the conduct process, please contact the Center for Student Conduct.