Architectural Designs

What can I do to combat my contentious neighbor who stops at nothing to thwart me from building on to my home?

I am a father of two small children who doesn't make a lot of money. I have saved all my life to build a home for my family. Six years ago, when I was single, I bought a small house and an adjoining lot in Philadelphia. A wonderful wife and two beloved children later, I now want to build an addition on the lot for my growing family, the design of which is completely within zoning regulations. But I have a contentious neighbor (whom no one on the street likes) who showed up at the local "neighbors association" and somehow managed to convince the board to put a stop to everything and send us back to the drawing board. Our next meeting with the neighbors' association is days away. I know this contentious neighbor is going to return and object again. What can I do to keep her from thwarting my efforts? I'm just trying to make a home for my family! Is that so wrong?

Public Comments

1. This is a tough question. Some people just like to exercise power, to be annoying and to be a burden to others. Your neighbor seems to have the same sociopath values as a loud biker. "Screw anyone else, just as long as I can have it my way" Maybe if you bring a lawyer and ask for a "Show cause" on why you can't build. If you within legal and zoning codes you may present the threat of civil litigation. Sadly, it will cost money. Best of Wishes
2. take what the person briefed the board, analized every point, then answered every point, present the board with sufficient reasons and a good plan, do not attack the person who is objecting, attack the basis of her objection, if its a character problem,or just a cronic compaliner, then after you present your side it will be little that person can said. be objective , cool and collective, leave the emotions to the complainer. good luck remeber there is always A&*%holes in the crowd
3. If you are within zoning regulations, then you shouldn't be having that much of a problem. How long has this been going on? One or even two meetings I can understand, but if you are going back to the drawing board its because of either not the right information that they need or your design isn't within zoning for the bunch of tiny annoying reasons that always come up. Bring a lawyer with you to the next meeting, sometimes his very appearance makes people understand that you are willing to go to the mat for your addition.
4. If you have all the proper permits there is nothing the neighbor can do to stop you from building onto your home. If your trying to slide by without the proper permits I don't blame her. I have the same problem on my street with people buying old houses not getting the required permits then not doing the job by the codes. Now three families will buy these houses not knowing about the shoddy workmanship or the fact the places are eat up in termites, rotten wood covered by siding and stucco. Wiring done by unlicensed people. I pray none of them burn down from faulty wiring problems.
5. get any permits needed...that should stop it......as long as your going by the books ..so to speak ....your neighbor should have nothing to sqauk about...even if your commu nity does not require building permits..i would go that extra effort..it will show your Neighbors assocation that you are trying to be on the up and up!!!
6. I suppose your neighborhood association has power to approve or deny the construction of new buildings. You need to find out exactly how it is approved or denied. Is one person objecting it enough reason? In my previous neighborhood association, to cut a tree that has a diameter of 6" or more has to be approved by the association and if one person says "no" because he likes the tree, the tree has to stay. All you can do is to go by the rules and be reasonable. Read the association rules, regulations, voting procedures, etc. word by word and I have a feeling you will find your way.
7. You've just provided the exact reason that I will NEVER buy a house or condo that's ruled by a homeowners' association. It'll always be older neighborhoods, for me. Ownership is something I don't share. When a homeowners' association has veto power over the type of home (or addition) I can build, that association owns my land. I won't put up with that.