Attachment_10_Final_Draft_Residents_Handbook_2022_02_04_edits.pdf

RESIDENT'S HANDBOOK February 4, 2022

Table of Contents Page

Introduction

1. Roles and Responsibilities 2

2. Living with Wildlife 2

3. Garbage / Recycling Program 2

4. Noise Rules 3

5. Residents' Responsibilities 3

5.1. Check In/Check Out Procedures for Permanents 3

5.2. Check In /Check Out Procedures for Seasonals 5

5.3. Alterations to Existing Housing/Structures 7

5.4. Work Requests 8

5.5. Government-owned Furniture and Appliances 9

6. Pet Policy 9

7. Landscaping/Vegetation Policy 10

8. Smoking Policy 11

9. Fencing Policy 11

10. Satellite Dish Policy 13

11. Guests (Shared and Non-Shared Housing) 13

12. Outside Storage Units Policy 14

13. Private / Home Businesses 14

14. Lock-out Status vs. Continuing to Pay Rent While Not Residing 15

15. Heat Checks 15

15.1 Firewood/Wood Stoves 15

16. Signs 16

17. Snow Removal from Quarters 16

18. Privately-owned Vehicles 16

19. Assignment of West Yellowstone Garages 16

20. Cleaning Standards 17

21. Safety 17

22. Fire Safety 18

Appendix A- Compost/Recycling Guidelines 20 Appendix B- Housing Occupancy/Vacancy Inspection Form 22 Appendix C- Plant Species Allowed/Not Allowed for Planting 24 Appendix D- Cleaning Guidelines 25 Appendix E- Request to Install a Fence 27 Appendix F- Home Safety Survey and Checklist 28

Yellowstone National Park Resident’s Handbook

Introduction

Welcome to Yellowstone National Park! It is a privilege to be able to live within this magnificent park. The opportunity to live in the world’s first national park, experience the changing seasons, and view wildlife is extended to residents within these guidelines. Adherence to and familiarity with this handbook will help maintain the housing and grounds in a well-kept manner. Even more importantly, it will help to assure mutual respect and privacy among residents. While it is certainly a goal of the National Park Service to protect the capital investments that the government has in these housing units, it is also a priority of the NPS to help provide for the health and safety of our employees. Please contact the Housing Office at 344-2301 with your questions and comments.

1.0 Roles and Responsibilities

Please follow these guidelines when you check into your new unit in Yellowstone.

1. Walk through your unit. Follow the check in form found in Appendix B of this Resident Handbook.

2. Check your Home Safety Checklist from Appendix F.

a. If you have any concerns about your unit, please contact your local Facilities team, or the Housing Management Specialist.

3. Review this handbook. Be familiar with all policies.

a. Residents are expected to adhere to all polices listed below. Failure to follow policies will result in financial consequences and/or loss of NPS quarters.

2.0 Living with Wildlife

National parks are, by their very nature, wild places. Park residential areas, though they may appear suburban or rural, are still places that wild creatures frequent. In short, in all encounters with park wildlife, the wildlife must win, unless human life is at risk. The presence of black and grizzly bears in all areas of the park requires residents, for their safety and the continued safety of the bears, to be vigilant and comply with the following guidelines and regulations: All food, garbage, etc. which may attract bears is to be properly disposed of or stored where it is not accessible to bears. Charcoal or LP barbecue systems, including grills, smokers, and cook stoves, must be thoroughly cleaned immediately after use and stored indoors where possible. All pet food, as well water bowls, must be stored indoors. Bird feeders are prohibited. Dispose of garbage in the bear-proof dumpsters provided in each housing location. If receptacles are full, store trash inside your housing unit until the dumpster has space available. DO NOT leave garbage or litter outside the dumpsters.

Though bears are of great concern, other animals such as elk, moose, wolves, and bison can also make living in Yellowstone National Park Service a challenge. Elk and bison, when accompanied by a new calf or yearling, can be extremely dangerous. Be aware, carry a light at night, and keep your distance. Because this is a national park, the wildlife must come first in confrontations with pets, fences, ornamental landscaping and other property.

3.0 Garbage/Recycling Program

Since 1997, Yellowstone National Park has had an active recycling program. In each developed area, there are bins for plastics, aluminum, paper, cardboard, and glass, totaling over 100 bins parkwide. Annually, Yellowstone’s visitors and employees produce approximately 4,000 tons of garbage. In 2013, 694 tons of waste were diverted to compost, and 1510 tons were taken to recycling. This resulted in a 58% diversion rate, as compared to 2001, when the diversion rate was only 11%.

Beginning in 2004, the park also became involved with the Gallatin County Compost Facility, which is a joint effort between the National Park Service, State of Montana, Gallatin County, and the Hebgen Lake/West Yellowstone Solid Waste District. As a result, residents are urged to sort their garbage into both compostable and non-compostable waste.

In addition, a roll-off dumpster is located at the Mammoth Boneyard for larger non-compostable items such as construction debris, old furniture, etc. In the districts, there are recycling bins available for plastics, aluminum, paper, cardboard, and glass. In addition, there are bear-proof dumpsters for the disposal of garbage. See Appendix A for a complete list of what goes where.

4.0 Noise

Quiet hours are in effect from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. During these quiet hours, the use of generators, portable or fixed motors, any type of noise-producing machine, as well as any activity which creates unusual noise or unreasonable disturbances is prohibited. Following quiet hours is important especially since many buildings house more than one apartment with shared walls.

5.0 Residents’ Responsibilities

The operation and maintenance of housing is shared by both the government and the resident. Residents' responsibilities include routine maintenance and housekeeping, as explained further in this handbook. Residents will make every effort to utilize their assigned housing in such a way that it does not damage the condition of the unit or the grounds. Residents may be held liable for loss and/or damage to the assigned unit, equipment, and government-provided furnishings caused by abuse or negligence of the resident, their dependents, pets, or guests.

All vehicles must be in operating order and display a current registration. Personal and government vehicles must be parked in driveways and/or in designated spaces by your apartment building or multi-plex unit. Residents are allowed one more personal vehicle than licensed drivers living in their assigned unit.

Vehicles are not to be parked under trees or on lawns. It is up to the resident to find adequate locations for their vehicles.

All campers should remain parked on the side of your house or in your driveway. Campers are only allowed to be parked on the road for loading and unloading.

Residents will utilize their assigned housing in such a way that it does not damage the condition of the unit or the grounds. This includes keeping the area around your unit clean and organized.

Store equipment and materials. Any unused equipment or materials will not be left on the lawn or in a driveway. Snow blowers and lawn mowers should be kept in a garage space. If a resident does not have a garage or a storage shed an alternative storage solution will be necessary.

Yard waste: If there is debris in the yard, either natural or human caused (trash or recyclables), it needs to be disposed of in a timely and appropriate manner.

Through annual inspections of the building, the maintenance division will assess the condition of the unit(s) and develop work plans based upon available funding. Available resources will be used to maintain, repair and improve housing based upon need rather than the resident's position, grade or requests that are aesthetic in nature, i.e. installing personal light fixtures, altering floor coverings, etc. It should be understood by the resident that the way the house was at the time that the quarters was assigned is the way that house will be when they leave. See Section 4.4. Systems such as roofing and utilities will be repaired or replaced as needed. Abatements of radon, asbestos, and lead will be done as needed. Building components such as cabinets, countertops, floor coverings, kitchen and bath fixtures, etc. will be repaired or replaced as needed.

5.1 Check-In/Check-Out Procedures For Permanents-Mammoth Area (Including Gardiner, Tower, Northeast Entrance)

All residents will be treated fairly without regard to race, religion, sex, color, disability, age, and national origin.

Check In New residents living in Mammoth should plan to arrive at the Facility Management office between 8 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday in order to pick up housing keys and sign appropriate documents. If this is not possible, contact the Housing Management Specialist at (307) 344-2301 for other arrangements. New residents are not be permitted to move in prior to walking through their unit with the Housing Management Specialist or Facilities Representative.

Before moving in, new permanent residents will make arrangements to meet with the Housing Management Specialist or Facilities representative for on-site housing inspection and orientation to housing policy and procedures or follow the policy as stated in this handbook, 1.0 Roles and Responsibilities. At that time, the Housing Inspection checklist Form 10-382 (see Appendix B) will be used to document and note maintenance concerns. At the conclusion of the inspection, the new resident will sign this checklist showing his / her concurrence with the quarter's condition. The original form will be retained by maintenance to be reused at the time the resident checks out of the housing.

Check Out The Housing Management Specialist must be notified at least 14 days in advance of termination of occupancy. This time frame is necessary to cancel housing deductions through the payroll system, prepare any potential bills for collection, set up a housing check- out inspection date/time, and plan for any maintenance as needed. Residents who have accepted a job transfer or have retired are expected to vacate their quarters by no later than 14 days after their last day of employment in YELL. In addition, employees who are switching quarters in YELL have no more than 14 days from the award to move to their new quarters (unless the quarter’s turnover has not yet been completed.) In the case of extenuating circumstances, please contact the Housing Management Specialist at 344-2301.

It is the responsibility of the resident to arrange a time (during normal working hours) for a check out inspection with the Housing Management Specialist. The Housing Inspection Checklist will be used to note any damages, items not cleaned to standard, or anything needing attention by either the resident or maintenance.

Vacating residents may be financially responsible for damages and or additional cleaning. The resident will turn housing keys into the Housing Management Specialist at that time. Housing occupants who leave the park before completing the check-out inspection will continue to pay rent until the check-out is complete.

Check-In/Check-Out Procedures For Permanents-Lake and West District Locations

All residents will be treated fairly without regard to race, religion, sex, color, disability, age, and national origin.

Check In Before moving in, new permanent residents will make arrangements to meet with Housing Management Specialist or Facilities Representative for an on-site inspection of the unit. The Housing Inspection Checklist Form 10-382 (will be used to document and note maintenance concerns. At the conclusion of the inspection, the new resident will sign the checklist indicating concurrence with the unit's condition. The original form will be retained by district housing clerk to be reused at the time the resident checks out of the housing. Appointments should be made for arrival at the assigned housing between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm, Monday through Saturday only. If this time is not possible, the resident should contact the Housing Management Office to make alternative arrangements.

Any questions regarding housing policy and procedures can be directed to the Housing Management Specialist,

(307) 344-2301 or local Facility Representative.

Lake District (307) 344- 2423 West District (307)344-2737

Check Out The Housing Management Specialist must be notified at least 14 days in advance of termination of occupancy. This time frame is necessary to cancel housing deductions through the payroll system, prepare any potential bills for collection, set up a housing check- out inspection date/time, and plan for any maintenance as needed.

It is the responsibility of the resident to arrange a time (during normal working hours) for a check out inspection with the Housing Management Specialist or Facilities representative. The Housing Inspection Checklist will be used to note any damages, items not cleaned to standard, or anything needing attention by either the resident or maintenance. Vacating residents may be financially responsible for damages and or additional cleaning. The resident will turn housing keys in at that time. Housing occupants who leave the park before completing the check-out inspection will continue to pay rent until the check-out is complete.

5.2 Seasonal /Cooperator Resident Check In /Check Out Procedures

All residents will be treated fairly without regard to race, religion, sex, color, disability, age, and national origin.

SEASONAL HOUSING

North District (307) 344-2347, 2348

South District (307) 344-2423 West District (307)344-2737 Housing Management Specialist (307) 344-2301

Seasonal occupants are allowed to occupy housing 72 hours prior to their scheduled EOD in the payroll system to tend to minor cleaning and preparations for setting up or moving in. Employees must check in with the facilities representative between Monday and Friday between 8:00am and 3:30pm and complete Form 10- 382 (see Appendix B). If a resident arrives after hours, they will have to wait until the next check in day to check in. No check in on Sundays. Special circumstances will apply to employees who are delayed during their travel.

The check in Form 10-382 will be kept by the District Facilities Office and stored digitally.

Employee information will be sent within 24 hours of check in to the Housing Management Specialist in order to begin housing deductions. Information will include: Name (as it appears in FPPS), EOD, SSN, and assigned unit number.

Seasonal occupants are allowed to occupy housing for 48 hours (out by noon on the second day) after their scheduled COB in the payroll system to take down, clean, move out, and tend to matters related to vacating the unit. Exceptions to this policy must be approved in writing by both the supervisor and the Superintendent.

The Facilities Representative, or Housing Management Specialist must be notified 14 days prior to your COB to set up a check-out time.

The residents same Check in Form 10-382 will be used upon check out.

Overnight guests are not permitted in shared occupancy units unless reasonable notice and agreement has been obtained from all roommates and supervisors effected or involved. Guests are not allowed to park personal vehicles in such a manner that will interfere with normal traffic lanes or with another occupant's rent space. Guests who plan to stay more than five calendar days will be required to obtain other accommodations.

Empty units will not be rented to guests.

Pet Policy - See Section 6.

If necessary, the occupant is to report any repairs or replacements necessary by contacting the District Housing clerk.

It is the responsibility of the resident to arrange a time (during normal working hours) for a check out inspection with Housing Management Specialist. The Housing Inspection Checklist will be used to note any damages, items not cleaned to standard, or anything needing attention by either the resident or maintenance. Vacating residents may be financially responsible for damages and/or additional cleaning.

The resident will turn housing keys into your direct supervisor at that time. Housing occupants who leave the park before completing the check-out inspection will continue to pay rent, by means of Bill of Collection, until the check-out is complete.

In shared housing units where damage is present in common areas, the bill to fix the damage will be split among all current residents, unless one resident takes responsibility for all damage. In a case where a resident moves out prior other residents, a signature is required by roommates to determine who is responsible for damage in common areas.

Storage of personal items in government housing after termination is not permitted.

Prior to vacating the unit, the occupant shall be responsible for cleaning as described in Appendix D.

Any cleaning and repair or storage costs incurred by the Park will be charged to the occupant via a Bill for

Collection and the occupant's final pay check may be held until all bills have been paid.

The Service will furnish the occupant with the following equipment, utilities, and other services at no charge during the time of assignment:

Window coverings and curtain rods Smoke alarm and batteries Fire extinguisher Furnace filters Snow removal from roof

The occupant is responsible for furnishing the following:

Light bulbs Electrical surge protectors House cleaning supplies Snow removal from walkways Cleaning of wood stoves and unit upon vacancy

SEASONAL TRAILER SITES

Seasonal occupants are allowed to occupy trailer sites 2 calendar days prior to the occupancy date to tend to minor cleaning and preparations for setting up. Seasonal occupants are allowed to occupy trailer sites for 1 1/2 days (out by noon on the second day) after the termination of occupancy date turned in on the Housing-Key Form by their supervisor. This will give the occupant time to take down, clean, and vacate the site in order to save the site from unnecessary damage resulting from adverse weather conditions, i.e. freezing water lines, etc.

Guests are not allowed to park personal vehicles in such a way that will interfere with normal traffic lanes or with another occupant's rent space. Guests who plan to stay more than five calendar days will be required to obtain other accommodations. Empty sites or housing units will not be rented to guests.

For the safety of all residents, tents are not permitted in any trailer site, except for temporary circumstances (less than 7 days).

Pet Policy - see Section 6.

During the first week of occupancy, the occupant is to go through the site with a facilities representative and list the condition of the site on a Form 10-382 (see Appendix B), and this form is to be kept by the District Housing clerk and used during the vacancy inspection. If necessary, the occupant is to report any repairs needed by contacting the District Housing clerk.

The occupant assumes all responsibility for damage, other than reasonable wear and tear. Reasonable wear and tear is defined as being the deterioration caused by ordinary daily use. This shall not include excessive damage to any part of the site, freezing damage to water pipes because of negligence on the part of the occupant, stoppage of plumbing, etc.

Ground/Site Maintenance: It is the responsibility of the resident to maintain the site in a clean, neat, and sanitary manner at all times. No debris or refuse shall be allowed on any trailer site or in any space beneath a trailer. No appliances of any kind shall be installed, or stored outside of any trailer unless they are within an approved storage compartment. Only furniture designed and constructed for exterior use is permitted outdoors. Residents are responsible for seeing that the exterior of all trailers is kept in good repair, has a neat appearance, and meets all state, county or local electrical, mechanical, safety and public health codes.

All vehicles must be in operating order and display a current registration. Two personal vehicles may be parked on the site, if space permits, beside the RV when such vehicles are used for transportation or recreation.

All antennas must be attached directly to the RV’s, without wires to the ground. All antennas shall be in compliance with all Federal Communication Commission’s height and other regulations. Ground-mounted antennae are only allowed in RV parks. Satellite dishes are permitted.

Prior to vacating the site, the occupant shall conduct a thorough cleaning of the site, remove all trash, boxes, paper, cleaning materials, personal property, etc. and dispose of these in the proper receptacles, and prepare a final repair list if needed. Any cleaning and repair or storage costs incurred by the Park will be charged to the occupant via a Bill for Collection. The occupant's final pay check may be held until all bills have been paid.

Storage of personal items after termination is not permitted.

The Service will furnish occupant with the following equipment, utilities, and other services at no extra charge during the time of this assignment:

Serviceable hook-ups One picnic table (if available)

The occupant is responsible for furnishing the following:

Light bulbs Electrical surge protectors Hoses and cables House cleaning supplies Snow shovels Snow removal from walkways

Cleaning of site upon vacancy

5.3 Alterations To Existing Housing/Structures

Residents are not allowed to make changes or alterations to their assigned housing, either on the interior or the exterior. Attachment of window boxes, racks of any kind, trellises or decorations onto residences are not permitted without prior approval of the Housing Office. No holes, bolts, nails, spikes, brads or screws will be permitted to be put into the exterior of residences, other than the installation of satellite dishes by the company representatives. No decks, porches, or additions are allowed to be built.

Painting: If a resident elects to change the paint color on their own, they should consult with the Housing Management Specialist and paint shop. The colors will need to be from a selection provided by the paint shop to ensure it’s easy to cover.

In addition to the above, the vacating resident will also be billed the full cost for any additional paint and labor required by the government to restore the walls and ceilings to their original condition due to damage from pets, or other damages above and beyond the normal wear while living in park quarters.

*Any damage to your unit will be repaired by a contractor. The cost to repair damage, from the contractor’s bill plus a 30% surcharge will be billed directly to the responsible resident.

**Any resident who disregards Yellowstone’s “No Smoking Policy” in their unit will be billed directly for the cost to remove the smoke odor and damage.

Utilities: Residents are not authorized to perform any electrical or plumbing work in government housing. If the residents need utility work performed, they are to request these services through the work order process. The government shall provide interior telephone wiring and outlets. Telephone instruments and service are the resident's responsibility. If an official telephone is installed in a family residence for mission-critical reasons, the resident must maintain a private telephone for personal calls at his/her expense. In a few instances, private lines are not available.

5.4 Work Order Requests

FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS:

Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM, call the Facility Management and Operations (FMO) Help Desk line at (307) 344-2096. After hours or on weekends, please call the Communication Center at (307) 344-2640.

FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WORK REQUESTS:

For maintenance work that is reasonably expected from a landlord (such as repairing leaks, furnace problems, doors/windows not operating properly or broken, etc.), you can make a work request online or by phone.

Online

1. Go to the Facility Management and Operations SharePoint site's "Facility Work Requests &

Tracking" page By Phone

1. Call the FMO Help Desk line at (307) 344-2096. Someone in the FMO office in HQ can assist you Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you have a pet, please include that in the description box so that NPS employees will be aware. Be sure to include if you want to be present when the NPS employee enters your residence to complete the work order. Remember that pet owners are responsible for the safety of employees who are working in your residence—make sure you go “the extra mile” in securing your pet when you know that employees will be working in your home.

Request for accommodations for a family member with a disability may be made to the Housing Office at 344- 2096. Documentation supporting the request must clearly describe the work to be done and show that the proposed work is the most cost-effective approach to the request.

If a resident wants to submit a request for work to install a personal item such as a hot tub, garage door opener, ceiling fans, etc., he/she must first receive approval from the Housing Office, and then a work request will be submitted. No structural modifications, wall changes, removal of fixtures, etc. will be allowed. Once any personal request for custom work has been performed, the resident is expected to pay the full cost for all of the work performed. This cost will include all of the labor and material costs necessary for the installation, and the Fiscal Office will send the resident a Bill of Collection.

The National Park Service will NOT perform work on personally-owned property items such as refrigerators, freezers, washers, and dryers.

Whether conducting maintenance work or inspections, NPS employees will have “free access to the premises of quarters at all reasonable hours, with prior notice to the occupant, for the purposes of examining the same and to make repairs or alterations, except for emergency situations.” -excerpt from General Terms and Conditions of the Housing Assignment Agreement which each employee signs on an annual basis. According to the DM 400--DOI Housing Management Handbook, tenants will be advised as far in advance as possible, but not less than 48 hours prior to entry, except in an emergency situation. This notification will be made via the resident’s work phone number so in case the employee is not there, at least a message can be left.

5.5 Government-Owned Furniture And Appliances

Government-owned furniture and appliances may not be removed or transferred to another housing unit. Requests for replacement furnishings must be made through the Housing Office.

6.0 Pet Policy

Permanent and seasonal employees of Yellowstone National Park will be allowed to have pets under the following conditions and restrictions:

Pets are allowed in single or family housing. This may include apartments or plexes where pets are allowed. Pets are not permitted in shared quarters, which include bunkhouses and dorms.

a. Pet friendly units may not be available all seasonal employees.

b. Seasonal housing assignments may not be determined based on an employee having a pet. Returning seasonals that have historically had separate quarters and have historically brought a pet should be allowed to continue to do so. This determination is similar to married couples being historically assigned separate quarters. Similar to housing for couples, housing for new employees with pets will only be allowed if it is available based on all divisions’ needs. Seniority, married and family needs may take precedence over employees with pets.

c. Any pet-related cleaning or damages will result in the seasonal employee receiving a Bill of Collection.

Due to issues with monitoring and collecting in the past, the seasonal employee’s Division will provide an account number as a pet deposit to cover the repairs of the damages . The Division will be responsible for issuing the Bill of Collection. Employees that have pet damage may be told not to bring the pet back the following year.

d. Pets must be physically controlled at all times: they must be in a crate, in a fenced area, or on a leash.

Permanent employees may have two pets, either cats or dogs, or a combination not to exceed two pets. If any employee has more than two dogs or two cats (or more than one of each) when this policy becomes effective, he/she may keep these animals until he/she either disposes of them or they die. This employee must then follow the above guidelines for only having two pets. New residents moving into the park may bring no more than two animals. No dogs are allowed in Building 70 apartments.

Residents with additional pets may submit a written additional pet exemption request through the Housing

Management Office. Requests may be written or emailed to the Housing Manager. Requests will then be reviewed and submitted to the Superintendent’s office for consideration. A resident should receive a response within 10 business days.

Breeding activities for the production of litters is not permitted while residing in the park. If unplanned litters do occur, the employee will be required to be back to two pets within eight weeks after birth. Caged pets such as rodents, birds, or fish, are allowed when they are contained within the employee’s residence. No wild or exotic animal may be kept as a pet.

Residents are responsible for the pets they are watching for others in the same manner as they are for their own pets.

Animal inoculations are required for all pets, including protection against rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvo, and leptospirosis. Pet owners may be required to provide current certification of such inoculations.

Dogs must not be allowed to persistently bark at any time of the day or night. No pet will be allowed to stay in

Yellowstone National Park if it presents a persistent annoyance due to noise, if it has displayed hostile behavior that is a threat to human safety and comfort, or if it is a threat to wildlife. Remember that pet owners are responsible for the safety of employees who are working in your residence. Secure your pets!

Pets may not be left unattended. Pets may be tied on a leash in the owner's yard; however, they may NOT be left unattended. A responsible person must be in or about the residence if a pet is on a leash or in a fenced yard outside.

When tying a pet outside, the owner assumes an extra obligation for the comfort and safety of neighbors and for the protection of park resources. Yards are not exclusive and often mutually shared.

Owners are responsible for the recapture of escaped pets.

Pet owners are reminded of their responsibility to promptly police and properly dispose of pet fecal matter when in residential or public-use areas or when along roads adjacent to these areas.

Pet owners will be responsible for damage to government housing that was caused by pets. When a permanent employee vacates, the housing will be inspected by a Facilities Representative prior to the employee's departure. If any damage or additional cleaning due to pets is needed, the full cost of cleaning and repair/replacement of damage will be assessed.

Adherence to the Pet Policy rests with the pet owner. The employee/pet owner must assume the burden of carefully complying with the Pet Policy. The next level of responsibility for Pet Policy administration falls to the employee’s supervisor; further responsibility for administration of the pet policy shall rest with the employee/pet owner’s division chief.

Failure to comply with some of the above conditions of pet ownership may constitute a violation of park regulations under 36CFR 2.15. Owners may be subject to a fine and/or permanent removal of their pet from Yellowstone National Park. In extreme cases of pet regulation violation, loss of housing in Yellowstone National Park could result after an administrative determination.

7.0 Landscaping/Vegetation Policy

This policy applies to all individually assigned residences and to common spaces within multi-family dwellings, with the area-specific exceptions listed. Occupants are reminded that it is against NPS policy to introduce non-native species such as plants that may spread beyond residential gardens and/or hybridize with similar native plant species.

Due to concerns for landscaping, maintenance, safety, and potential conflicts with buried utility lines, park maintenance staff are responsible for planting and pruning all trees and shrubs in all park residential areas. Residents may request the planting of trees and shrubs through the Maintenance Division. Such requests may be granted, within cultural landscape guidelines, based on the availability of plants and maintenance staff time. Material and labor for fencing trees only will be provided by the NPS; residents are responsible for watering trees and shrubs.

Residents should NOT remove NPS-installed fences that were installed to protect trees from damage caused by wildlife.

The yard at MA 595 in Lower Mammoth was intentionally left in a natural vegetative state, and this yard should be left as is. Other residents in Lower Mammoth are required to mow and water their yards. Grass height will not exceed 3 inches. If lawns are destroyed by lack of watering or mowing, the resident will be billed for the re-establishment of the lawn.

Residents are encouraged to control and eradicate weeds within their yards such as spotted knapweed, leafy spurge, and oxeye daisy.

Residents should only water their lawns sparingly. It is best to water your lawn in the early morning hours since watering in the heat of the day causes water loss from evaporation. Additionally, watering at night can cause water to stay on the grass longer, which can lead to fungus or disease in the grass. Run sprinklers on a timer.

Overwatering does not make the grass greener, but simply sinks into the ground, possibly increasing the rate of travertine dissolution. Adjust irrigation run times based on the weather.

Due to the potential to attract bears and other animals from natural zones into the developed areas where they may conflict with residents or park visitors, no vegetable gardens will be planted.

No outside burning of yard debris is allowed. When cleaning up your yard, please sweep debris to the curb and call your district maintenance office to schedule a pick-up.

Container plantings (which may not be buried in the ground but may sit on porches, railings, or the ground and which may be hung or contained within window boxes, etc.) are generally not restricted except as indicated on the attached list (see Appendix C, Part I). Containers should have bottoms. Residents are responsible for maintenance of container plantings. Soil from indoor or outdoor pots should not be dumped on the ground, but should be disposed of in the compostable trash dumpsters to prevent inadvertent spread of non-native plants

Except as specified below, ornamental species (see Appendix C, Part II) may be planted in the ground along the length of any residence for a distance not to exceed three feet outward from the base of the building, or in obviously planned planting areas (e.g., in Mission 66 residences in lower Mammoth between the house and the sidewalk connecting the driveway to the front door, and at Building 70, in the common space between the main entrances along the front/southwest side of the building, and/or alongside the steps into apartments at either end.) To assist residents, Appendix C, Part I lists species that are clearly prohibited from being planted, and Part II lists some species that are “Acceptable for Ground Planting.”

Area Exceptions:

1. Fort Yellowstone: On Officers’ Row, ground plantings are permitted only on the northeast or “rear” sides facing the street behind the row, along the length of any residence for a distance not to exceed three feet outward from the base of the building. Edging shall not be permanently connected to any residence.

2. Gardiner/North Entrance: ground plantings are permitted along the length of any residence for a distance not to exceed three feet outward from the base of the building. Edging shall not be permanently connected to any residence. Existing plantings and edging should be left in place.

3. Some non-native plants (e.g., cottonwoods, lilacs, water birches) may be maintained within historic districts as befits cultural landscape management objectives. Responsibility for planting, pruning, and replacing these plants will be with the maintenance division, after discussion with cultural resource staff.

Completion of cultural landscape studies may result in changes in the planting policy for historic areas.

8.0 Smoking Policy

It is the policy of Yellowstone National Park to establish a smoke-free environment for federal employees and members of the public visiting or using Yellowstone federal facilities. The smoking of tobacco products is prohibited:

1. In all interior (enclosed) space owned, rented, or leased by Yellowstone National Park, and in any outdoor areas (under Yellowstone Park control) within 25 feet of air intake ducts, windows, doorway, and bay doors.

2. In ALL housing units, whether used for seasonal employees or permanent, even in individual units.

Residents should be aware that they will face extra charges for turning over their quarters after they move out, due to the extra paint that will be required to cover the smoke. (See Section 5.3, pg. 7.)

9.0 Fence Policy

Residents of Upper Mammoth are NOT allowed to erect fences.

Residents living in plexed units in the Lake and West Districts of the park must submit proposed fence designs to the Housing Management Specialist and Chief of Facilities and Operations before erecting a fence. Lake and West district residents living in single-family dwellings will use the fence standards listed below.

Residents of Lower Mammoth are permitted to construct fences using the fence standards listed below:

FENCE STANDARDS

Fences must be constructed in back yards, or on the opposite side of the house from the road where possible.

Fences must not adjoin a neighbor’s fence or house. There must be a minimum of 10 feet clear space between two fenced yards.

Fence must not extend more than 50 feet beyond the back of the house.

Fence must be supported with posts in all locations and must not be attached or fastened to the house or to trees/vegetation in any way.

Fence materials are furbished and acquired by the occupant and must be: 6 feet tall, 2”x4” (hole) welded wire, with earth colored (green, brown etc) metal fence posts.

Fence construction: posts must be driven into the ground to a finished height of between 5-6 feet; they must be vertical and spaced maximum of 15 feet apart. The finished fence must be stretched around the posts tight enough that it stands vertical with no sags, and the top is straight between posts. Fence is attached to posts with wire ties.

On vacating the property, the fence must remain in place and the materials will become property of the Government.

PROCEDURE FOR INSTALLING A FENCE

1. The occupant submits a request, using the form in Appendix F, to the Housing Officer to install a fence.

Request includes occupant’s name, house number and rough placement/location of fence indicated on the attached map. This request will serve as a review of compliance to the standards and as a work order request for locates. NO FENCE CAN BE INSTALLED WITHOUT UNDERGROUNDUTILITY

LOCATES.

2. The request will be reviewed by the Housing Management Specialist and a Landscape Architect. It will then be sent to the shop supervisor to request locates.

3. Underground utility locates will be indicated on the map as well as on the ground; any danger areas will be emphasized.

4. Once underground utility locates are completed, the Housing Management Specialist will notify the occupant that the fence can be erected.

10.0 Satellite Dish Policy

Residents wishing to install a satellite dish and/or an antenna will locate these receivers as unobtrusively as possible considering the scenic values of the park neighborhoods.

All antennas shall be no higher than the peak of the roof.

Upon vacancy, the resident shall remove the unit(s) and restore the building to its original condition.

No government materials will be used in the installation or removal of the dish/antenna.

11.0 Guests (Shared and Non-Shared Housing)

Non-shared housing units

Permanent residents may have overnight guests; be reminded that you are responsible for your guests’ actions.

Shared housing units

Overnight guests are not permitted in shared occupancy situations unless reasonable notice and compliance has been obtained from all roommates and supervisors effected or involved. Guests are not allowed to park personal vehicles in such a way that will interfere with normal traffic lanes or with another occupant's rent space. Guests who plan to stay more than five calendar days will be required to obtain commercial accommodations. Empty housing or sites will not be rented to guests. All vehicles must be parked in appropriate parking spaces and lots.

Occupants accept full responsibility for the conduct of their guests. Occupants will be responsible for all costs incurred for any damage, etc to the housing unit, which was made by the guest(s). Occupants will be responsible for assuring that the guest(s) adhere to all park housing policies and regulations.

Pets of guests are not allowed in seasonal/shared housing units.

When the occupant is away (leave, another assignment, furlough) the assigned residence may not be occupied more than two days (two nights) by non-Yellowstone employees or persons. The intent is to prevent extended stays in assigned housing when it is vacated for more than a few days.

12.0 Outside Storage Units

Outside storage units are NOT allowed in the Upper Mammoth Historic District.

Storage sheds are not provided at housing units. Residents wishing to purchase and install storage sheds must provide a written request to the Housing Management Specialist stating the size, type of materials/construction, and proposed location of the unit. Storage sheds shall be of a commercially manufactured, prefabricated type or professionally made. All units must meet park color scheme and design standards. No government materials may be used to construct or remove storage sheds. Upon vacancy, the storage unit must be removed from the park, and the site restored.

13.0 Home Businesses

Home businesses include both for-profit and not-for-profit businesses of a continuing nature. Activities of a one-time or infrequent nature, such as a garage sale, are not considered home businesses and are exempt from the approval process, though even one-time events must be consistent with the criteria listed below. This policy is applicable to all residents living in government housing units.

Residents may request in writing to the Superintendent for approval to conduct a home business within the government-furnished housing. They must state the full nature of the proposed business. Written permission may be issued by the Superintendent for eligible activities, with or without special conditions to meet park requirements.

Denials may be appealed to the Regional Director. Home businesses of the following nature may be permitted:

a. Where the product produced in the home is sold outside the park. Examples: painting a landscape and selling the product at a fair or selling products through or to a concessionaire.

b. Where goods or services are provided to employees and others living in the park which do not entail door-to-door solicitation. Examples: selling housewares or cosmetics, child care or in-house nursing on a regular fee-for-services basis, music lessons, or small appliance repair.

c. Where a home business is conducted by telephone or mail. An example would be a mail order business.

However, NPS managers may not permit a person occupying a government housing unit, including non-employees and family members, to conduct a business activity within the park unit where such action will:

a. Interfere with the NPS mission, such as endanger resources, impact visitor use, hinder employee duties, compete with concessioner, or constitute a visitor service.

b. Be in conflict or create an appearance of a conflict of interest or be inconsistent with the Department of the Interior Regulations on Employee Responsibilities and Conduct. See 43 CFR, Parts 1 through 7.

c. Be a nuisance (parking problems, noise, etc.) or visual impairment.

d. Involve the use of Government housing as a store or professional company where the general public comes to transact business.

e. Involve the use of Government housing as rental space for overnight accommodations or involve the sublease of Government housing.

f. Involve door-to-door solicitation in the park or any form of visitor solicitation.

g. Involve advertising, signs, or notices in park areas.

Persons having home businesses in parks must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations. The failure to do so is grounds for cancellation of the written authorization. The conduct of a home business shall not impose any liability or obligation of any type on the Government (security, utility services, waste disposal, etc.)

Children of residents will be allowed to conduct one-time events such as selling cookies for Girl Scouts, popcorn for Boy Scouts, wrapping paper for schools, candy for church groups, etc., as fundraisers for non-profit organizations.

They may sell door to door, for this purpose only, when accompanied by an adult. They may not sell at any public facility within the Park. Superintendent’s approval is not needed for this type of non-profit sales.

14.0 Lock-out Status vs. Continuing to Pay Rent While Not Residing in Govt. Quarters

Yellowstone National Park Lake District and West District permanent and term employees who are in furlough status (or on annual or sick leave in conjunction with furlough) for more than two consecutive pay periods, may be relieved of the obligation to pay rent in order to lessen the economic impact of the employee not receiving full pay and benefits due to the government’s budget limitations, etc. Lock-out conditions apply under the following circumstances:

a. The employee vacates the premises (removes all personal belongings and furniture) during the leave/furlough and plans to return to the assigned government housing. These housing units are made available for temporary reassignment.

b. If vacating and reassigning the housing is not an option, a lockout condition may be considered. Under a lockout condition, the employee leaves the area during the leave/furlough period and the housing is secured by the Maintenance Division. The employee continues to pay utility expenses and any other costs incurred by the government. Where possible, the housing will be winterized. At no time during the lockout period may the employee occupy the housing. (Lock-out status does NOT apply to Mammoth employees, who are able to vacate their premises year-round, unlike Lake and West District employees who cannot move out during the oversnow travel months.)

Employees on leave, at training, or assigned to out-of-park details who continue to reside in their housing or come and go intermittently, must continue to pay rent for the housing unless the housing unit is vacated and keys turned

in. The district clerks are responsible for notifying the Fiscal Office for billing purposes. It is the employee’s responsibility to assure they are being billed for the housing.

Employees who are away from the park for extended amounts of time while attending FLETC will still be charged full rent because the employee is receiving full pay and benefits. Additionally, the employee does NOT pay for government quarters while at FLETC; the benefitting account does.

Employees who are on a detail in another part of YELL, requiring them to have a temporary second quarters, will continue to pay full rent for their primary quarters if the rent for the temporary quarters is being paid for by the benefitting account. According to Dept. Manual 400, Housing Management, “Where permanent personnel occupy rental housing while performing assigned work, they may be transferred to a different field location under certain conditions. The organization is authorized to adjust the rental rate for the government-furnished unit so that the combined rents paid during the period of occupancy is not excessively burdensome. This is allowed where it is necessary for an employee to maintain two households for the convenience of the Government, one permanent and one temporary, normally for more than 60 days, and where the employee is not eligible for per diem. The adjustment authorized will not exceed 20 percent of the base rental rate for the temporary housing.”

15.0 Heat Checks

In residences that the water remains turned on in the cold winter months, heat checks are required to prevent property damage. If the tenant plans on being away from the residence for a long weekend or a vacation, notify the local facilities manager or housing manager so that heat checks may be conducted. Power fluctuations, emptied propane tanks, closed off rooms and faulty thermostats have all caused frozen/broken water lines resulting in government and/or personal property damage. In addition to heat checks, maintenance staff may require leaving water dripping at certain faucets to prevent water lines from freezing.

15.1 Fireplaces/Wood Burning Stoves

In quarters that have a wood burning stoves, keep the stove clear of debris and ash. You will need to clean it out regularly in order to keep it functioning properly. Wood piles cannot be stacked against the side of your quarters.

Yellowstone Wild Land Fire Department had determined wood piles must be stacked and stand independently 30 ft away from an exterior wall if possible.