To those talking about drainage, that is very unlikely to be a problem unless we are talking about a TH-sized lot. Fairfax County allows sheds with no setbacks as long as they are under 8’ tall.

I believe this happened to a relative (although she was the one with the shed). Neighbor complained to the township and she received an order to take it down. It had been up for several years and neighbor never complained. It cost her thousands to remove the shed.

Anonymous wrote:Don't approach your neighbor directly. I would report them to the county, let them deal with it. Don't be surprised though if nothing happens.

+1

What county, OP? Fairfax county responds to some petty complaints, so it might be worth a try. Be aware, a neighbor like this will likely store all sorts of junk behind his shed (and likely, against your fence). Is your fence wood? Subject to rot? Is this neighbor the DIY type? He sounds like a handful. If it is a corner lot, there might be many restrictions on the placement, so consult a property attorney, if you are interested in really pursuing something.

Agree with PP - HOAs exist because there is always a difficult neighbor who thinks they are the exception, and can do what they want, in spite of those who want to do the right thing.

Don't approach your neighbor directly. I would report them to the county, let them deal with it. Don't be surprised though if nothing happens.

Anonymous wrote:You sound like an extremely painful neighbor to live with. Are you a HOA inspector?

No way. A neighbor who does did does it in bad faith. My experience is you can't win with people like this. So do whatever you need to do to protect your property from the idiots. If the shed won't cause runoff or other issues, and you decide you can live with it, then go ahead and let it be. If you think it'll cause issues such as weeds growing on the side facing your house, or their lawn people continually walking on your property, do what you think you need to do.

Np. I'd be annoyed too, OP. Give them an inch (or a foot) and they'll take a mile.

Anonymous wrote:The reason for the set back requirement is because of water run-off. Will the shed be dumping water on your fence and side of the property? If so, you're look at erosion and probably eventual water damage to the fence (depending on fence material). Additionally, that narrow gap between the shed and the fence will eventually be a nice protected breeding ground for critters and mold.

I would report to the city. They will force the owner to move it to the correct setback from the fence.

Good point. 1 Ft is just asking for maintenance issues. They will hate your guts if you report them. Personally I’d let it go.

The reason for the set back requirement is because of water run-off. Will the shed be dumping water on your fence and side of the property? If so, you're look at erosion and probably eventual water damage to the fence (depending on fence material). Additionally, that narrow gap between the shed and the fence will eventually be a nice protected breeding ground for critters and mold.

I would report to the city. They will force the owner to move it to the correct setback from the fence.

People complain about HOAs a lot, but this is one instance in which an HOA would be so helpful.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Being a principled person costs time and money and will further damage the relationship. Ask yourself what resolution you'd be satisfied with if you took up the course of action of reporting.

What relationship, where neighbor does what he wants and OP just is expected to accept it all. If I were the OP I would not care if the neighbor was happy with me oh I hurt is iddy biddy feelings.

Well, then expect the neighbor to continue to annoy you out of spite.

Sounds like a waste of time and energy to do anything.

Anonymous wrote:We've been out of town, and just got back to find that our next door neighbors built a 11' tall and probably 10' deep/wide shed from our fence. They have a history of being inconsiderate (I was the OP of a thread where neighbors planted a tree expected to be over 100' tall right next to the property line which is 15' from our house. According to the county we live in, sheds under 12' tall are required to be at least 5' from the property line. Is it even worth saying anything to them? I know that reporting them to the county would just make them less neighborly than they already are.

Report it. They keep pushing at this point.

Anonymous wrote:Being a principled person costs time and money and will further damage the relationship. Ask yourself what resolution you'd be satisfied with if you took up the course of action of reporting.

What relationship, where neighbor does what he wants and OP just is expected to accept it all. If I were the OP I would not care if the neighbor was happy with me oh I hurt is iddy biddy feelings.

Anonymous wrote:I can't imagine there is any meaningful difference to you whether the shed is 1 foot from your fence or 5 feet from it. Move on.

If OP ever wants to build something in that corner of their land the county might say no because of the shed.

Being a principled person costs time and money and will further damage the relationship. Ask yourself what resolution you'd be satisfied with if you took up the course of action of reporting.