I've wondered about that too—like, how do you casually bring up something that might block someone's view or sunlight without setting off alarm bells? Maybe mentioning a similar project nearby and seeing how they react could help gauge their feelings beforehand. But even then, people can surprise you...ever had someone seem totally chill at first, then flip once things got real?
Been there myself—neighbors can be unpredictable for sure. A couple quick thoughts:
- Your idea about mentioning a similar project nearby is smart. Gives you a feel without committing.
- Even if someone flips later, at least you've shown you tried to be upfront. Can't control reactions, only your own approach.
- Had a neighbor seem totally cool about my fence until the posts went up... suddenly it was a "huge eyesore." People change their tune fast once reality hits.
Hang in there, you're handling it right.
Totally relate to the fence story—had a client once who got full neighbor approval for a deck extension, then halfway through construction, suddenly it was blocking their "favorite sunset view." People can surprise you... sounds like you're doing your best though. Maybe check if there's an appeals process?
"People can surprise you... sounds like you're doing your best though. Maybe check if there's an appeals process?"
Yeah, definitely look into appealing. I've seen permits initially denied for some pretty random reasons, but once you clarify or tweak a few things, they often reconsider. Had a similar issue with a shed—inspector said it was "too close" to a tree (seriously?), but after submitting some extra photos and a quick sketch, they approved it. Hang in there, these things usually work out with a bit of persistence.
Appealing can definitely help, but sometimes it's worth stepping back and reconsidering your approach entirely. When I was restoring my historic home, the city initially denied my porch renovation because of some obscure historical guideline. Instead of appealing directly, I met informally with the preservation board to understand their concerns better. Turned out a slight design adjustment was all it took—saved me a lot of hassle. Might be worth exploring informal channels or alternative solutions before diving into a formal appeal.
