Question about code enforcement and structures (Dallas: HOA, houses, fence)

[texmaster]

Hi Folks,

Recently my neighbor cut down a tree in their backyard that blocked their kid's window from overlooking my back yard. Now the kids are watching it completely unobstructed from their second story window and my daughter is apprehensive swimming in the pool because she thinks she saw them with a camera. I erected a privacy screen on the fence to block them but now I'm getting code enforcement saying I can't have anything attached to the fence. If I make it a stand alone structure next to the fence about 12 feet high can the city stop me? I've tried to go to my neighbors to talk about their boys but they refuse to discuss it. We have no HOA so this would be city only. We are in Dallas County and city.

Appreciate any help.

[MurphyPl1]

Speak to code enforcement and ask about a variance that will allow you to add something to your fence. And ask about options if you are denied that variance. Depending on what you put in place inside the fence they may be able to stop you due to setback issues. Or you may be able to request a variance for that.

[elan]

You really need to talk to code enforcement, I've seen quite a few houses with shade cloth banners.

[TeamLynn]

Can you build or plant a barrier closer to the pool?

[texmaster]

Originally Posted by TeamLynn

Can you build or plant a barrier closer to the pool?

I've got privacy trees that are growing but it will be another year before they block the window.

[AlterEgo42]

Originally Posted by texmaster

I've got privacy trees that are growing but it will be another year before they block the window.

Are they perhaps downwind of your house?

If so, I had the same kind of issue with a prior neighbor (teenage son would play super loud profane rap when they were gone - many times with the windows open), so I rolled my offset smoker over onto that side of the yard and would burn copious amounts of damp wood that billowed smoke directly at their windows.

Problem solved when they came over to complain, I reiterated my original concern.

[texmaster]

Originally Posted by AlterEgo42

Are they perhaps downwind of your house?

If so, I had the same kind of issue with a prior neighbor (teenage son would play super loud profane rap when they were gone - many times with the windows open), so I rolled my offset smoker over onto that side of the yard and would burn copious amounts of damp wood that billowed smoke directly at their windows.

Problem solved when they came over to complain, I reiterated my original concern.

Unfortunately no but I applaud an innovative solution

I'm trying to figure out what the rules are in Dallas if I had to erect some poles in the yard away from the fence but I can't find the language on Dallas' city website.

[AlterEgo42]

I would go for the shoot first, ask questions later approach with a shade sail. I'm sure there would be a way for you to angle it to protect the pool from view and not get too tall. As a side benefit, it should help shade the pool and keep it from turning into bathwater in July.

[texmaster]

I received the notice today. There is nothing marked as a violation only that I need a permit to have something attached to the fence. Does anyone know how the city reacts to permits? Is it a waste of time or will they actually listen? I only need this up for another year so I'm hoping that will work in my favor.

[AlterEgo42]

Originally Posted by texmaster

I received the notice today. There is nothing marked as a violation only that I need a permit to have something attached to the fence. Does anyone know how the city reacts to permits? Is it a waste of time or will they actually listen? I only need this up for another year so I'm hoping that will work in my favor.

9/10 times they don’t even look at the permit filing for something like this. It’s just rubber stamped.