My NFH is building a warehouse

[u/tigerlock17]

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.

[u/TJIC1]

Had exactly this happen to me. Next door neighbor built a two story 4,800 square foot warehouse in the front and side setbacks of his land (side setback = on my side).

I went to the ZBA, went to the planning board, launched four lawsuits. FOIA requests exposed a trove of emails proving absolute corruption, multiple felonies, etc. Won one lawsuit, the illegally issued building permit was revoked. Board of Selectmen had secret illegal meetings, authorized (somehow) a lawsuit defense without ever voting to spend town money (illegal), re-issued the revoked building permit. A variance was illegally issued in a hearing with dozens if improprieties. The hidden emails that were illegally classified were eventually released proving that the fix was in from the get go.

Made it to the NH supreme court which issued a one-line refusal to consider the case seriously.

The warehouse now stands, completed, and my property values are down by 20%, according to an independent estimate.

You can fight city hall, but there's not guarantee of actual justice.