Neighbor plants trees blocking our water view

[jhpierce3]

What is the name of your state? WA.

We have a problem with our neighbor that planted 10 tall NEW trees in the front of their home to line their yard, and NOW blocking OUR water view!

We bought our brand new water view Home in Des Moines Wa., Aug 06. The neighbors house in front of us lives right on the waterfront, their yard butts up to a natural protected growth area and then to our backyard.

We had a terrific storm that caused some trees to fall down in the natural growth area, giving us an even better view, however our excitment was short lived as of this pass weekend!

I think this is why they decided to plant new trees because they want more privacy between us and the other 5 brand new view homes that were recently built. Even though we can barely see their house or pool from our deck.

BUT now theyve blocked the view we originally had before the storm! AND these are going to be big trees! They are about 20ft tall now, Im no tree expert but they look like Pines. We are NOT happy, from our kitchen instead of water, I see trees now! We didnt pay a million dollars for this, naturally we are upset but can we legally do anything about it????!

Are they allowed to put up trees knowing that it will block all of our views? After we paid more for a home that was priced as water view property? Is there a height restriction with trees when it comes to view property in Washington State? Can they be forced to at least keep them trimmed to a certain height?

Can they legally do this??!!! OR are we just screwed because they have every right to plant what they want on their property? I havent met these neighbors but obviously by the looks of their home, they have money and certainly has the means to fight us in court.

Its sad to think that in probably 5-10 years we wont be able to see any water at all! Our dream of a sound view will be gone forever, not only that but also decreasing the value of our home...Im just not sure we have a legal leg to stand on in this case.

ANY advice will be greatly appreciated, thanks!What is the name of your state?

[justalayman]

unless you have a "view" easement or your local municipality has ordinances restricting the blocking of your view, you are pretty much SOL.

Some communities in Cali do have such ordinaces. You might call your local governmental authority and ask about the ordinances.