Trouble in Paradise: How to Deal With a Neighbor Dispute in California

Imagine you have been working hard for years, diligently building a lasting career and life for yourself and your family.

You’ve been conscious of your finances, stashing away every small sum possible to one day purchase your dream home that’s tucked away on a hill with partial views of the ocean and city. And finally, the day comes, and you make this monumental purchase.

But what if your dream home also came with a noisy, reckless neighbor? What if they began infringing on your property, moving their items onto your yard, claiming it was part of their land? What if they hung up a sun shade, completely blocking the humble ocean view you spent years saving and planning for?

How would you address these issues? What are you legally entitled to? What’s the best course of action in dealing with a challenging neighbor? 

“Unlike many other issues in life, a neighbor dispute literally hits close to home. Dealing with an unruly neighbor can result in rageful emotions and fragmented relationships with someone you live in close proximity to. Bringing in a dedicated local attorney who can diffuse tension and emotions, inform you of your rights, and resolve a potentially costly dispute is a sensible option.” - Jim

Legally Dealing With Neighbor Disputes

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Unlike issues at work, or anywhere else in life, issues between neighbors affect you at home. People are often passionate about their home turf and take issues personally regarding their property. This is why neighbor disputes can quickly escalate into a painful, ongoing burden.

On a base level, a trusted local attorney can help resolve a heated exchange between neighbors, inform their client of their rights, and identify a swift and fair solution that both parties can move forward with.

In many cases, working with a local attorney can keep a neighbor dispute out of court, saving both the party who hired the attorney and the other party expensive fees, hours of meeting times, and court-issued appointments.

Work with a trusted local attorney to stand up for yourself without deteriorating relationships with neighbors who may be living next to you for years or decades into the future.

Common Disputes & Issues

There are a slew of common issues and even covenants from previous property owners that can make it tricky to understand what is in your rights as a homeowner or renter, and what isn’t.

For example, some properties may require owners or occupants to trim hedges or keep a driveway unobstructed, while others offer different rules to be adhered to. Here are a few common issues to familiarize yourself with.

View Ordinances

In a city like Santa Barbara, sweeping ocean and city views are highly coveted and handsomely paid for. Obstructing someone’s view could lead to a serious dispute between neighbors.

Typically, a view ordinance protects a property owner’s view from obstruction by trees growing in another property, but often does not apply to buildings.

In 2002, the City Council of Santa Barbara established a private dispute resolution process for neighbors regarding blockage of views by trees or other vegetation.

Noise Ordinances

These are laws that place limits on noise levels during different periods of the day for various zones in a city. Different zones may include residential, commercial, or industrial.

Land Use & Zoning

These laws define the rights around the development of real estate and determine specific measures like property lines and boundaries.

Agricultural Rights

These are rights pertaining to open spaces, farms, natural or protected areas, and other preserved or agricultural lands. 

Don’t Bring it Home

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Getting into a heated dispute with your next door neighbor is a nightmare. 

Whether an argument arises over view ordinances, noise ordinances, land use and zoning issues, or agricultural rights, bringing in a dedicated local attorney who can help diffuse tension, inform you of your rights, and resolve a dispute that might otherwise become costly is a sensible option to consider.

Need help dealing with an unruly neighbor? We’re here to listen to your problem and get you to a thoughtful solution.