ᐅ Raising the ground level of the plot – we’re doing it now, neighbor is still waiting

Hello everyone,

We are developing a plot of land with a slight slope. The entire plot will be filled with 0.30 m to 1.10 m (1 to 3.6 feet) of fill. The neighboring properties (on both the left and right) have similar conditions. Overall, I need to retain approximately 65 linear meters (213 feet) of soil using retaining walls, concrete blocks, or similar structures.

I have not yet been able to identify the neighbor on the left. I contacted the neighbor on our right side to ask if he plans to add fill as well, since if both of us fill against each other, we might be able to save costs on retaining walls or similar structures. He told me he intends to wait until I have installed the retaining walls because I will be adding fill anyway. Then, he plans to add fill against my retaining walls, which would save him the cost of building his own retaining structures.

That statement made me somewhat angry. Of course, I face the problem if I build first and he reacts afterward, but I find his approach unacceptable.

Now I am wondering what options I have. My first thought is to install the retaining walls not exactly on the property line but with a 10 cm (4 inches) gap. I imagine that this would mean he is not allowed to fill against my walls and would have to pay for his own retaining structures.

Do you see any other options besides talking to him again?

Thanks