ᐅ "Irregularities" in Neighbors’ Boundary Construction … Tips
Created on: 10 Apr 2022 12:21
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PinkiponkP
Pinkiponk10 Apr 2022 12:21Our house is steadily moving toward completion, and we are gradually starting to consider the outdoor area, which also includes the boundary planting and structures. Regarding the specific planting of our property, I will seek your advice and help in a later post. In this post, I would like to ask for your assessment—both subjective and objective—about the situation created by our neighbors on site:
Neighbor on the left
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I have previously posted about this, but now I would like to know specifically whether, in your opinion and experience, the neighbor’s concrete base encroaching onto our property (see photos) interferes with the growth or planting of Thuja and if this concrete base therefore needs to be removed (by us (?)).
(I know Thuja are controversial, so a note: we only plan to plant a few Thuja along the length of our neighbor’s parking space right up to the boundary in order to continue the neighbor’s Thuja hedge—except along the garage wall, where we will plant something else—leading to the street, and then also to hide the garbage bins in a Thuja nook shaped like a spiral or rectangle. Since our kitchen terrace is likely to be located here, we would also have privacy from the neighbor’s parking space.)
Neighbor on the right
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This situation is probably a bit more complex. The neighbor on our right has, which is not allowed, created a second driveway for one of his cars. As shown in the photo, a kind of "dark brown carport/covered parking structure" was also built there, which is “actually” not permitted either. Generally, the second driveway and the additional parking space don’t bother us since they help reduce demand on public parking—which is also in our interest. I would like to ask two questions about this. Apart from the “dark brown carport/covered parking structure,” which is not to our taste:
- The rainwater from the gutter of this “dark brown carport/covered parking structure” is directed almost exactly onto our property line—down to 3-4 millimeters (about 0.1 inches)—which could potentially cause erosion underneath and damage our own carport; this was the statement of an employee from the wastewater authority who inspected our sewage connection.
- I am considering asking the neighbor if a hedge could be planted on the strip of stone on his side (i.e., between the “dark brown carport/covered parking structure”) instead of the stone strip to conceal his structure. It would have to be on his side since it is his building, and if we planted the hedge on our side, we would not have enough space left for a carport. We would cover the costs and the work involved (or possibly share them, depending on the neighbor’s willingness).
Please also share your views on whether any agreements made should only apply to the current owners of the houses on the left and right and that the brown structure should be removed if the property is sold. I am unsure whether the “dark brown carport/covered parking structure” is allowed to be expanded if we accept it as it is now.
Or whether we should have everything that does not comply with laws and regulations removed. We, of course, fully comply with all laws and regulations ourselves, even if it is not always easy.
We value a good neighborly relationship and do not want to be overly strict, but we also do not want to accept too many disadvantages. Additionally, we understand that we might also need the cooperation of our neighbors in the future.
Neighbor on the left
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I have previously posted about this, but now I would like to know specifically whether, in your opinion and experience, the neighbor’s concrete base encroaching onto our property (see photos) interferes with the growth or planting of Thuja and if this concrete base therefore needs to be removed (by us (?)).
(I know Thuja are controversial, so a note: we only plan to plant a few Thuja along the length of our neighbor’s parking space right up to the boundary in order to continue the neighbor’s Thuja hedge—except along the garage wall, where we will plant something else—leading to the street, and then also to hide the garbage bins in a Thuja nook shaped like a spiral or rectangle. Since our kitchen terrace is likely to be located here, we would also have privacy from the neighbor’s parking space.)
Neighbor on the right
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This situation is probably a bit more complex. The neighbor on our right has, which is not allowed, created a second driveway for one of his cars. As shown in the photo, a kind of "dark brown carport/covered parking structure" was also built there, which is “actually” not permitted either. Generally, the second driveway and the additional parking space don’t bother us since they help reduce demand on public parking—which is also in our interest. I would like to ask two questions about this. Apart from the “dark brown carport/covered parking structure,” which is not to our taste:
- The rainwater from the gutter of this “dark brown carport/covered parking structure” is directed almost exactly onto our property line—down to 3-4 millimeters (about 0.1 inches)—which could potentially cause erosion underneath and damage our own carport; this was the statement of an employee from the wastewater authority who inspected our sewage connection.
- I am considering asking the neighbor if a hedge could be planted on the strip of stone on his side (i.e., between the “dark brown carport/covered parking structure”) instead of the stone strip to conceal his structure. It would have to be on his side since it is his building, and if we planted the hedge on our side, we would not have enough space left for a carport. We would cover the costs and the work involved (or possibly share them, depending on the neighbor’s willingness).
Please also share your views on whether any agreements made should only apply to the current owners of the houses on the left and right and that the brown structure should be removed if the property is sold. I am unsure whether the “dark brown carport/covered parking structure” is allowed to be expanded if we accept it as it is now.
Or whether we should have everything that does not comply with laws and regulations removed. We, of course, fully comply with all laws and regulations ourselves, even if it is not always easy.
We value a good neighborly relationship and do not want to be overly strict, but we also do not want to accept too many disadvantages. Additionally, we understand that we might also need the cooperation of our neighbors in the future.
The concrete base obviously must not be on your property. Simply place the thuja far enough away. If that’s not possible, have the neighbor shorten the base, but they probably won’t agree to that, which could lead to a dispute.
Tip: The concrete wedge draws moisture from the soil; I would cover it with plastic sheeting or coat it with bitumen.
Regarding the carport, I don’t think it’s a big issue. I would talk to the owner and point out that they need to drain their downpipe on their own property. If they don’t have a connection, just connect it to your carport drainage—at most 6 meters (20 feet) of drainage pipe. That way, peace is kept. In return, you can ask them for a case of beer, and you can enjoy it together.
Tip: The concrete wedge draws moisture from the soil; I would cover it with plastic sheeting or coat it with bitumen.
Regarding the carport, I don’t think it’s a big issue. I would talk to the owner and point out that they need to drain their downpipe on their own property. If they don’t have a connection, just connect it to your carport drainage—at most 6 meters (20 feet) of drainage pipe. That way, peace is kept. In return, you can ask them for a case of beer, and you can enjoy it together.
That house on the left is quite old, isn’t it? In the past, people weren’t as precise with millimeters in outdoor areas… not so much nowadays, or generally, right? But it looks like professional work to me. At least there won’t be any lowering of the ground.
Anyone planting Thuja has to provide enough space. They do get quite thick. The trunks should be at least 70cm (28 inches) away from the property boundary. So the base shouldn’t cause any issues. However, the root system might affect the paving later on.
Everyone has to manage drainage on their own property. As long as the neighboring area is just a lawn, it’s simpler, plus there are often obstacles to connecting drainage to the main system. Many people then use a rain barrel. I quite like @tomtom79’s suggestion regarding drainage.
I don’t understand why you think the neighbors should plant something on their property for you. That pergola, or repurposed patio cover, didn’t just appear overnight, did it? And whether you’re right in reminding everyone of your own good behavior while the neighbor has two driveways? I don’t think so.
Do both of his driveways have a lowering towards the curb? Only then would I consider it approved.
Aside from the fact that I find the stone solution combined with the black privacy screen quite striking, and that I don’t think the brown posts fit, whether you or we or I find it ugly doesn’t matter. It is the neighbors’ property, and apparently they like it.
The strip is too narrow for a hedge anyway.
What you’re actually expecting from him, frankly, is that he gives up his 20cm (8 inches) strip for your hedge because you planned too tightly and now don’t have room for everything.
I don’t understand what you mean.
I would say that it could politely be called “fussy.”
It’s always the problem that newcomers can’t come to terms with what already exists. Others might see it differently, especially if it isn’t quite clear or obvious that someone has been honing their craftsmanship on their property over the years... Although I can’t imagine it’s illegal since it’s very visible from the street.
Be careful not to make yourself unpopular with your personal wishes and the way you go about enforcing them.
Isn't the thread about the left neighbor known here? Where is the link?
Anyone planting Thuja has to provide enough space. They do get quite thick. The trunks should be at least 70cm (28 inches) away from the property boundary. So the base shouldn’t cause any issues. However, the root system might affect the paving later on.
Everyone has to manage drainage on their own property. As long as the neighboring area is just a lawn, it’s simpler, plus there are often obstacles to connecting drainage to the main system. Many people then use a rain barrel. I quite like @tomtom79’s suggestion regarding drainage.
I don’t understand why you think the neighbors should plant something on their property for you. That pergola, or repurposed patio cover, didn’t just appear overnight, did it? And whether you’re right in reminding everyone of your own good behavior while the neighbor has two driveways? I don’t think so.
Do both of his driveways have a lowering towards the curb? Only then would I consider it approved.
Aside from the fact that I find the stone solution combined with the black privacy screen quite striking, and that I don’t think the brown posts fit, whether you or we or I find it ugly doesn’t matter. It is the neighbors’ property, and apparently they like it.
The strip is too narrow for a hedge anyway.
What you’re actually expecting from him, frankly, is that he gives up his 20cm (8 inches) strip for your hedge because you planned too tightly and now don’t have room for everything.
Pinkiponk schrieb:
Please also comment on whether any agreements made should only apply to the current owners of the houses on the right and left, and whether the brown shed should be removed in case of a sale. I’m not sure if the “dark brown carport/covered storage structure” is allowed to be extended if we currently accept it.
I don’t understand what you mean.
I would say that it could politely be called “fussy.”
It’s always the problem that newcomers can’t come to terms with what already exists. Others might see it differently, especially if it isn’t quite clear or obvious that someone has been honing their craftsmanship on their property over the years... Although I can’t imagine it’s illegal since it’s very visible from the street.
Be careful not to make yourself unpopular with your personal wishes and the way you go about enforcing them.
Isn't the thread about the left neighbor known here? Where is the link?
With such meticulousness, it will surely be a pleasure to live next to you.
And since you are "the new ones," a corresponding reputation will develop throughout the entire neighborhood if you complain about everything like that.
I find the planting on a neighbor’s property particularly interesting. I would laugh at you if you also tried to criticize anything else at the same time.
In that spirit: ...here’s to good neighborliness.
And since you are "the new ones," a corresponding reputation will develop throughout the entire neighborhood if you complain about everything like that.
I find the planting on a neighbor’s property particularly interesting. I would laugh at you if you also tried to criticize anything else at the same time.
In that spirit: ...here’s to good neighborliness.
schubert7910 Apr 2022 19:02You’re not seriously planning to plant on the neighbor’s property, are you?
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Pinkiponk10 Apr 2022 19:07tomtom79 schrieb:
A tip: the concrete wedge draws moisture from the soil, I would cover it with plastic sheeting or coat it with bitumen. Thank you, I think that’s what we’ll do.
tomtom79 schrieb:
Regarding the carport, I don’t think it’s a big issue. I would talk to the owner and point out that they need to drain their rainwater on their own property. If they don’t have a connection, simply connect it to your carport’s drainage system—max 6 meters (20 feet) of drainage pipe. However, we would have to cover the costs for the neighbor's carport drainage with the local wastewater authority, and I’m not sure what obligations that might entail for us. I think we’ll rather ask them to collect the water on their own property, maybe in a rain barrel or similar, or redirect it there. It could then also be used as watering water if they want. We were told that draining onto our property could cause undermining of our carport.
ypg schrieb:
That’s a bit older, the house on the left? In the past, people didn’t pay that much attention to millimeter precision outdoors… nowadays not at all, right? But it looks like professional work. At least, there won’t be any settling. The house on the left was the first built in this development about 15 years ago.
Well, it’s 30 cm (12 inches) that would be missing if we couldn’t plant there. There isn’t much space on either side of our house, so we would actually welcome more than 30 cm (12 inches) from the neighbor’s property. ;-) Still, I will probably accept it as you recommended.
ypg schrieb:
If you plant Thuja, you need to allow enough space. They get quite thick. The trunks should be at least 70 cm (28 inches) from the property line. So the base won’t be a problem, but the root system could affect the paving later. I will check how far the neighbor’s Thuja hedge is from our boundary. He has a Thuja hedge along about 75% of the length of our property. We’ve already agreed that we can trim it from our side and he trims it from his side.
ypg schrieb:
Everyone must drain water on their own property. As long as there is just a lawn next door, it’s easy. It’s often complicated to connect drainage to the system because of obstacles. Many then use a rain barrel. I think @tomtom79’s suggestion about the drainage is pretty good. For the above reasons, I’m reluctant to take responsibility for the neighbor’s carport drainage, especially since we would have to pay fees to the wastewater authority. I hope we find a solution that works well for both parties.
ypg schrieb:
I don’t understand why you think the neighbors should plant something for you on their property. Then let’s forget about that. So far, based on information from an employee of the wastewater authority, I assumed this was an illegal unauthorized construction. If that’s not the case, there is obviously no reason to hide the building from us; there will be many more inspections in and on our house.
ypg schrieb:
This pergola, or converted terrace roof, didn’t just appear overnight, right?! Thank you for the term “pergola.” I just looked again for setback requirements for pergolas but didn’t find any. Actually, it doesn’t matter, because I decided to resolve the situation regardless of whether the building is legal or illegal. I don’t understand the question about the construction period.
ypg schrieb:
And do you really think you’re in the right mentioning your virtue while the neighbor has two driveways?! I don’t think so. We wanted two driveways but the application was denied, so we’re not pursuing it. I did not mean to come across as self-righteous; sorry if it sounded that way.
ypg schrieb:
Do both of his driveways have a drop down to the curb? If so, then I consider it approved. I will check. As I said, we thought this because the authority employee mentioned it, and we were surprised ourselves as we thought two driveways aren’t allowed. Whether legal or not is no longer the main issue; we are finding a solution.
ypg schrieb:
It’s the neighbors’ property, and apparently they like it that way. I agree with you 100%.
ypg schrieb:
The strip itself is too narrow for a hedge anyway.
What you’re basically expecting from him, frankly, is to give up his 20 cm (8 inches) strip for your hedge because you planned too tightly and now have no room for everything. We will try to improve that area with other greenery. I certainly don’t expect him to give up any part of his property for us. I myself struggle with that, as with the neighbor on the left side. 🙂
ypg schrieb:
I don’t understand what you mean. What I meant was: Please also comment whether it makes sense that any agreements reached might only apply to the current owners of the houses on the right and left, and that the brown shed might have to be removed if sold. I don’t know if the “dark brown carport/covered storage structure” can be extended if we currently accept it without objection when moving into our house on that lot.
ypg schrieb:
I think you could call that “nitpicky” in a nice way. Yes, I accept that and am honestly thankful for feedback. I sometimes get a bit carried away. ;-)
ypg schrieb:
Be careful not to make yourself unpopular with your personal wishes and the way you want things done. I will definitely keep that in mind. My husband and sister-in-law already think I’m too quiet about it, but that’s okay—harmony is what matters most. 🙂
ypg schrieb:
Don’t people here know the thread about the left neighbor? Where is the link? As requested: 🙂
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/betonsockel-des-nachbarn-unterirdisch-auf-unserer-seite.41741/
SoL schrieb:
In that sense: ...to good neighborliness. That is partly what this forum is for—sometimes someone sets you straight. I think that’s good. 🙂
schubert79 schrieb:
You don’t seriously want to plant on the neighbor’s property, do you? No, only if the neighbor wanted to hide their so-called illegal unauthorized construction, according to the public authority employee. I now understand that is inappropriate.
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