Problems with neighbors and garages?

[keith5064]

just recently bought a house that has a detached 20x24 garage, the plan was to add 24x32 to the existing garage ..my small city in Iowa has an ordinance that garages in town can be a maximum of 40x40 without a special permit ( which requires a city meeting to be held and neighbors can attend to voice opinions and/ or have the ability to shut it down basicly... I was asking for 4 more foot of depth and my closest neighbor ( which is about 10-15 foot away from my garage) got her lawyer involved and basically made it so I can add 20 foot of depth ,which would make it right at 40' .... anyhow are there any of you here that have neighbors that are difficult? My main use for the building is for my own use, I work on about 2 motorcycles a year to fix up, and other small engine items, I'm trying to come up with a good way to make noise a minimum ..more insulation? What kind of noise barriers do you guys use?

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[crewchief888]

best thing ive ever done to "deal" with neighbors is keep the noise down, and not have a bunch of **** laying around that they can see..

my 1st house was in an HOA neighborhood, no automotive repairs were permitted...

i raced flattrack my race bikes were maintained and worked on in the garage, also built 2 harleys in the garage, made numerous repairs out in the driveway in full view of everyone. the key thing was not disturbing anyone. kept the compressor off at night, if i had to be making noise, i waited till the weekend when everyone was cutting grass.

my current house/garage is farther away from the neighbors, i stop all activities by 8pm, and dont start doing anything till at least 10 on the weekends. i keep all my ****/scrap hidden from everyone's view.
the only time ive had an "issue" was several years ago, my neighbor, 2 doors down, had someone try to torch his garage, the fire dept couldnt get to the garage for all the **** laying around. couple days later, they got a visit from the fire marshall and code enforcement.
code enforcement stopped at the end of my driveway, and told me to put my dog away so he could "inspect" a vehicle i had parked in the grass (temporarily). a few unkind words were exchanged between us, (he was being a real ****), when i assured him the vehicle would be back in the garage by the end of the day, he eventually left.

 

[AldeanFan]

This is why I live in the county,
I have one close neighbor and he’s a car guy too, but we’re far enough apart that we don’t bothered each other.

+1 on being respectful to neighbors to avoid confrontation.
There’s a country church across the road from me. I don’t work in the garage or yard Sunday morning or during weddings or funerals.



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[firebirdparts]

i mostly just use daylight to filter out the noise. Even if I was grinding on something after 10 o'clock, with all the doors closed I doubt anybody would notice. i have a million things to do, so there's always something quiet I could be doing late at night.

 

[keith5064]

Our noise ordinance noise making hours are from 6am to 10pm so I will respect those rules, I just hope the neighbor doesent expect me to be quiet during the day, because there is lots to be done, as far as cleanup on the property and work in the garage...also I'm allowed to put up a privacy fence to help keep out prying eyes. This neighbor has lived in her house for a very long time, and just doesent want change...

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[alexb2000]

Just like the other posters I try to be very respectful of my neighbors, but its relative. They may not like you doing anything in your garage, but they have an A/c unit with a bearing going out and a dog they leave outside barking all night.

Just the other day, I was running a grinder just for a few minutes and the sound of the grinder was drowned out by my neighbors kids 150 yards away screaming at the top of their lungs. I kid you not this went on for hours, those kids make my windows rattle.

Anyway, what comes around goes around a 40x40 isn't a bad garage at all.

 

[Bamafan]

Respectfully, I don’t think it’s your neighbors who are difficult. You moved in and immediately tried to violate a known building code. I would imagine they were concerned a variance would hurt the property values it was designed to protect.

That said, it is commendable that you are pursuing measures to keep the peace!

 

[SouthLake]

its 4', take the path of least resistance and build to conforming code. variances, esp for something like this, just not worth the trouble.

 

[kwb]

Usually the ordinances are based on square footage if you dive in to the details. Your area allows up to 1600sf the way I read it. As proposed you are up to 1248sf - no variance should be required.

If she lawyered up already you are in for continually battling no matter what you build. I would seriously consider making this a temporary stop, don't bother with the shop, doll the place up with some sweat equity and move on. Chalk it up to experience and know to interview neighbors before buying the next place.

 

[Richard Cranium]

there seams to be one in every neighborhood.

 

[SouthLake]

if he renovates it to stay within conforming code there isnt a thing anyone can do. he can still add an additional 20 x 16, 40x40 is still a great sized shop space.

 

[keith5064]

That's what I'm afraid of, I'm not going to intentionally piss her off , but I might fart the wrong way and she could get upset..it really is my property so not a lot she can do...just want to try to minimize passage of acoustics if possible...

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[keith5064]

Shes worried about it blocking her view to, but hate too say it, I have a 23 foot camper that will be parking there. Which is taller than the privacy fence that I will be putting up...

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[Garett]

I would do like everyone else, shut the garage door and stop the noisy stuff when it gets dark. More of a visual thing, a few houses on my street have rows of cedar hedges beside their garages. The cedars are on the side of the garage that's near the property line.

I kinda want a chassis dyno for my home/shop, that would be over the top loud. I don't think I could do that to the neighborhood.

 

[crewchief888]

Just like the other posters I try to be very respectful of my neighbors, but its relative. They may not like you doing anything in your garage, but they have an A/c unit with a bearing going out and a dog they leave outside barking all night.

Just the other day, I was running a grinder just for a few minutes and the sound of the grinder was drowned out by my neighbors kids 150 yards away screaming at the top of their lungs. I kid you not this went on for hours, those kids make my windows rattle.

Anyway, what comes around goes around a 40x40 isn't a bad garage at all.

do unto your neighbors as you'd have your neighbors do unto you.


or something like that


i was working on a loader in a customers back yard yesterday afternoon, all of a sudden 4 screaming kids, oldest maybe 3 or 4 years old, 3 pit bulls and 3 ducks are circling me and the machine i'm working on...
it was the fastest ive ever swapped out 6 dry rotted hyd hoses, and the longest 2 1/2 hours of my life....

by the time i got home, i thought my head was gonna explode

 

[crewchief888]

I would do like everyone else, shut the garage door and stop the noisy stuff when it gets dark.

thats what i do...

i built my s-10 blazer in the garage, (eng/trans swap, cage, lift, ect) during the winter, in 6 months.
i'd work a couple hours every night when i got home from work, and spend several hours on sat & sun if it wasnt too cold. always waiting till at least 9 am on sat, and 11 on sundays before i'd even open the door and start doing anything.

the only heat i had was from a couple 100 watt lightbulbs...

one neighbor had no idea i was doing anything in the garage until april when i pushed the blazer outside far enough to use the crane on my service truck to set the engine/trans/xfer case back in....

 

[AZ Pete]

That's what I'm afraid of, I'm not going to intentionally piss her off , but I might fart the wrong way and she could get upset..it really is my property so not a lot she can do...just want to try to minimize passage of acoustics if possible...

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if you do not have windows or doors on her side, and insulate the walls, I think that would go a long way.


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[alexb2000]

i was working on a loader in a customers back yard yesterday afternoon, all of a sudden 4 screaming kids, oldest maybe 3 or 4 years old, 3 pit bulls and 3 ducks are circling me and the machine i'm working on...
it was the fastest ive ever swapped out 6 dry rotted hyd hoses, and the longest 2 1/2 hours of my life....

by the time i got home, i thought my head was gonna explode

This gives me an idea how to save money when you hire someone for time and materials.

 

[ozyborn]

One of my good friends owns a Century farm. Some fool developer built a golf course next to him. Hilarious when they tried to tell him to keep the noise down for the golf tourney. He runs a saw mill and blacksmith shop. No mercy. Recently he put up a large painted sign about raising gophers. Yes, he is awesome. Ironically. If they had just politely asked him to keep the noise down for a couple days, would have been no issue. But they came in with an attitude and demanded it. They will not try that again.

 

[madmaxnj]

when I was searching for my current home I was specifically looking for a property where I could build a nice garage/shop for myself. Every house I thought was a contender I would meet with the zoning/building officers before going any further. The house I bought, I marked up the survey in my CAD program and showed them everything I wanted to do and it was all good. I would only need a variance if I wanted the garage to be over 14' tall. After much deliberation I went for the variance. I told both my neighbors about it beforehand and they both said "no problem". Well, come variance hearing and they are both there screaming ****** murder. It was a challenge for me to not laugh as they both got belligerent with the zoning board, wow. I didn't have to say a word. My variance was unanimously approved and they start digging the foundation next week. Both my neighbors are elderly, and I'll be enjoying my garage long after they are gone (crude, I know, but true).

So do whatever it is you need to do to enjoy your house and your garage. The variance probably cost me ~$1K. But it will be worth it when the garage is up and I am doing my oil changes, brake jobs, and who knows, maybe turbo on the Vette with the cars up on a nice 2 post lift.

 

[Musicinabottle]

I'm in the middle of 20 acres, and the neighbors are situated on large acreages so out here where I'm at, it's safe to work through the night, though I do try to keep it down if I'm doing something super noisy.

 

[HoosierMark]

OP you may be missing her real issue. You started your post by saying you recently purchased the property and want to add on to the garage. She probably does not know you and is scared this is the start of a problem. Loud cars, working all night etc. She may just be scared and uninformed. Try talking to her attorney first and ask permission to talk to her. Perhaps get a couple of letters from your old neighbors about how nice you are and how nice you keep your property. Give her people she or her attorney can call. Also explain why you want it the size you do. In other words do some PR work and your problem may be solved.

 

[ptgb]

Followed every zoning rule. Did everything to keep the 83 year curmudgeon next door happy. After it was built, I kept quiet like I always have, and never made a mess outside. Work during the day and keep to myself.

He has written three letters to zoning, first saying that it was too big, second saying it blocked his view of a plaza down the street, then accused me of running an illegal motorcycle repair shop out of there.

Zoning told him to pound salt, that all was legal. I told him that if I was running a motorcycle shop, then I am the worst businessman ever, as I lost money (me and my buddies do light maintenance only).

He then threatened to sue me and the Township in which we live. For what? I don't know, as he has been told over and over that all is legal.

It came to the point that I told him to go screw himself and he will never be happy, so why even try.

 

[Augus7us]

You have to understand that some people don't care if you play by the rules, as the gentlemen above is stating. You can be quiet, clean up your mess, shut the shop down at dark... The fact that you built the shop is enough to make some people to watch you like a hawk and complain the moment you slip up.

The other thing to keep in mind is that even if you keep the peace and all is well, it just takes one neighbor to move out and some nazi to move in.

There are numerous posts on this forum about guys trying to build or work in their dream shop in neighborhoods that don't like that kind of thing. Hell there are a few guys on here that openly state they do not want you working on cars in your driveway or building big shops in their neighborhood. I see those comments every time someone posts a question about HOA's.

I had some family deal with this kind of ****. There is no pleasing some people.

-Clint

 

[keith5064]

I introduced myself to all the neighbors and politely explained what I was doing, and if they had any issues to please let me know..also my neighbor is elderly, and I can only assume won't be there as long as I will ( not trying to be a sick but it's reality...)

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[keith5064]

Followed every zoning rule. Did everything to keep the 83 year curmudgeon next door happy. After it was built, I kept quiet like I always have, and never made a mess outside. Work during the day and keep to myself.

He has written three letters to zoning, first saying that it was too big, second saying it blocked his view of a plaza down the street, then accused me of running an illegal motorcycle repair shop out of there.

Zoning told him to pound salt, that all was legal. I told him that if I was running a motorcycle shop, then I am the worst businessman ever, as I lost money (me and my buddies do light maintenance only).

He then threatened to sue me and the Township in which we live. For what? I don't know, as he has been told over and over that all is legal.

It came to the point that I told him to go screw himself and he will never be happy, so why even try.

In response to this my situation is also similar, I made the mistake of telling her I have a hobby of motorcycles and she immediately thought I was running a business, and that's not the case at all..

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[Dodge]

It's all about Change!

 

[ItsNemo]

Such a shame having neighbors like that...none of mine have given me any trouble and usually stop in to say hi if the door is open and see what I'm up to. Then again, I lend a hand to all of them whenever they need help with something since I am the "fix it" guy....so it goes both ways.

 

[James-W]

Such a shame having neighbors like that...none of mine have given me any trouble and usually stop in to say hi if the door is open and see what I'm up to. Then again, I lend a hand to all of them whenever they need help with something since I am the "fix it" guy....so it goes both ways.

I am pretty much the same way. Whenever a neighbor has a problem, they come visit me. Whether they can't get their lawnmower blade off, or they need a couple boards replaced on their porch, (or anything in between) I seem to be the "go to" guy. I guess that is why nobody cares if I make a little noise during the daytime. After about 7 pm I keep it down and if I use a saw or something I keep all the doors shut to keep the sound from bothering anyone.

 

[The Tate]

TL;DR Talk to your neighbour, find out their issues, go for the variance/appeal and explain why your neighbours issues are unwarranted. Worse that happens is they decline you and you have to build it to what she wants. Best case, you get what you want.

When I built my garage, I had to get a variance to get the size I wanted. The city declined it automatically due to how much over the bylaw it was (about 33% bigger than what the bylaw allows). So I set out to appeal. Once I applied for the appeal, the city sent out letters to all the neighbours affected by the sight of potential garage. I canvassed the neighbourhood to see if anyone was opposed, and if they weren't, I asked if they'd sign a letter stating such for my appeal. My next door neighbour said they wouldn't sign anything because they were selling their house. Ok, fair enough. A month or two go by, and they pulled their house off the market. So I asked them again about signing, and then they tell me they are opposed to my garage because it was gonna kill the sunlight in their yard and reduce their home value.

So I talked to some realtors about affecting their resale, I found some resources to draw some pictures of the shadows that my garage would cast in their backyard (none from March to September), emphasized that it was for personal use, etc. The neighbours opposed sent in a letter stating all the things I'd already explained. The city council ruled in my favour due to a good presentation and explaining how the neighbours issues were unfounded.

 

[TonyG109]

I'm trying to come up with a good way to make noise a minimum ..more insulation? What kind of noise barriers do you guys use?

I recently put up a 30' x 50' pole building. Before I insulated it, noise would pass thru the walls as if there were no walls. I had to keep the radio down to a whisper to keep the neighbor from being able to hear it. I then insulated the walls and ceiling with dense packed cellulose. Absolutely night and day! Virtually NO sound passes thru the walls. I can crank the radio or run noisy tools and you can't even hear it outside.

If you do insulate to control sound, don't forget to insulate the ceiling well also. Sound can pass thru the ceiling, into the attic and right out the eaves or gable ends. Also caulk every crack and crevice. They can let a lot of sound leak out.

My walls being 8" thick hold a lot of insulation but the attenuation factor is incredible. The extra effort to do dense packed cellulose was time well spent. I don't know where you're located but the added benefit of insulation for temperature control is a plus also.

 

[PhantomEB]

I, the neighbor with the biggest tallest garage in the whole neighbourhood.

I, usually shut it down by 8-9 when grinding, or the loud stuff. My neighbours know whatever I doing it’s for hobby use or to make my place nicer to me which means nicer to them.

One across the lane who now has privacy screen around her deck.....like I want to see her 300 lb *** in tank top and shorts. She came over one day last summer when my buddy was over in his big block 68 bitching about the exhaust. I looked at her and said yeah he was just telling me it’s for sale, I am thinking about it for the Saturday night late races. Now she avoids me at all costs, I can’t wait to finish my big tire off-road truck.

 

[PNWguy]

How loud are the exhausts on the bikes that you and your buddies ride?

 

[James-W]

I am fortunate in that my neighbors are all pretty decent. The neighbor next door to me (I am on a corner lot) is a single mom and he son is 5 years old. He and I are good buddies and he likes to come over and work with me on projects. When he is a little older I would like to build a 2 seat go-kart with him and then we can go someplace and drive it around.

The other neighbors are pretty cool people too, they don't complain about me doing stuff, in fact many times they come over and want to know what I am doing and often times they ask me if I need some help doing it.

I don't think I have ever had a "bad" neighbor. Obviously some neighbors are nicer than others, but everyone here on our block tends to work together and help each other out. When one of us is out of town we watch over their house to make sure nothing suspicious is happening, when one of us in sick or hurt and can't do something we will all help that neighbor out, things of that nature. I can't imagine having a terrible neighbor who complains about anything and everything. That would really ****.

 

[kbs2244]

The view question will be the emotional point.
But if you have the letter of the law on your side you should win any argument.
Rarely are views legally enforceable.

 

[ez-duzit]

...I'm trying to come up with a good way to make noise a minimum ..more insulation? What kind of noise barriers do you guys use?...

Try harder.

Your architect will be able to suggest construction methods that will help mitigate noise issues.

 

[sixty4]

Brings back memories for me on this one! Had a neighbor go to my zoning hearing banging his fist on the table about me putting up my detached garage. I was within my right to put up the garage but was going for a bit more height. I needed a special exception.
The two things I learned is get a zoning attorney.
Be willing to put up some sort of screening, to shut the neighbor up. I went with tall spruce trees to shut the board and neighbor up.
Funny thing is they sold right after we built. Hope they are doing well!!

 

[ard]

When we bought we went to my neighbors with a plate of cookies.

Told them my hobby was helping change my neighbors oil and brakes for free.






(I kid, a bit. Starting out right can help...can. Some people are nuts. In my case I was built 4-5 years before neighbors...)


Dont be affraind of zoning variances.

Try to understand what makes the zoning board tick- even ask them over the counter in advance, "what can I do to make this easier?" Ideas like screening, reducing visual impact, blah blah, will give them cover to give you what you want. And I guess if you arent comfortable with this kind of thing, hire someone to help.

 

[TomC750]

The above posts are why I live in a remote area of Tennessee. My nearest neighbor is the National forest. Havn't had a complaint from a resident bear yet.

 

[Doug Arthurs]

My neighbor that would be affected by my working in the garage is usually in my garage half the time. I also let him use my shop anytime. With that said I try to keep the noise down as much as possible. On sundays I wait for him to leave for church then do my thing.