Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Washington

Noisy Neighbor but No Noise Ordinance

Hello,

We have a nuisance neighbor who runs an obnoxiously loud generator and allows his dogs to bark at all hours. An officer spoke to him, and he actually apologized, claiming he didn't realize others could hear, yet he continues to run it because there are no noise ordinances in our rural community. The police can do nothing since he's not breaking any laws that they know of. Other neighbors are affected but don't want to ''get involved'' by signing a petition or anything.

What recourse do we have? Are there any state laws we could fall back on? Is it possible to take him to small claims court with no ordinances in place? If not, would hiring an attourney do any good?

Thanks for your assistance.


Asked on 9/05/03, 1:00 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jahnis Abelite ABELITE LAW OFFICES, P.S.

Re: Noisy Neighbor but No Noise Ordinance

You may be able to bring a private nuisance action against this neighbor but you will have to get the other neighbors involved to prove that the actions of the offending neighbor are in fact creating a nuisance that is impairing your use of your land. I would call the Dept of Ecology in Olympia to find out about any state laws concerning noise levels and times when noise is or may be prohibited. Good Luck.

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Answered on 9/09/03, 5:14 pm


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