Question
I have a pool house that abuts the property line?
I have a pool house that abuts the property line and has been in existence for the past 35 years. I live in Burien, WA zoned residential with 5' interior setbacks. The pool house being inside the interior setback is not in dispute due to its age and ownership changes during its history for our lot and the neighbors lot. My neighbor is now installing a 6' fence that abuts a wall of the pool house and completely blocks any access to the siding and a downspout which is a problem should maintenance ever be needed in the future. Our city code enforcer knows of no zoning restrictions for the City of Burien that could be used to prevent the neighbor from completing the fence but he asked if we knew of any universal building codes that addressed this circumstance. Can you answer that question
5 months ago - 4 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
You have city; county and state of WI. No such thing as a universal application here. If the city won't forbid it, you probably have nothing. Fences are portable as far as easements are concerned. Especially in relation to a setback violation that is grandfathered in.
by wizjp
5 months ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
There is no regulation the city can cite to stop this fence from going up. If a fence can be built on a property line you, as a neighbor, can not stop them from building it. Three feet is small for you but it is workable. Have you tried talking with your neighbor about the issue and trying to resolve this civilly - usually that approach works better than involving the city. Maybe have him more it in a few feet and commit to mowing that part of his lawn for him, for example. Good luck to you. We have 3 foot setbacks where I work and have yet to hear about access to siding be a problem.
by Stephen T- 5 months ago
As long as it is on his property and there are no property line set backs for fencing he has every right to build the fence as you used your right to build right at the line!
by Rebecca- 5 months ago
The only universal thing I can think of is a lot line adjustment, where you buy a portion of the land from the neighbor and the lot line is literally moved. This is very expensive though. Aside from buying the land (many people traade footage instead) you have to pay huge county fees for all of the maps to be redrawn.
by Landlord- 5 months ago