Can our neighbor dictate what we do with the fence?

Question

Hello,

Our home (area NYC, Bronx) shares the same wall and outdoor garden space with our direct neighbor’s home.

Recently, we hired contractors to put up wired fences to divide the bounties of our garden space; which is fine with our neighbor. Now we would like to put in fillers on our side of the fence that is currently dividing the garden. Our neighbor complained to us and said that we can not do this because we would be blocking the sun for their plants and creating a security hole for them

Can our neighbor dictate what we do with the fence on our side of the property?

Answer 1

There is not a "sun blocking law" that exists..It seems this is thier only issue and not a "putting it on my [property" dispute..You legally can if the fence is on the property line, and there is no danger to them on thier side..such as nails/screws sticking through the fenxce etcetera...

Answer 2

Oh, it's not against the rule because that was in your property but think also if your neighbor will be bothered with that... It's up to you but your relation to them as a neighbor will not be good...

Answer 3

So long as you are within your property limits, they can't do a thing. Now if you were trying to build something on their side, that would be a problem. But it's YOUR property, so you decide what you do with it.

Answer 4

possibly...and possibly not..however i think if it was me, i would take the high road, and not do it... no point in creating years of bad feelings over something that sounds superficial...

Answer 5

There are zoning rules. For example, a friend of mine lives in a place where fences must be put half a foot back from the border--not right on the border.

Check in your area what the laws are. But beyond that, you might decide it isn't worth it to upset a neighbor.

Answer 6

The only way to be sure would be to check with your local town building inspector at city hall. I do know of people having to replant trees they had cut down for solar power because their neighbor complained. I would check first.