Can Your Lubbock Neighbor Legally Do That? 7 Things to Know

We've all had a bad neighbor at some point in our lives.

Maybe they have a dog that thinks 5 am is the perfect time to begin his daily motivational barking. Maybe their grass is hidden beneath a jungle of weeds. Maybe they built something huge and weird in their backyard that has you wondering if they're following city code or just wingin' it.

How much of this stuff can your neighbor actually get away with?

Here are seven things worth knowing before you start peeking through your blinds and cursing at them...

1. They Can't Legally Let Their Backyard Become An All-Out Jungle

trees in forest

There are rules about rubbish and weeds in Lubbock on residential properties. Uncultivated weeds over 8 inches tall are a direct violation, and residents ARE responsible for maintaining their yards. The city can issue a notice of violation, and if they don't take care of the problem, the city can eventually have the property mowed and send a bill to the owner.

If your neighbor's yard looks like a scene out of Jumanji, you aren't necessarily imagining a code violation.

2. Your Neighbor Can't Block Your View of The Street With Anything They Want

Inflatable santa claus decoration waves from behind hedge.

Lubbock has very specific vision-clearance rules that apply to yards near streets and intersections. Certain plants, signs, and structures in areas where they will interfere with visibility are not allowed. Corner lots have even more restrictions.

If your neighbor's giant hedges are making it impossible to see oncoming traffic, they are probably breaking the rules.

3. Your Neighbor's Property Can Become A City Property

gray and white wooden house under blue sky during daytime

There are a few situations in which a property can be considered a nuisance or a major concern for health and safety.

If a serious property-maintenance issue isn't handled, the city says that cases eventually go before the Structural Standards Commission. They can order repairs, removal, or even demolition in some circumstances.

In plain terms, there's a difference between having an ugly house and having a house so bad off it needs to be condemned to keep the public safe and healthy.

Read More: What Lubbock's Fire Code Says About Outdoor Fire Pits

4. Your Neighbor Can't Put Absolutely Anything in The Front Yard

gray concrete road near grass

There are regulations in Lubbock governing fences, walls, and other structures in your front yard. This means your neighbor can't necessarily build a 15-ft fortress down the sidewalk just because he owns the property.

5. Their Home Business Can't Take Over The Neighborhood

person using MacBook Air

Working from home is allowed, but turning your home into a full-blown business operation with customers walking in and out, trucks unloading equipment day and night, and a ton of noise is a no-no.

Lubbock's development code places a lot of restrictions on home occupations, especially when it comes to noise, odor, traffic, and parking.

6. It's My Property" Does NOT Mean "I Can Do Whatever I Want"

a run down house with a tree in front of it

This is one of the biggest misconceptions.

Owning your own home gives you a ton of control over what happens on your property, but unfortunately, that property still has to follow city ordinances, zoning rules, building codes, and other regulations.

Before you make yourself look silly in front of your neighbors, it's worth checking whether or not you're actually allowed to do something.

7. You Don't Have To Settle Neighborhood Disputes By Yourself

gray and black bird on brown sand during daytime

You don't have to knock on the door and handle a problem on your own. You can report issues to 311. Whether something is illegal or just annoying is a debate the city will win every time, so make sure you really think about something before you call to report it.

Don't waste their time being petty about your neighbor's enormous inflatable Santa decoration. It may be awful, but it probably isn't breaking the rules.

So, Can Your Neighbor Legally Do That?

black hand print on gray concrete floor

The answer is a frustrating and occasionally hilarious "Maybe."

Before you start a big fight in your neighborhood over a tree, fence, pile of junk, or a suspiciously ambitious backyard project, check Lubbock's current city ordinances or contact 311.

The last thing you want to do is spend 3 months angry at your neighbor only to discover everything they were doing was perfectly legal.

Nobody likes getting mad for free!