Trees palnted as "spite fence"

[jndgr]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Massachusetts

We built our house in 1997 and postioned it for the view of the hills of the neighboring town as well as developing an open floor plan with 4 windows and a pallidium window to be able to overlook the view from our kitchen, great room and dining room.
Our neighbors became upset with us (and knowing that we built our house for this purpose) planted approximately 30 trees a foot and a half from our property line. These trees run the width of this side of the house to the street. They have also just planted more to finish the length of the side of the property. I may add that these trees (I dont know the name) but will grow up to 40 feet high (the backyard neighbor is enjoying those). Needless to say our view is gone. Do we have any recourse for their action as a spite fence or anything? I also want to state that there is drainage pipes along the side that these trees have been planted. These pipes are about 3 feet deep and were put in by the developer because of poor drainageWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Zigner]

Check with the city about code requirements relating to the situation.
Other than that, you have no recourse.

 

[jndgr]

I checked with the town clerks office and the said that there is no law but didn't know if it could be a civil case?

 

[Zigner]

I checked with the town clerks office and the said that there is no law but didn't know if it could be a civil case?

For what? I know that's what you're asking...but it just seems like a strange question. People are allowed to do what they wish with their property, so long as it conforms to the law.

 

[CraigFL]

I think they're asking if "diminished property value" is grounds for a civil lawsuit...

 

[divgradcurl]

Unless you have a "view easement," you are out of luck. If you do have a view easement recorded on your deed and your neighbor's deed, then you can enforce it. See, for example, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly - Trees May Be Trimmed To Preserve Easement.

 

[seniorjudge]

Unless you have a "view easement," you are out of luck. If you do have a view easement recorded on your deed and your neighbor's deed, then you can enforce it. See, for example, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly - Trees May Be Trimmed To Preserve Easement.

And if you do not have a view easement, take the dough you would've spent on a lawyer and buy one from the neighbors.