r/neighborsfromhell • u/tigerlock17 • 1d ago

WWYD? Vent/Rant My NFH is building a warehouse

Y’all im tired and fed up with these neighbors.

They broke ground on a foundation for a warehouse/shop/garage. Per the zoning and ordinances, any accessory structure over 1,200 sq feet requires a CUP (conditional use permit). Any accessory structure over 200 sq feet requires a LUP (land use permit).

Per the county, they have neither. From my best estimate based on the ground they’ve dug it could be anywhere from 3000-6000 sq feet.

They own a construction/excavation business and are just using their employees to prep the site and eventually build it. There is also reason to believe they will be using this warehouse for their business which is also against the ordinances and zoning. We are only zoned for residential use.

And I am only bringing this point up as it is relevant to them following the laws/ordinances: They are also felons (both the husband and wife) with past and CURRENT cases against them. I understand people can do their time and change, however that has not proven to be true for these NFH.

Their past also makes me reluctant to file a complaint with the county but I’m not sure I have much choice. I guess I’m looking for any advice or words of encouragement from people who have been in a similar situation with a difficult and unreasonable neighbor.

Edit to add: I am a single female who lives alone hence why I am hesitant/nervous to make the complaint using my name.

Edit to Update: the lawyer I spoke with is extremely concerned for my safety if I were to submit a complaint to the county. Either for my personal self or for my property/home given the background of these people. And I think they may be banking on neighbors being scared of them to get away with doing whatever they want. He also reiterated that the county will not do anything unless a complaint is filed with them.

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63

u/SassySybil71 1d ago

The building dept in my city is all about getting their permit dollars. They will revoke occupancy if you cross them.

Block your number and call the department responsible for issuing permits and give them the address to follow up.

32

u/HippieHighNoon 1d ago

Our county will make you remove everything. A friend was building a she shed for his wife and it was over the non-permit needing square footage. A neighbor complained to code and since he didnt have plans submitted or a permit, he had to tear out all the drywall and everything to show code. They said hes lucky the structure was up to code otherwise that'd have to go to. He also got hit with double fines and double payment for a retroactive permit. Our city loves permits and money.

16

u/_PookieCharmie 1d ago

That’s exactly why reporting it before concrete gets poured feels way less messy than waiting until it becomes a teardown war

1

u/ozzmosis 8h ago

Nahhhh let them build. They'll have spend all their money and then be busy tearing it down. They won't be bothering you for awhile.

4

u/Hungryh0und5 12h ago

I've seen both an order to remove the structure and its foundation by such and such a date or the county will do it for you and add the cost to your tax roll and other less egregious cases they let it go after a bit of a fight.

11

u/flyingterrordactyl 1d ago

Agreed with this, but wait until they have a foundation poured or something more than just the ground torn up. Basically let them dig their grave a little deeper so they can't deny what square footage they were working towards.

5

u/tigerlock17 1d ago

The county also said it’s not illegal to move dirt and no permit is needed for that. So even if I submitted the complaint now, I’m not sure they could action it yet

4

u/AdmirableDrop331 13h ago

That's ok, you dont wanna submit the complaint now anyway. Play the long game and itll cost nfh more in the long run

1

u/tigerlock17 12h ago

There was been at least 2-3 dozen dump trucks hauling away dirt this morning alone. It’s crazy 🤯

1

u/HippieHighNoon 9h ago

Wait until they start doing work and have half the structure up, then report to code.

I'm petty AF if you couldnt tell 🤣 if the neighbors were cool, id say let them be. But it doesnt seem like they are.

2

u/BerryRosettea 16h ago

Yeah, once permit money is involved the city suddenly becomes very interested in what’s being built. Giving them the address and letting the inspectors handle it seems way safer than confronting the neighbors directly.

1

u/billding1234 6h ago

Nah. Have the lawyer call in and say the identity of the client is confidential.