Increasing a wall's height - with a "temporary structure"

[scudsucker]

My neighbour very kindly built an additional story onto his house, which overlooks my back garden. I checked the building regs, and in my area he's actually allowed to go up to 30m, so I should be happy he didn't.

However, one of his rooms looks directly into my garden. I have a wall of about 2m running down the back. I want to raise that by 1.2m which will block most of his view of my place.

I know there are rules and regulations about how high you can build your wall (although I do not know where to find them, can anyone help?) but is adding a wooden (latte) screen above the wall covered under these regs?

Or is it, as a friend suggested, a "temporary structure" and as such not limited by regulations?

I'm in Cape Town, so local municipal regulations would be appreciated.

 

[The_Unbeliever]

Just get a fat mama to sunbath naked on a regular basis on the grass in front of that window...


...neighbour will block it up quickly.

 

[Batista]

You checked the building regs so why not check it for the wall height?
Why dont you just put it up and when neighbour asks why (if ever) then tell him.

 

[scudsucker]

You checked the building regs so why not check it for the wall height?
Why dont you just put it up and when neighbour asks why (if ever) then tell him.

I found some reference to the regs but did not read the actual regulations.

I need to be sure that he can't demand I pull it down because

1) it will be expensive to buy poles, cement, and latte screens just to hev to remove them, and
2) so that I can smugly say "good walls make good neighbours" when he complains about the sudden increase in shade his garden is about to get

 

[Batista]

I found some reference to the regs but did not read the actual regulations.

I need to be sure that he can't demand I pull it down because

1) it will be expensive to buy poles, cement, and latte screens just to hev to remove them, and
2) so that I can smugly say "good walls make good neighbours" when he complains about the sudden increase in shade his garden is about to get

Sounds like you and him dont get along? I guess talking about it is out the question?

 

[scudsucker]

Sounds like you and him dont get along? I guess talking about it is out the question?

He built a second story overlooking my garden. He left a note in my postbox, saying "We are building an extension- sorry about the noise and the dust" - nothing about what the extension was etc.

I'm not fighting with him; I just want to be in a position where he can't say anything if I choose to erect an "extension" to my wall.

 

[OrbitalDawn]

Which room is it that looks onto your property?

 

[scudsucker]

I have no idea. I think it s a study.

But as part of the joy, the room has a full length glass door. This was because the stairs were too narrow to get furniture up - so it is not just a window, it is a full length door. And it is summer. So he keeps the door open. All day. There is a net curtain over it, but that prevents me seeing in, not him seeing out.

I don't think he really wants to see (or cares) what I am up to; it is that I don't want to feel like I am being watched.

 

[The_Unbeliever]

Just get a fat mama suntanning herself then

 

[TEXTILE GUY]

Have same problem - except my neighbour is a just a nosey bastid.

Considering a timber type fence as I dont need plans if its a ''screen'' on an existing wall.

 

[devil's_child]

He built a second story overlooking my garden. He left a note in my postbox, saying "We are building an extension- sorry about the noise and the dust" - nothing about what the extension was etc.

I'm not fighting with him; I just want to be in a position where he can't say anything if I choose to erect an "extension" to my wall.

How the hell did his plans get approved?
It has been my experience that any plans that require that kind of alteration usually require the neighbours to sign a consent form when the plans are submitted.

 

[scudsucker]

He built it the regulatory 3m back from the fence, I checked that. Supposedly he doesn't require neighbours permission. But I have not actually read the regulations, only a summary of them. I would really like to get hold of them...

...as I dont need plans if its a ''screen'' on an existing wall.

How do you know this? Did you read the Municipal regulations?

 

[Lupus]

Why not look at planting trees or something?

 

[krieg]

I would think the wall is communal and thus require both neighbours to agree to raise it. I was also looking for the regulations. I could only find something from the 1970's for Brackenfell. It states the maximum height is 2.1 metres from the highest ground level between the two properties.

 

[atomcrusher]

I know there are rules and regulations about how high you can build your wall (although I do not know where to find them, can anyone help?)

Re: the regulations, you might find info here: http://sans10400.co.za/free-downloads/

I now that in Joburg there are strict rules about building extensions, and even perimeter wall heights, in that the higher the wall, the more foundation, and brick courses it will need. If you are in Cape Town area, try your local municipality and ask there

You could also look at this PDF .. specific to the W. Cape
http://www.westerncape.gov.za/other/2012/9/national_building_regulations.pdf

 

[scudsucker]

Why not look at planting trees or something?

I've planted trees. They take a while to grow. When they are filling the gap I'll take the extension down I think

 

[scudsucker]

Re: the regulations, you might find info here: http://sans10400.co.za/free-downloads/

You could also look at this PDF .. specific to the W. Cape
http://www.westerncape.gov.za/other/2012/9/national_building_regulations.pdf

Thanks - but neither are useful. the first deals with building - I am adding a lightweight wood structure; the second is all amendments to the current regulations - not the actual regulations!

 

[ToxicBunny]

Did the owner have plans passed? Have you checked this?

 

[scudsucker]

Did the owner have plans passed? Have you checked this?

My wife phoned him, he said he'd done everything legally. I checked online and found a summary of the regs, and it seemed he had done everything right (there is no legal obligation to tell your neighbours, apparently, only a moral one)

I would not know how to find out if he got permission. However, if I report him and he is forced to tear it down he will not be a very nice neighbour to have. On the other hand, he would not be able to object to my extension...

 

[ToxicBunny]

My wife phoned him, he said he'd done everything legally. I checked online and found a summary of the regs, and it seemed he had done everything right (there is no legal obligation to tell your neighbours, apparently, only a moral one)

I would not know how to find out if he got permission. However, if I report him and he is forced to tear it down he will not be a very nice neighbour to have. On the other hand, he would not be able to object to my extension...

You talk to your planning department and find out.

He probably won't have to tear it down, but make sure he follows the law.