20 may 2026
Dealing with neighbors is something I try not to have to do whenever possible. Stay out of my business and I will stay out of yours. I prefer to have a wave from a distance relationship if at all possible.
But a decision made 20+ years ago with a previous neighbor who then moved has forced me to deal with my neighbor to the right regarding our shared fence located on the lot line.
I have a 5" semi privacy fence around the yard (fence has a space between planks). About five years ago he approached me about replacing the shared fence line. The entire fence was starting to rot so I agreed and paid half of the fence. Fast forward to 2026 and the rest of the fence is rotting. I've have to put several additional supports in to shore up panels that have fallen due to wind.
My neighbor to the left approached me about replacing the fence with a privacy fence. I agreed with the idea and approached the neighbor behind me and the neighbor to the right about replacing the fencing with a full privacy fence.
The neighbor behind me had no issues but was tapped on funds this year (no problem I will cover). The neighbor to the right didn't feel like the fence needed to be replace.
I provided him a number of options such as myself paying for it fully, or building a second fence on my property. He said his preference was to leave the fence and build a second fence on my property.
Of course, the option I didn't want to do because I have evergreens along that side. I am about 99% sure he suggested that option based on an old ordinance that was replaced in 2024. Under the old ordinance a second fence required a 24" separation between the fence. They had been given old info by some source.
Under the current ordinance a second fence can be installed directly parallel to the old fence, essentially removing the 24" gap requirement. We provided them this info, links to the updated ordinance and the updated fence application for the city and their response was -- We don't need to talk about it with you, we'll just wait and see if its approved.
So much for trying to come to a agreement. This will get approved, and it's going to look like shit from their side. From our side we wont see their fence at all. At which point they will either learn to live with it or eventually tear it down. Not my problem.
I should also point out that they dicked around for weeks before getting back to us on the subject at all. Its this kind of thing that makes me want to move to the country and get 20-50 acres of land to give myself more of a buffer from my neighbors. The problem is I love to boat and my end goal is a lake house on the water where I am almost assured to have neighbors who are even closer. I guess the lesson to take away from this all is two things:
- Don't build a fence on the lot line if you are thinking about putting up a fence. Bite the bullet and build it clearly on your property.
- Don't share fence costs, it will make you beholden to the neighbor.
Yes it will cost you more. Yes it will use more of your property. But you will be hassle free. And that seems like it would be worth it's weight in gold as I reflect back in hindsight.
Ciao!