Not happy with new next door neighbor's plans (Scottsdale: HOA, houses)

[mistygrl092]

Some rich people are moving next door to me. This particular block has smaller houses (2200 sq. ft) and all one level ranch style. So...these people plan to add a huge addition that will stand about 14 feet high (thank God at least not two stories) but my view just won't be the same.

They will be adding quite far back on their lot so there goes all my privacy and I feel encroached upon. They'll literally be building this addition six fee away from the fence and these lots are 18K sq. ft. I bought this place for SPACE. Anyway, one of their palms (the one they want to keep) is pushing out the block fence in my yard. I spoke with their contractor today and told him I have a problem with this and that the tree might have to go in addition to two others they are taking out. I'd sure hate to get on the bad side of them right off the bat, but they seem a bit eccentric (the Halloween cobwebs are still in their front yard as they won't be moving in for four months until the addition is done).

What are my options? Any? Permits haven't been approved as of today and I really am not happy about these new neighbors.

[Jukesgrrl]

Many people in the libertarian southwest have a big problem with zoning regulations and HOAs, but those who have one or the other don't usually have problems like this. Six feet away from the fence does seem awfully close. Have you called your municipal authorities to see if that's even legal? If it's not, you have an obligation, as much as a right, to bring this to their attention.

[mistygrl092]

Originally Posted by Jukesgrrl

People in the libertarian southwest have a big problem with zoning regulations and HOAs, but people who have one or the other don't usually have problems like this.

I don't quite follow. I am to be happy with cobwebs in their front yard before Christmas? Moderator cut: off topic
I don't know. This is a pretty modest block (surrounded by not such modest houses on other blocks) so I just wish they would have bought one of those more pricy houses rather than come in and gut the house.

Moderator cut: off topic

[mistygrl092]

Originally Posted by Jukesgrrl

Many people in the libertarian southwest have a big problem with zoning regulations and HOAs, but those who have one or the other don't usually have problems like this. Six feet away from the fence does seem awfully close. Have you called your municipal authorities to see if that's even legal? If it's not, you have an obligation, as much as a right, to bring this to their attention.

I see you added a sentence. Thanks. I think I will call the city tomorrow and inquire about this. It just doesn't seem right that I bought an 18K sq ft lot and should have someone living so close to my fence. Plus, my bedroom just happens to be on that end of my house! IOW, if they are noisy, I'll have to turn the other end of my house into a bedroom! Either that, or get used to sleeping on the sofa.

[observer53]

Call the department that would be issuing the building permits (usually city planning and zoning in whichever city) and discuss the issues with them. It could be that what they are planning requires a variance, which can lead to a public hearing on their request. There's nothing you can do about the house they chose to buy, but you may have some recourse regarding their remodeling plans. Keep us posted!

[mistygrl092]

Originally Posted by observer53

Call the department that would be issuing the building permits (usually city planning and zoning in whichever city) and discuss the issues with them. It could be that what they are planning requires a variance, which can lead to a public hearing on their request. There's nothing you can do about the house they chose to buy, but you may have some recourse regarding their remodeling plans. Keep us posted!

Thanks. Just for the record, it's city of Scottsdale, who will no doubt love the added taxes on a property worth more. But still, I will call the city tomorrow and ask about this. If it were not for MY contractor working on my house (only the interior), I never would have known about any of this until it was done. Since the permits haven't been approved yet, I guess there is still room for me to express my views. Still, I DO hate to have to get involved in this, but no ground has been broken yet, no trees have come down yet. All that has been done with the addition is to draw lines with string. So there still may be time yet.

These people own two or three other properties and, considering they left the cobwebs in place, I am thinking they are NOT going to be considerate neighbors.

Of couse, could be a blessing in disguise. If it isn't tolerable, it'll force me to move forward to other things.

[wit-nit]

You may want to peruse this Scottsdale Government website for answers to your questions, and what you can do. If you scroll through the site you'll find information on permits, variances, ordinances etal...
Digital Map Center

[mistygrl092]

Originally Posted by nitram

You may want to peruse this Scottsdale Government website for answers to your questions, and what you can do. If you scroll through the site you'll find information on permits, variances, ordinances etal...
Digital Map Center

Thanks, I have already done so. I'll call them tomorrow.

[Captain Bill]

You probably live in an HOA community.

So in addition to speaking with the building department you can check with the HOA.

Any exterior addition must be approved by the HOA, so you can also call them to see what they have approved.

You can also complain to the HOA about the cobwebs.

But

[kdog]

Since you seem awfully hung up on these cobwebs, and seeing as how the new neighbors don't even live there yet, why don't you simply call them up and offer to take them down for them? Win, win, and you'll start off on the right foot with the new neighbors.