{"id":369344,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:23","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/neighbors\/can-my-neighbor-legally-block-my-view.html"},"modified":"2025-07-03T18:40:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T23:40:14","slug":"can-my-neighbor-legally-block-my-view","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/can-my-neighbor-legally-block-my-view.html","title":{"rendered":"Can My Neighbor Legally Block My View?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can My Neighbor Legally Block My View?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Sometimes, yes, but it depends. Homeowners generally do not have a legal right to an unobstructed view unless local laws, such as view ordinances, or easements specifically protect them. These ordinances can regulate the height of structures and vegetation to preserve scenic views.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

When you buy a new house, one consideration is the view. Homes with unobstructed views of lakes or mountains command higher prices on the real estate market. Even without a view, you want your property to have plenty of light and sunshine.<\/p>\n

If your neighbor builds a fence that blocks your view, or an overgrown tree shades your back lawn, can you do anything about it? Do boundary lines<\/a> go all the way up to the sky?<\/p>\n

You have the right to build on your own property, but sometimes your neighbor\u2019s actions affect your property, too. Homeowners might consider consulting with the city planning commission about potential violations of local ordinances or engaging a real estate attorney to explore options like view easements or addressing private nuisances.<\/p>\n

This article explains important property rights related to the view from your home. If you find yourself in the middle of a neighbor dispute<\/a>, you may want to seek legal advice. A local real estate attorney<\/a> can help you sort through local regulations and determine the best way to proceed.<\/p>\n

Property Rights and Views<\/h2>\n

In general, there is no property right to a nice view. Your neighbor can grow trees on their property even if they’re in front of your window, blocking your view and sunlight. Homeowners have no legal right to light or air unless a state or local law provides for it. <\/p>\n

But, depending on where you live, you may have legal options to protect your view if your neighbor blocks it.<\/p>\n

View Ordinances<\/h3>\n

View ordinances<\/a> are a type of local zoning regulation that protects scenic views in residential areas. In some places, the city or county recognizes the value of unobstructed sight lines and has created laws that prevent obstructions.<\/p>\n

View ordinances usually focus on trees and other vegetation. They can also address the height of structures, such as fencing or walls<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A homeowner must establish, usually through photographic evidence, that a \u201cview\u201d existed prior to the obstruction and that the tree or wall significantly impacts the view.<\/p>\n

View ordinances are not strictly zoning regulations. They do not regulate land use. However, they can affect public works programs or other economic development if such a development would block a large number of homes.<\/p>\n

Building Codes and Zoning Laws<\/h3>\n

Building codes regulate the construction of residential homes, including the total height and the setback from the foundation to the property line<\/a>. Local zoning ordinances can restrict single-family dwellings to 30 or 40 feet in height.<\/p>\n

If your neighbor decides to add a second or third story that blocks your view, it may violate building codes.<\/p>\n

Zoning regulations <\/a>in most locations require setbacks on the front, sides, and back of all properties. A home or new construction cannot come to the edge of the property line. You may build some accessory buildings at the edge of the property, but not all.<\/p>\n

Communicating When the Neighbor Blocks Your View<\/h2>\n

It is unlikely you will wake up one morning and find your neighbor has suddenly built a new three-story addition on their home or planted a 30-foot-tall sycamore in the front yard. Instead, you may notice your neighbor beginning new construction or hiring a landscaper to work on the yard.<\/p>\n

If you are on good terms with your neighbor, discuss any concerns about the sight lines with them as soon as possible. Often, people simply don\u2019t realize that their planned upgrade will impinge on the neighbor\u2019s view of the ocean. They may be willing to remove the obstruction or work out a fair compromise with you. This approach might spare both of you the hassle of taking further action. <\/p>\n

How To Stop a Neighbor From Blocking Your View<\/h2>\n

If you cannot talk to your neighbor, or if the situation impacts more than just your view, you have other options. It’s wise to discuss them with a lawyer<\/a> before deciding the best way to proceed.<\/p>\n

City Planning Commission<\/h3>\n

In most locations, the city planning commission or zoning department enforces view ordinances. If your city has a view ordinance, you can notify the department and request a hearing on a possible zoning violation.<\/p>\n

City and county building codes and zoning laws regulate things like:<\/p>\n