|
|
10-15-2015, 01:35 PM
|
#1
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Austin, Texas
Trailer: 2009 Escape 19'
Posts: 242
|
Dealing with difficult neighbors
I have stored my 19' Escape at my property since the end of July, 2015. It is at the very back of the property line on a large lot, at least 100ft back from the street. It is barely noticeable or bothersome to most people. However...
A week ago, my neighbor wrote a very condescending email asking me to move the RV. I simply didn't respond, because it wouldn't have been a nice email. Today, she wrote another rude email threatening to report me to code compliance. The City of Austin requires a wood or masonry fence to conceal an RV from street view.
It is hard for me to empathize with this person, who also repeatedly complains about noisy leaf-blowers, car doors slamming to loudly, long grass, and other trivialities. She once asked me to move my truck because the sun was reflecting off it in a way that bothered her. In my neighborhood there is no HOA. There are Airstreams and motorhomes all over Austin parked in driveways and even on streets, but yet she has a problem with my RV that is not much bigger than some trucks in these parts!
I am writing this thread to hopefully gain some perspective and advice. Has anyone been through this before? Although my neighbor's over-reaction is irksome, I am a reasonable person. At this point, I am looking to store it at my brother's property in Pflugerville or building a small fence around it.
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 01:46 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,552
|
There is no making these type of people happy, no matter what you do.
I would check with the bylaw folks to find out for sure what you need to do. This way you know for sure what your rights are, and your neighbour would not have a leg to stand on. Your scenario definitely wouldn't be a problem here.
I am lucky to park in my front drive without my neighbours complaining, as I rightfully can't have it there for more than 3 days (I think). The neighbour problem I have, is that he is a hoarder, at least as bad as any of those you see on the TV hoarding shows.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 02:08 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Northern, Maryland
Trailer: 2014 E21
Posts: 273
|
Daubsy,
As Jim Bennett indicates, you need to confirm precisely what the law requires of you. If, in fact, the only applicable requirement is that "The City of Austin requires a wood or masonry fence to conceal an RV from street view," then build such a fence and be done with it. Your neighbor will have no further recourse -- even if your RV remains visible to her.
__________________
Vella, Glenn, and Abigail
Escape 21
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 02:25 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Central, Pennsylvania
Trailer: Escape#5 2022 E19
Posts: 26,268
|
Better yet, build a wood fence with a plastic window insert for them to see your pretty new trailer.....
__________________
Jim
Sometime life gets in the way of living.......
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 02:26 PM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: St. Thomas not BVI., Ontario
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0TA / 2016 Ram Eco Diesel 4X4
Posts: 8,038
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by abby
Daubsy,
As Jim Bennett indicates, you need to confirm precisely what the law requires of you. If, in fact, the only applicable requirement is that "The City of Austin requires a wood or masonry fence to conceal an RV from street view," then build such a fence and be done with it. Your neighbor will have no further recourse -- even if your RV remains visible to her.
|
Hi: Daubsy... I would certainly comply with the fence issue. Rent a motorized post hole digger for the weekend to install the posts and a construction flood lamp to work by. A security dusk/dawn flood lamp installed on top of the fence would also be advisable. Two can play games too!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
__________________
Quote Bugs Bunny..."Don't take life too seriously, none of us get out of it ALIVE"!!!
'16 Ram Eco D. 4X4 Laramie Longhorn CC & '14 Escape 5.0TA
St.Thomas (Not the Virgin Islands) Ontario
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 02:35 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Austin, Texas
Trailer: 2009 Escape 19'
Posts: 242
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by abby
As Jim Bennett indicates, you need to confirm precisely what the law requires of you. If, in fact, the only applicable requirement is that "The City of Austin requires a wood or masonry fence to conceal an RV from street view," then build such a fence and be done with it. Your neighbor will have no further recourse -- even if your RV remains visible to her.
|
I just got off the phone with code compliance and they sent me a link to the section of code addressing vehicle storage. Section 25-2-893 (B) (7):
"Up to two vehicles that are either antique or recreational vehicles may be stored on the premises, if the storage area is not a health hazard and is either in an enclosed building or screened from public view with a solid wood or masonry fence at least six feet high."
Those are the only requirements. I think I will just find a used fence panel on Craigslist and paint the American flag on it.
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 02:38 PM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,552
|
This is old, and may, or may not, be true. Nonetheless it is a funny discourse between neighbours. WARNING: Some foul language is used.
This guy’s neighbor bought a new floodlight. What happened next is absolutely hilarious.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 02:50 PM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Maple Ridge, BC, British Columbia
Trailer: 2014 17B;2012 Nissan Frontier SV 4
Posts: 702
|
I'd advise to just comply with your local bylaw but don't be 'cute' and do anything to draw attention to the fence. Escalating someone with the behaviour you describe can make things worse very easily. (that being said, my first thought was to paint the fence some terrible colour).
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 02:51 PM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: St. Thomas not BVI., Ontario
Trailer: 2014 Escape 5.0TA / 2016 Ram Eco Diesel 4X4
Posts: 8,038
|
Hi: Daubsy... Paint the American flag on it and "Hi light" it too!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
__________________
Quote Bugs Bunny..."Don't take life too seriously, none of us get out of it ALIVE"!!!
'16 Ram Eco D. 4X4 Laramie Longhorn CC & '14 Escape 5.0TA
St.Thomas (Not the Virgin Islands) Ontario
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 02:59 PM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,552
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daubsy
I just got off the phone with code compliance and they sent me a link to the section of code addressing vehicle storage. Section 25-2-893 (B) (7):
"Up to two vehicles that are either antique or recreational vehicles may be stored on the premises, if the storage area is not a health hazard and is either in an enclosed building or screened from public view with a solid wood or masonry fence at least six feet high."
Those are the only requirements. I think I will just find a used fence panel on Craigslist and paint the American flag on it.
|
Now you know for certain, that is great. With tongue in cheek, I suggest you paint a hand with the finger pointing to the neighbour on the fence, with a tag line saying "I'm Next To Stupid".
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 04:00 PM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Trailer: 2015 Escape 19 "Seventy Degrees"
Posts: 3,495
|
If you live in a buggy area, I've always found one of the large bug zappers plugged in 24/7 and properly located can yield a lot of fun.
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 04:06 PM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Tampa Bay Area, Florida
Trailer: 2015 Escape 5.0TA (Little Elsie) Extensively Personalized
Posts: 2,976
|
I would comply with the law, but the next time she complains about something that is perfectly legal, tell her you are in compliance with all zoning requirements, and let her know that if she persists in her complaints, you will file a harassment suit. Typically, these people are all about exerting control, and once threatened with a lawsuit, shut their mouths forever.
__________________
What a long strange trip it’s been!
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 04:12 PM
|
#13
|
Commercial Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21 - "Felicity"
Posts: 2,945
|
I had a difficult wealthy neighbor who decided to sue me over a property line issue (he purchased without a survey) as I controlled the high ground and his view over a huge valley, about 30 miles in width. 8 years later I won the court case, and my fencelines remain where they were.
However, in order to protect his garden area from chemical spray drift, I built a 200 ft long 6 foot tall galvanized metal junk yard fence (described as an "overspray drift barrier" on the construction permit) 4 ft from the affirmed property line with all the framework and support cabling in his view.
He can no longer see anything but rusty galvanized metal....and I get to see the pretty side!
__________________
Charlie Y
Need custom storage to your design? Don't drill holes!
www.RVWidgetWorks.com
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 04:28 PM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Central, Pennsylvania
Trailer: Escape#5 2022 E19
Posts: 26,268
|
He is a "green" way to deal with neighbors....
__________________
Jim
Sometime life gets in the way of living.......
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 05:01 PM
|
#15
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Trailer: 2015 Escape 19 "Seventy Degrees"
Posts: 3,495
|
Now that's funny.
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 05:21 PM
|
#16
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Benton County, Iowa
Trailer: 2013 Escape 21 Classic Number 6, pulled by 2018 Toyota Highlander
Posts: 8,260
|
I believe the consensus that you've gained from the previous posters is spot on. It's not worth the hassle to fight these cretins especially if eventually the code is on their side. I have experienced similar neighbor situations and while I used to be both mean and devious, finally won when I moved away to a much nicer home and gave the old girl a final wave. Just comply and go camping. I always say there's a special place in Hell for those people. Now a resident of Benton county Iowa where we can have a campfire in the back yard, don't mow and call it a prairie restoration and shoot guns off the back porch.
Iowa Dave
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 06:20 PM
|
#17
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Trailer: 2014 Escape 19
Posts: 755
|
Look on the bright side. I live in a college town, where multiple cars in the driveways, some on front lawns, and some even being lived in are not abnormal! While your neighbor may be a PITA, it sounds like your codes are at least reasonable, and meant to protect property values.
__________________
2019 Tundra CrewMax Limited TRD 4WD
2014 Escape 19
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 06:42 PM
|
#18
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Windham, CT, Connecticut
Trailer: 2014 Escape 21
Posts: 188
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daubsy
I just got off the phone with code compliance and they sent me a link to the section of code addressing vehicle storage. Section 25-2-893 (B) (7):
"Up to two vehicles that are either antique or recreational vehicles may be stored on the premises, if the storage area is not a health hazard and is either in an enclosed building or screened from public view with a solid wood or masonry fence at least six feet high."
Those are the only requirements. I think I will just find a used fence panel on Craigslist and paint the American flag on it.
|
The fence has to be only 6ft tall? A 19ft Escape is 8 1/2 ft or so. Even when you're in compliance the top of the trailer will be visible. Wait until the neighbor finds that out. At least you're not putting a 6ft fence in front of a a 40ft fifth wheel where the whole top half of the trailer is taller than the fence.
On a side note, I once lived in a condo complex with all the overly onerous parking regulations about what you could park where, and written right into the rules was this exception exempting RVs from the parking regulations. All I can figure is the developer had a thing for RVs and built in the exception. Every time they didn't like my truck parked there, I threatened to trade it in for a Winnebago.
__________________
Bill and Ann-Marie
Most injuries injuries in old men occur because they think they are young men!
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 07:03 PM
|
#19
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Cochrane, Alberta
Trailer: 2008 Escape 17B
Posts: 226
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett
Now you know for certain, that is great. With tongue in cheek, I suggest you paint a hand with the finger pointing to the neighbour on the fence, with a tag line saying "I'm Next To Stupid".
|
Might make you feel a little better as long as you don't forget that "You can't fix stupid...".
|
|
|
10-15-2015, 07:05 PM
|
#20
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Marana, Arizona
Trailer: 2018 Airstream Flying Cloud (Escape 19 & 5.0 previously)
Posts: 1,078
|
Looking at your issue with a180 degree perspective. I'd let her complain to the authorities until they contacted you. I'd be real nice to them but throw out a comment about "selective enforcement" and see how they respond. If Austin is, as you say, well-populated with others in a similar situation, you'd have a pretty solid argument using the "reasonableness" standard to put your situation way down towards the bottom of the list (assuming there are other RV's featured more prominently in town). If that fails, just get a couple of sheets of plywood and lean them up against your trailer when you're not camping. They didn't say t had to be a pretty fence.
__________________
Rich & Mary
"Everything in moderation, including moderation."
- Oscar Wilde
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|