Welcome to City-Data.com Forum!
U.S. CitiesCity-Data Forum Index
Go Back   City-Data Forum > U.S. Forums > Virginia > Northern Virginia
 [Register]
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
View detailed profile (Advanced) or search
site with Google Custom Search

Search Forums  (Advanced)
Closed Thread Start New Thread
 
Old 05-21-2011, 03:45 PM
 
2,145 posts, read 3,058,991 times
Reputation: 12233

Advertisements

Does anyone know if there are Loudoun County regulations governing outdoor fireplaces? Our neighbors have one and every time they use it, we have to close our windows to avoid the smoke that fills our house. It's impossible to be in our backyard without smelling like you live in a campfire.

I know the outdoor burn prohibition doesn't apply. I've contacted our HOA (as we did when our neighbors got this approved after it had been built.) The ever-helpful lady told us the Architecture Review Committee was looking for reasons not to approve an application and found none. Even though the guidelines state that any exterior modification shouldn't interfere with a neighbor's view, ventilation, etc. And, yes, we've brought it to our neighbors' attention that this is a problem and they don't give a rip.

So frustrating. Today is Saturday and we'd like to have the house open, but they have a fire going. Yes, it's 80 degrees out. Go figure.

 
Old 05-21-2011, 06:44 PM
 
429 posts, read 953,910 times
Reputation: 424
I think you're going to have to learn to live with it if they're not breaking any laws . I had a neighbor (lived in a townhouse) who used to fire up his charcoal grill in the 5x5 front lawn. Even with my windows closed it was awful.
 
Old 05-21-2011, 08:36 PM
 
Location: Richmond va
1,570 posts, read 4,616,343 times
Reputation: 671
Unfortunatly this is one if the problems living very close to your neighbors. I am sorry it is an inconvience but you knew how close you were when you bought. I cannot stand when people complain about things such as this, I mean they shouldnt have to change their lives to suit yours and vice versa.
 
Old 05-22-2011, 05:40 AM
 
2,145 posts, read 3,058,991 times
Reputation: 12233
Teebyrd86, to an extent I agree with you. But anyone's enjoyment of their property shouldn't impede their neighbors from enjoying theirs. It's common courtesy, which is less and less common. And for eight years it wasn't an issue. This fireplace is a new thing.

What I'm looking for is Loudoun County ordinances regarding the use of outdoor fireplaces.

Last edited by reebo; 05-22-2011 at 05:48 AM..
 
Old 05-22-2011, 06:29 AM
 
12,905 posts, read 15,650,359 times
Reputation: 9394
Quote:
Originally Posted by reebo View Post
Teebyrd86, to an extent I agree with you. But anyone's enjoyment of their property shouldn't impede their neighbors from enjoying theirs. It's common courtesy, which is less and less common. And for eight years it wasn't an issue. This fireplace is a new thing.

What I'm looking for is Loudoun County ordinances regarding the use of outdoor fireplaces.
I agree with you. Everyone in the suburbs has moved into these neighborhoods with not-so-big yards and want to act like they live on a ranch. I've got all kinds of weirdness in my neighborhood. For 16 years, my neighbor has been the biggest PITA for EVERY.SINGLE.HOLIDAY. Illegal fireworks, drunken parties, you name it. At the HOA he had the nerve to complain about his neighbor who puts up a light show every Christmas which attracts lots of cars. He's pissed and wants the HOA to hire a cop to direct traffic. Never once thinking about HIS irritating behavior to others.

Then my next door neighbor runs a BIG daycare. Thank God I work outside the home all day because when I stay home I feel like I'm living inside of Chuck E. Cheese. We have 1/2 ACRE lots and it's not enough of a buffer.

Last edited by ChristineVA; 05-22-2011 at 06:39 AM..
 
Old 05-22-2011, 07:23 AM
 
Location: Reston
560 posts, read 1,291,065 times
Reputation: 451
This seems like it might apply-

New Open Burning Ban Effective in Loudoun May 1, 2011 (http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=419 - broken link)
 
Old 05-22-2011, 08:45 AM
 
Location: Everywhere and Nowhere
14,129 posts, read 31,238,974 times
Reputation: 6920
How far is their outdoor fire from a house? Looks like there's quite a few loopholes to that new restriction if it's more than 50 feet.

Open Burning is permitted:

For bonfires, provided that they consist of seasoned wood, piled neatly, no more than 5 feet in diameter by 5 feet in height. The burning may be no closer than 50 feet from a structure.
 
Old 05-22-2011, 09:43 AM
 
Location: Ashburn, VA
989 posts, read 2,854,446 times
Reputation: 655
I think that your neighbors fire pit has to be at least 50 feet away from his residence. If it's not, you could probably call the Loudoun Fire Marshalls Office and have them investigate.
 
Old 05-22-2011, 11:22 AM
 
2,145 posts, read 3,058,991 times
Reputation: 12233
Thanks for your all suggestions, but the open burn prohibition doesn't include BBQs, campfires, and outdoor fireplaces. And it is more than 50 feet from their house. Again, just frustrating.
 
Old 05-22-2011, 11:31 AM
 
Location: Everywhere and Nowhere
14,129 posts, read 31,238,974 times
Reputation: 6920
You could use behavioral conditioning. Whenever they light a fire, start blasting some Barry Manilow or something equally distateful. Eventually they'll start associating fires with unpleasant noise.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.

Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.


Closed Thread


Settings
X
Data:
Loading data...
Based on 2000-2020 data
Loading data...

123
Hide US histogram


Over $104,000 in prizes was already given out to active posters on our forum and additional giveaways are planned!

Go Back   City-Data Forum > U.S. Forums > Virginia > Northern Virginia
Similar Threads

All times are GMT -6.

© 2005-2024, Advameg, Inc. · Please obey Forum Rules · Terms of Use and Privacy Policy · Bug Bounty

City-Data.com - Contact Us - Archive 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 - Top