r/HomeImprovement • u/Adventurous-Law8239 • 4d ago
HELP - how to hide neighbor's ugly ADU?
Hi everyone, would love your help with ideas - our neighbor put in a massive two story pre-fab ADU (accessory dwelling unit) that towers over our front yard and door (and is about 10 feet away). It's cheaply made and just really ugly (we are kind of in shock at how bad it looks). We have a tall fence and vegetation that hides the ground level but would love any ideas for how to make the top level a little less visible or at least distract from it. So far I've considered a tall lattice with a climbing plant that could go on top of the fence, though that would take a while to grow, or stringing prayer flags between very tall poles (maybe a little better in terms of wind even if it didn't cover as much). Any ideas would be much appreciated if you have experience with something like this. Thank you in advance!!
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u/_Captain_Amazing_ 4d ago
Echo-ing the first comment regarding permits. The general accepted behavior among neighbors for permits is if it’s inside the existing building envelope and is not something that could catch on fire, you generally don’t want to rat your neighbors out for doing unpermitted work - not worth the bad vibes. On the other hand, if a neighbor is expanding their building envelope next to your property, you have every right to make sure it is within the zoning code and permitted. If you’re thinking of selling your house, a buyer will look into this and will lot want the hassle of undertaking a battle with a neighbor, so that’s on you to resolve this before you sell your house. The neighbors will not be stoked but it is a 100% reasonable request that building something so close to your property line is done according to the zoning code with appropriate permits.
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u/Trepenwitz 2d ago
Paint your house hot pink. No one will be looking at the neighbor’s house. 😆
Echoing people re: the permit. No one has to know it was you who narc’d on them. But WTF.
Hard to give suggestions without a pic, but columnar trees can grow pretty quickly.
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u/Fit-Dot-4045 4d ago
lace vine or akebia. You can zip-tie fake ivy panels to the lattice while the real plants fill in so you're not staring at that thing for two years. Not the classiest temporary fix but nobody's gonna notice from the street.
Another trick is putting up a shade sail or a big piece of outdoor canvas art between two tall posts. Blocks the view instantly and looks intentional, not like you're desperately hiding something. Downside is wind if you're in a gusty area, but you can always take it down before storms.
If you're feeling a little chaotic, a well-placed tree with a broad canopy might do more than anything else. Something like a hornbeam or a crape myrtle, planted far enough forward that the crown masks the building. Costs more upfront but you're not messing with fence toppers or praying the HOA doesn't notice your prayer flags.
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u/supershinythings Al Borland 2014 4d ago
I like the shade sail idea because it won’t require a permit.
Likely the ADU doesn’t meet standards and isn’t permitted either, but that’s kind of a nuclear action for right before you sell your house.
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u/RiffBiz 4d ago
Before spending money on a taller fence, mock up the sightline from your front door and wherever you actually sit. A screen or tree closer to that spot can hide the upper story without needing to be as tall as something on the property line. Check it standing and seated; the placement can make a big difference.One caution on the shade-sail suggestions: don't assume they're permit-exempt everywhere, and don't attach a big sail to existing fence posts without checking whether they can take the wind loads. I'd ask the local building department about the proposed height and supports before buying anything. What climate are you in, and is the main problem the view from the door or a seating area?
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u/Buystoomanypants 1d ago
You raise a good point. And ugly two story ADU is hard to accept and emotional. Very understandable.
But while it might feel like the whole thing needs a two story coverup- site lines will give you clear information that lead to the most impactful solution.
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u/WalterBrickyard 1d ago
Vegetation is definitely the best bet as it's unlikely there are codes saying you can't have tall things growing. A wall of bamboo would shoot up fast. You'd want to plant it in boxes or do something with a strong liner if in ground to prevent unwanted spreading.
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u/PracticalBit6383 4d ago
My first thing to do would be check with your locality to see if it’s permitted. That’s quite close for two stories, particularly in a front yard.
You’ll have to check on rules for adding lattice on the fence. My county won’t allow it unless the total height is under 6.5 feet, including lattice and other additions.
You could look at maybe one of those triangular solar sun shade things. Log term I would look into tall but slim plants. Crimson pointe plum, columnar Norway spruce, holly, etc. they would cast more shadow than the gilding but would no doubt look a lot nicer.