The intent of these guidelines is to balance the needs of all Pacificans. We are highlighting community as our core value, and acknowledging the importance within our intentional community of always striving to better understand and honor one another’s needs. Through our conversations we learned that Pacificans need quiet time at different times of the day, but also value opportunities to socialize with one another and enjoy our outdoor spaces. It is important to note that the focus of this committee’s work has been on outdoor spaces within Pacifica that are within earshot of residents’ homes.

The times for quiet hours were selected as a compromise between individuals and families who are early birds and those who are night owls. Pacifica’s quiet hours begin at 10:00pm and last until 7:30am on weekdays and 8:00am on weekends. During that time, Pacificans are asked to make a special effort to avoid disturbing their neighbors and to ask their guests to do the same. Even outside of quiet hours, however, all Pacificans are asked to be mindful of their neighbors, and to recognize that at any time of day people may be napping or working or simply trying to enjoy a quiet moment. 

Quiet hours do not preclude walking through the community, walking to your car, leaving Pacifica, or talking at a normal volume. They do preclude loud play, loud laughter, loud music, motorized equipment, power tools, and loud toys including children’s vehicles from which other Pacificans might be disturbed. If young children want to play in the community prior to 7:30am on weekdays and 8:00am on weekends, families are encouraged to bring them to the playfield near the upper/South community garden or inside the Common House. The playground adjacent to the Common House should be avoided, since several homes are close by. 

If a Pacifican is negatively affected by noise, they are encouraged to talk with their neighbor(s) first to resolve the matter. If we all agree to live in a way that embodies our core value of community, and approach one another in a spirit of openness and generosity, we believe most noise-related issues can be resolved amicably. In rare cases where neighbor-to-neighbor conversations don’t lead to a resolution, the dispute resolution committee is available to help neighbors work through any remaining conflicts or difficulties. With noise-related issues, as in other cases of conflict, the list-serve should be avoided as a channel for airing grievances.