Depends on the board. We had to move an old barn on our property to a new location because it was falling over and rotting from being stuck under a historic Japanese lilac tree (now 180 years old). We have three barns, and wanted to put this one to practical use as a garage.
We are in a “historical district” and had to go through an approval process. They said OK, but it has to be square to the house.
While I was off working, the contractor poured the foundation. It wasn’t quite square, because he had to fit it in between a septic mound, a pond, and power lines that run behind the house.
The Selectboard sued to set it square. We responded that there were other barns in the district that weren’t square, that we didn’t do it on purpose, and that there was no alternative. So, would they agree to reasonable modifications in the permit?
Long story short, after two years, three select board members were voted out, the suit was settled, and we still have our garage at the same slight angle. It cost the town $20,000 in legal fees and it cost me $2,000 in legal fees—because I didn’t feel the need to keep phoning my lawyer at big bucks per minute, and because my lawyer gave me a discount.
In other words, we’re all neighbors here, and we get along, but sometimes you can get a few big egos on a select board or neighborhood association.
“In other words, we’re all neighbors here, and we get along, but sometimes you can get a few big egos on a select board or neighborhood association.”
I understand. I had a Board member go around and on her own issued 148 letters to owners on such minor stuff it was silly. Lots of initial upset but when the whole board got together all the letters were pulled. You can have one or two but hopefully a full Board is more helpful then not to its community.
We have one guy now, our CC&R’s don’t allow antenna or sat dishes in public view, this guy just goes and puts a huge antenna strapped to his chimney in front of the house and all the neighbors are upset and he refuses to take it down.
It causes us problems and he tries to blame us.