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How To Create a New Neighborhood Association

Information and steps on how to create a new neighborhood association.

Starting Your Association

  • Gather a core group of neighbors and businesses of the new neighborhood association
  • Establish the goals of the association and determine the purpose of organizing
  • Identify your association boundaries
  • Create bylaws to govern your association, in compliance with the Neighborhood Association Recognition Ordinance (NARO)

Benefits of Being Recognized with the ONC and the City

  • Receive notice regarding development and permit applications within the boundaries of your neighborhood association
  • Have automatic appeal standing in land use cases within the boundaries of your neighborhood association
  • Get notice of special events happening within the boundaries of your association
  • Be informed about filming taking place within your neighborhood
  • Get connected to other neighborhoods and City Departments

How To Become Recognized with the ONC

  • Complete the Compliance Form for Neighborhood Associations
  • Establish temporary board members who can serve until your association is able to hold its first Annual Meeting (the Annual Meeting is when you will formally elect officers/board members)
  • Establish bylaws that are in compliance with the NARO and have them reviewed by the ONC prior to
  • Ensure your boundaries do not exceed two (2) square miles, do not overlap with any other recognized neighborhood association, and are completely within City limits. You can use the ONC’s Bylaws template here.
  • Make sure your bylaws include:
    • Date of Annual Meeting
    • For a neighborhood association: Stipulate that membership is available for all residents, including renters, property owners, and businesses within the boundaries of your association
    • Ensure that your bylaws clearly state that dues are voluntary and are not a requirement for either membership or voting