Neighbors Applying for Construction Permit

[SBrentnall]

The neighbors abutting our property e always seem to be remodeling. First, we put up with electric stonecutting machines at 7:30am, then incredibly bright lights on tall poles, and now we received a notice from the City of Los Angeles saying they've applied for a permit to build a "building with over 500 sq ft of floor area." I don't mind people remodeling, but this never seems to end. As soon as they finish one project, they start another.

I've left a message with the neighbors to find out where on the property they're planning on building (they have about 5 acres). If it's right up against our property, do we have any right to fight the permit?

My boyfriend is a writer and I'm a designer, and we both work from home. We paid a lot of money for a house in the Hollywood Hills surrounded by enough land that we would have peace and quiet in which to work. But this neighbor is making life difficult. Both properties are on top of a hill and there's nothing to shield the noise. We've planted trees and foiliage, but that only does so much.

We've always tried to be good neighbors--Christmas presents, keeping quiet and to ourselves, no parties, etc.--but they don't seem to be returning the favor. What are our rights here?

 

[NYClex]

Don't we all love these kind of neighbors?

Your rights depend very much on your zoning and building code laws. The notice you received should explain some of them, if not, call the city department that sent you the note and ask.

Otherwise it is very tricky to make a case. Normally an owner can do anything he wants on his property as long as he is within the above mentioned laws. There is, however, such a thing as private nuisance. This is a civil case against a neighbor whose unreasonable behavior interfered with your enjoyment of your own property. But these kind of cases are not easy to pursue, because the neighbor's conduct must be in a way unreasonable.