What would you do if your ocean view were to be blocked
Laveen, AZ · Member since 2016 · 584 posts · 528 votes
What would you do if your ocean view were to be blocked
Most Popular Reply
Member since 2020 · 671 posts · 937 votes
3yLOL. When the neighbors were voting for things like increased population density and affordable housing, they meant having ADUs added to your neighborhood, not their neighborhood...
34 Replies
- 3yBruce WoodruffPro MemberContractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
I always take a good hard look at any property I purchase, especially a primary residence. Who is living nearby? What would it look like if they built a second story or new unit? Or just let their trees grow? If a view lot is that important, you really have to think hard about what might impinge upon that view.
These neighbors have no recourse it seems, and although I feel a little bad for them, I gotta say, not too much. First World problem.....
- 3yBjorn AhlbladPro MemberInvestor · Shelton, WA · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 6k+ votes
The only way to really ensure you will always have that view is to buy an oceanfront-not oceanview property. Yes they can build to the side but not upfront. It is hard to control what people will do on their own property, and that is fundamentally a good thing!
- 3yTheresa HarrisPro MemberMember since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
What is even more interesting is that is the lead story on the 6 o'clock news. It would be nice if homes with views were staggered so people on both sides of the road can take advantage of the view, but you also have people who are only interested in what affects them. If that same neighbour was having their view blocked, I'd bet money they would be furious.
- Member since 2020 · 671 posts · 937 votes3y
LOL. When the neighbors were voting for things like increased population density and affordable housing, they meant having ADUs added to your neighborhood, not their neighborhood...
- 3yBruce WoodruffPro MemberContractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
Quote from @Chris John:
LOL. When the neighbors were voting for things like increased population density and affordable housing, they meant having ADUs added to your neighborhood, not their neighborhood...
Yeah, they'd be fine if that ADU was on their property.....
- Laveen, AZ · Member since 2016 · 584 posts · 528 votes3y
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:
I always take a good hard look at any property I purchase, especially a primary residence. Who is living nearby? What would it look like if they built a second story or new unit? Or just let their trees grow? If a view lot is that important, you really have to think hard about what might impinge upon that view.
These neighbors have no recourse it seems, and although I feel a little bad for them, I gotta say, not too much. First World problem.....
Exactly. I found it ironic these folks were savvy and wealthy enough to own such homes but it didn't occur to them to have the same considerations in advance.
I also found it interesting this was prime time news worthy. Stop the presses! 3 people will no longer have a panoramic view of an ocean!
- 3yBruce WoodruffPro MemberContractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
Quote from @Rodney Sums:
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:
I always take a good hard look at any property I purchase, especially a primary residence. Who is living nearby? What would it look like if they built a second story or new unit? Or just let their trees grow? If a view lot is that important, you really have to think hard about what might impinge upon that view.
These neighbors have no recourse it seems, and although I feel a little bad for them, I gotta say, not too much. First World problem.....
Exactly. I found it ironic these folks were savvy and wealthy enough to own such homes but it didn't occur to them to have the same considerations in advance.
I also found it interesting this was prime time news worthy. Stop the presses! 3 people will no longer have a panoramic view of an ocean!
Sign of the times......sigh....
- Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes3y
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:
Quote from @Rodney Sums:
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:
I always take a good hard look at any property I purchase, especially a primary residence. Who is living nearby? What would it look like if they built a second story or new unit? Or just let their trees grow? If a view lot is that important, you really have to think
I also found it interesting this was prime time news worthy. Stop the presses! 3 people will no longer have a panoramic view of an ocean!
Sign of the times......sigh....
Decaying value LOL
Almost everything is ironic these days
More like burning man
- Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes3y
Well, I am of two minds:
1. If you want to guarantee a view you have to own everything between yourself and the view, and you just have to know that on the front end .
2. I think changing the rules retroactively to negatively affect the enjoyment and value of property sucks. When California decided to unilaterally impose density on all communities this was bound to be the result. Guaranteed that the homeowners losing the view are also adversely affected economically, and they should be entitled to compensation from the state for their loss (under the concept of due process and the takings clause). The fact that California has decided that houses are too expensive and they need more density shouldn't result in financial loss for existing homeowners.
Skyline Properties Quote from @Rodney Sums:
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:
I always take a good hard look at any property I purchase, especially a primary residence. Who is living nearby? What would it look like if they built a second story or new unit? Or just let their trees grow? If a view lot is that important, you really have to think hard about what might impinge upon that view.
These neighbors have no recourse it seems, and although I feel a little bad for them, I gotta say, not too much. First World problem.....
Exactly. I found it ironic these folks were savvy and wealthy enough to own such homes but it didn't occur to them to have the same considerations in advance.
I also found it interesting this was prime time news worthy. Stop the presses! 3 people will no longer have a panoramic view of an ocean!
Note ab2221 is a new law that increased height restriction in a transit zone. It is very likely that this ADU could not have been built on the 2nd floor a year ago.
I hate zoning rule changes. You purchase properties expecting zoning to mean something. It is possible and probably likely that they looked into if it was legal for the neighbor to block their view. Then the rules changed.
This is akin to playing a game and mid game the rules get changed.
- Laveen, AZ · Member since 2016 · 584 posts · 528 votes3y
Quote from @Dan H.:
Quote from @Rodney Sums:
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:
I always take a good hard look at any property I purchase, especially a primary residence. Who is living nearby? What would it look like if they built a second story or new unit? Or just let their trees grow? If a view lot is that important, you really have to think hard about what might impinge upon that view.
These neighbors have no recourse it seems, and although I feel a little bad for them, I gotta say, not too much. First World problem.....
Exactly. I found it ironic these folks were savvy and wealthy enough to own such homes but it didn't occur to them to have the same considerations in advance.
I also found it interesting this was prime time news worthy. Stop the presses! 3 people will no longer have a panoramic view of an ocean!
Note ab2221 is a new law that increased height restriction in a transit zone. It is very likely that this ADU could not have been built on the 2nd floor a year ago.
I hate zoning rule changes. You purchase properties expecting zoning to mean something. It is possible and probably likely that they looked into if it was legal for the neighbor to block their view. Then the rules changed.
This is akin to playing a game and mid game the rules get changed.
I hear you on that, good pont. I thought I heard them reference a change after the fact, and that is indeed unfortunate. My first comment was to check the zoning, and other pertinent information, which would be to consider if any other property is in front that may have the potential to be built or built up. An experience like that is good to learn from.
@JDYour first point is spot on and I'd be of the same mind, especially if a view puts a premium on the property.
On your second point Id like to engage that more. And I don't disagree with you. Their ocean view will not be as panoramic and potentially cause an economical loss like you said. On the flip side, they also have the option to build up and add an ADU with that law change (if their property can support one). That's a potential income property, more $/Sq ft, their neighbors home will increase in value and may help theirs, perhaps if they build higher they can have the panorama again?
- Developer · Brooklyn NY · Member since 2019 · 69 posts · 91 votes3y
This is all part of the real estate game we're in, you just have to accept it. When we bought our Brooklyn NY condo 5 years ago, we had sweeping views of the water, statue of Liberty, and all of lower Manhattan. Now we look at 7 or 8 new condo high rises, I don't think twice about it, because when our building was built, it most likely compromised the view of those located just west of us. I think it's silly when owners fight to tell another owner what they are allowed to do with their own property, let it be.
- Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes3y
@Rodney Sums
First world problems. If it means zoning nothing you can do. - put an addition on your place to go up so you can see the ocean again….
7e investments53 Reviews - Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes3y
Quote from @Chris Seveney:
@Rodney Sums
First world problems. If it means zoning nothing you can do. - put an addition on your place to go up so you can see the ocean again….
I think so too.
Somewhere in 2017 an HOA repair guy 60 yo somethng that lived in our neighborhood, knocked our door and said "we have to block the construction project behind our complex". I ask why , he said "because they are blocking our view". I closed the door and said to my wife "that guy is crazy" LOLIt's not just first world problem, I would be more specific "It's western world problem, baby boomer generation self entitlement selfish thingy" and just laughing.
- 3yColleen F.Pro MemberInvestor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
@Dan H. that is exactly what I was wondering about. The town I live in has a 35 ft limit. It sounds like in this situation the height limit changed. I would hate to see that change here but our connected neighbors could probably do it. Zoning changes are about power and influence.
On the other hand we just went up and cut off some neighbors views of the ocean but we had that right when we bought. Although I hate zoning changes in the end you only own what you own. View does however strongly influence value and the town will often not take these things into consideration in taxes. They are happy to charge you for an ocean view but if you lose it the discount doesn't catch up quickly.
- Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes3y
This is actually bigger issue. American these days are complaining home price is so expensive blablabla the very reason why home price is expensive is that one guy or one family is occupying too much space, it is no longer making sense for a 10k square foot house has only three or two people living in it. The solution is to have more people per space available. That comes with regulation that's adding more ADU permit, converting SF to MF zone, more apartment and so on and so on.
That needs a sacrifice by another human (that tends to be richer).It's O*K*A*Y for your blockview to be distracted so other human being, could live in the same space like you do.
- 3yColleen F.Pro MemberInvestor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
@Carlos Ptriawan Except I bet it becomes a STR.
- Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes3y
Quote from @Colleen F.:
@Carlos Ptriawan Except I bet it becomes a STR.
LOL That's why I agree ADU has to be repositioned as LTR.
- Member since 2020 · 671 posts · 937 votes3yNormally I agree with you and I've learned a ton reading your posts, but this one I disagree with. It's ok that there are expensive corners of the world where not everyone can live, imo. We don't need tent cities, people living on sidewalks or under bushes, or ADU density just because people "want to live somewhere".
Quote from @Carlos Ptriawan:
It's O*K*A*Y for your blockview to be distracted so other human being, could live in the same space like you do.
If someone can't afford to live where they want to, they should live somewhere cheaper and stash cash until they can move up in the world. I guess I don't understand when this country became about bending to the will of whoever complains the most or plays the biggest victim... blah, blah, blah, get off my lawn! haha. Apparently I've turned into my grandpa. - 3yTheresa HarrisPro MemberMember since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
Quote from @Account Closed:
This is all part of the real estate game we're in, you just have to accept it. When we bought our Brooklyn NY condo 5 years ago, we had sweeping views of the water, statue of Liberty, and all of lower Manhattan. Now we look at 7 or 8 new condo high rises, I don't think twice about it, because when our building was built, it most likely compromised the view of those located just west of us. I think it's silly when owners fight to tell another owner what they are allowed to do with their own property, let it be.
And this is typically how they build the buildings-each one closer to the view so that the new buildings sell due to the view while blocking the view of the previously built one.
- Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes3y
Quote from @Chris John:
Normally I agree with you and I've learned a ton reading your posts, but this one I disagree with. It's ok that there are expensive corners of the world where not everyone can live, imo. We don't need tent cities, people living on sidewalks or under bushes, or ADU density just because people "want to live somewhere".Quote from @Carlos Ptriawan:
It's O*K*A*Y for your blockview to be distracted so other human being, could live in the same space like you do.
If someone can't afford to live where they want to, they should live somewhere cheaper and stash cash until they can move up in the world. I guess I don't understand when this country became about bending to the will of whoever complains the most or plays the biggest victim... blah, blah, blah, get off my lawn! haha. Apparently I've turned into my grandpa.LOL Maybe I should say myself would not like it if it blocked my view but if it does happen I can only say "well sh*t happens" LOL
But in the long run , 10 years from now, this thing would be new normal as space become much more limited.
The only way to preserve a view is to purchase a view easement from pertinent surrounding property owners. Views are not typically a protected right. I understand view easements are sometimes purchased from neighboring properties in New York city, limiting the heights of some of the surrounding buildings and preserving views for other high rise apartment units. Pretty costly though.
Sometimes there are tree ordinances which limit heights of trees on a property, but unfortunately, in this case, it doesn't look like much can be done, except for cooperating with the neighbor and working out a beneficial solution for all.
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Quote from @Carlos Ptriawan:
This is actually bigger issue. American these days are complaining home price is so expensive blablabla the very reason why home price is expensive is that one guy or one family is occupying too much space, it is no longer making sense for a 10k square foot house has only three or two people living in it. The solution is to have more people per space available. That comes with regulation that's adding more ADU permit, converting SF to MF zone, more apartment and so on and so on.
That needs a sacrifice by another human (that tends to be richer).It's O*K*A*Y for your blockview to be distracted so other human being, could live in the same space like you do.
I'm not sure if ever made sense for only 2-3 people to live in a 10k sf house, but it isn't my right to tell them what to do or not to do. This is why we are a great country - freedom to live how we/they want.
Sorry Carlos, I respectfully disagree with your 1 size fits all solution. Increased density is only 1 possible solution, but, I for one don't wish to be forced into this 1 solution. Again, we are fortunate to live in a place where we have a choice, to live how and where we want. If we want to live away from other people, we can find property further out, if we want to live in a downtown where more action is, then we are free to do that also. But, if everywhere gets forced toward higher density, those choices get limited, and therefore, our rights become limited.
I know we aren't technically "forced" into that type of situation, but we may end up there by default, if everyone around us is increasing their density, limiting our options.
Also, we occupy a very small portion of land, by %, in this country. If people get priced out of an area, they tend to move on the outskirts or other areas where prices are lower. That's how cities and populated areas grow. Cramming people together is not the only solution.
Per a recent statistic I saw, urban areas take up only 2% of land area in the US, that leaves a lot of potentially available development area. - Member since 2019 · 7k+ posts · 4k+ votes3yI'm pretty sure before I will receive respond such as yours.
Quote from @Brad S.:
Also, we occupy a very small portion of land, by %, in this country. If people get priced out of an area, they tend to move on the outskirts or other areas where prices are lower. That's how cities and populated areas grow. Cramming people together is not the only solution.Quote from @Carlos Ptriawan:
Per a recent statistic I saw, urban areas take up only 2% of land area in the US, that leaves a lot of potentially available development area.What you mentioned above is already happening and that's pretty much the reason why people move : "space".
In CA cities it's pretty obvious they change their philosophy to accept more people per density. When it comes to ocean view issues, the zoning laws aren't getting changed due to a city wanting to pack more people in... that's BS.
The zoning laws get changed when the rich and powerful want to get them changed to suit their owner needs. That need may be they want a taller house so their view is better.... or they want to build a huge condo complex that has an ocean view so they can make $$. They want it, they get it changed.
Zoning laws in locations that don't rely/center around ocean views or other scenic views....sure population density and packing more people into smaller areas may play a role in zoning changes...... but who makes $$$ off that plan still play a major role and what gets changed.
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