Posted: 6/3/2007 11:15:36 AM EDT
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So we just redid our entire backyard. New deck, patio, fire pit, gardens, the works. We live on a small lake (~5acres) with about 30 houses around it. Mostly older people, but younger families are starting to move in. Well, a new family moved in recently... older man... a bit eccentric. We were having a grad party for my brother yesterday night. And we had a fire in the fire pit. Now where are all these random facts going you ask? Well, a police-woman showed up in our yard and gave us a warning for having a "open fire" because apparently theres some law that you have to have a screen around it and a lid over top. She just gave us a warning this time because she "could see we are having a party, and it's the first time it happened." Now, prior to redoing our backyard, we had fires ALL THE TIME in a small metal portable fire pit. No screen, not lid, NOTHING. Had NO problems from the neighbors. We redo our backyard, cranky old man moves in. We get cops. We've had like 5 fires like this already this summer. So I have 2 questions. 1. Is there any way (short of going and asking him) if for sure it was the cranky old man that called the police? My father knows some people, he's gonna try calling, but is it public record that we can see, or is it confidential? 2. What sort of solutions do you guys have? I'm thinking a 6ftx6ft section of fence mounted on some sort of base, just put it between his house and ours when we have a fire. I really don't wanna get a screen and lid, cuz it would look like ass. We have a nice patio, planters, and a nice brick fire pit, adding crappy metal would just look bad. |
The point is not that we're in violation. The point is that EVERYONE around the lake has been doing it for ~30 YEARS. If it ain't broke don't fix it. |
Get everyone who lives around the lake to show up to the next town council meeting or whatever and repeal the law. As long as the law is on the books, one kook can make your lives miserable. You could also try to have a chat with this new neighbor... "Hey, we're a pretty tight group, we've had our fires for 30 years, everyone's cool. We all know that a party pooper isn't much loved... it's possible that there are a few people around here who might get upset if you call in about fires any more... I'd hate to see your property get damaged because of a couple of hotheads. No, I don't know who they are, and I'm certainly not one of them... but maybe you just want to live and let live, eh?" |
I think that is exactly the point and you don't have a leg to stand on. Is that what you are going to tell the judge after repeat incidents? He/she will be more than happy to spread the misery. Has anyone even spoken to the new neighbor? Maybe the fact that you guys have been doing this for forever and a day is going to make a difference to him. Otherwise see if something can be done to get the ordinance changed. Remember: The whole good neighbor thing is a two way street and both sides must be willing to play. ETA: Yeah, thinly veiled threats as suggested above are defintiely a good idea.... 
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That sounds like a good idea. I'll have to find out where it's found in the law and try to repeal it. It'd be much easier just to let him know he's not welcome though. |
Are you serious with this advise? Veiled threats?
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If everyone around the lake has been doing it for thirty years, why is there an ordinance? Maybe you need to invite your new neighbor over for a relaxing evening. Oh...it's easier to just let him know he's not welcome. Well, quit fucking bitching. You read that part above about neighbors and getting along and it being a two way street and all, didn't you? He's probably just launching a return salvo for some petty shit you pulled on him. |
I agree, I would be a lot more direct in my threats. 
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Did the policewoman give you a copy of the ordinance? I'd like to see that exact text of it; there might be a way you can satisfy the letter of the law and the spirit of the open fire, all the while pissing off your new anal neighbor and agravating the police. For instance, we have a no-open-burning law here in my county, except for "cooking or warmth" fires. Oh, and Ag, wildlife, and forestry burning is also exempt, with permission from the Chief. |
Meh. Threatening is just letting him know you did it. Anonymity would probably be best i would think. |
No she did not, but I plan on finding out either tomorrow or some other time when I have time this week. |
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Make a screen for the sides and top, throw it over the fire next time the cops drive up. I have a fire bowl and it came with a screen and lid but I only put it on when we are done with the fire, to contain it while it burns out. It shouldn't be to hard to make a mesh screen for the sides. Toss the lid on only if you have to, have it accessible. Also, you could do like one of my neighbors did when troublemakers moved in next door. He had a screen built around his patio. It's like a privacy fence but it isn't really a fence, just a screen that shields his patio from them. I made a screen for my patio when section 8 housing was next door just so I did not have to look at the ghetto when I sat outside. I made postholes and set up posts. Then I put up lattice and on the top and bottom of the lattice I put small strips of wood at the top and bottom to give it a finished look. I put finale's on top of the post (or whatever those things that go on posts are called). Then we planted jasmine. Now we have a permanant screen that smells pretty. |
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As a wise man once said, "A threat... is just a warning." NOT the way to go. Learn your local laws and ordinances. Then look for the "wiggle room". There's always some way to ignore the "spirit" of the law, while following the "letter" of it. You just have to find it. IMHO, it's always better to be "the bigger man" and avoid problems with the neighbors. Problems with the neighbors always seem to lead to CONFRONTATIONS with the neighbors... and THEY very rarely end well, for either party. Hell, get a chiminea. Problem solved. |
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I'd contact your local fire department and ask them about it. From my understanding, the fire department will know more about it than the police department. It's Indiana man, neighbors suck.  I'd just get a proper pit going and comply with whatever the fire department says. |
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I wouldn't worry about it and try to comply to the local ordinances. Its not like you had a bunch of low class hoodlums move in and play rap music all day and night, like I did a couple years ago. Wait until something like that happens until you start feeling you have bad neighbors. Thank God they are gone now. Bill3508 |
Let me guess: your life's goal is to be elected head of the HOA/Condo Board, thereby gaining status you know the guys who stole your lunch money in junior high will never achieve, and thereby lay those terrible memories to rest forever.
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Don't ASSume too much comrade. I was merely suggesting the repercussions of going head to head w/ a neighbor who is a PITA and so far has the law on his side. Yeah, it's hard to take the high road in real life especially when we all take the role of billy-bad-asses on the .net. (some people even get the two confused.) If he wants to follow the suggestions of torching the old man's digs or even threatening to do so that's all him but I'm not going to contribute to it. Good luck in your endeavors. ETA: Here I'll repost this part since it was 'incovenient' to your purposes to do so:
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Don't worry. I'm not torching anyone's "digs" or threatening him at all... I just wanted to know what my options are. |