Neighbor Building Extension Without Permission - Pictures Inside

[snoie]

So is this on the property line to your house? You technically could go after that. We wanted to install a fence here in South Riding, could not get our neighbor to even answer his door to get his signature for the HOA (not required, just notifying them). I did the polite thing and left him a note. A day later I get a call from his son threatening to take me to court because it's on the property line, not within my property.

Needless to say, I still don't have a fence. We refused to move the existing privacy fence (required digging up the patio), and he refused to let us put it on the property line. HOA sided with him, as he threatened to take them to court as well. Can't have back to back fences here, and I'm not giving him my property.

Something to consider...

[persnicketygal]

Well, you can take some comfort in this: That fence does look horrible right now, and even if they do stain it to try to match the existing fence (and sometimes it's really difficult to get the stain colors to match because of aging), I doubt that the homeowner's housing value will increase.

BUT: If that fence makes that unit stick out (I'm not talking space wise, I'm talking visually) more than every other unit, I'm not sure that makes it more desirable for any buyers, either. Aesthetically speaking, it actually could reflect poorly, $$$ speaking, on every other property there, as you are fearing.

Your HOA documents probably specify types of fencing allowed and whether they need to be stained (some HOAs specify 2 or 3 certain colors, like they specify what kind of exterior paint colors are acceptable). Read the documents carefully, monitor the fence-building/staining and put pressure on the HOA if necessary. My HOA has "memos of concern" that homeowners can file.

Does your HOA have a building committee or an "architectural" committee that is in charge of monitoring and permitting exterior changes?

But even with the fence built, you've got to wonder: What did they want the extension for? Maybe they're starting to grow pot for when D.C. gets its medical marijuana rules straight!

[tigger37708]

Originally Posted by Auto-Fanatic

I didn't sign anything, she presented to me Verbally and as she was about to take it out of her purse, I declined. I already know the amount of depreciation this will bring to our home and didn't want any of it. She was very rude about it and said, there are many other neighbors who will be happy to sign it. I assume she went to the other neighbor and had him sign it. It's unfortunate because their homes won't be effected by this, but my house is attached to hers, so we will get it.

Why do you assume it will impact the value of your home?
They want a larger fenced in back court yard.
Big deal.
Are you afraid yours will look smaller in comparison?
Honestly I cant see this having any impact on the value of your townhouse.

[slduvall]

I don't have any opinion one way or other about the "project" other than to say this doesn't look like any sort of wood I would have outside. It doens't look treated, and will be weathered and grey really quickly.

Can't tell from these pictures, but did they install a gate?