Neighbors - Seattle,WA

Hi B., I have renters that recently had a problem with their new neighbor's barking dogs. She has a newborn too so she was pretty upset (and hormonal!) so I looked into the issue for her.

I think the best thing to do (if you feel comfortable) is to talk to your neighbor first about the dog noise. I would suggest you and your husband do it together in a non-confrontational way. I'd also see if any other neighbors have a problem with the dog noise. Maybe you could all talk to him or suggest a dog walker or something . . . but if you don't feel comfortable talking to him (and it all depends on how you think he'd take it) you can report barking issues here:

http://www.seattle.gov/animalshelter/ServiceRequest/Servi...

The first time they get a complaint they send a letter and if they get a few complaints within a certain time period they send an animal control officer out to talk with the owner.

Luckily, my renters were able to talk to their neighbors and all was resolved (in their case it was a visiting dog causing the issue and so it was short-term and the neighbors were very sorry).

Regarding the garbage cans. That sounds like a really selfish guy. You could call the non-emergency police line and ask what they suggest to do about that sort of situation. It sounds like talking to him might not get you anywhere and might make it worse. Good luck!

As far as the garbage cans in most cities you are actually required to take the garbage off the road when it is not the pickup day. Maybe just give him a friendly reminder or you can try the route of calling the city on him. Or even tell him I hate looking at the garbage cans all week long if you really want to save your spot go find one of those signs that says (and state the type of car he drives) "??" parking only!

As far as the dogs (oh how I HATE dogs that bark) I believe it is an hour minimum at a time of barking that you can call the police on other then that you can also give them a friendly heads up that this is happening because they might not even realize it! Most likely they do but maybe they don't. We have our fair share of dogs that I would love to be gone around us too!

Hi,
I live in a busy neighborhood too. The parking is a pain at times but we chose to live here. The street is public parking and your neighbor must think he is better than everyone else that he should "reserve a spot". I would talk to him and explain that it is a public street and everyone has a rite to park whereever. I would understand if he were disabled or 90 years old and could hardly walk I would have more undrstanding. Sounds like he is puting himself ahead of other people. As for the dog barking I am not sure what I would do in that situation. But I would not worry babies sleep through loud noises. When my kids were younger I would vaccume while they took a nap and my husband would even use the leaf blower outside. It is nice to have a baby that can sleep while other things are going on.
Best of luck,
Lenc

I 100% agree with what Tristan has said about moving the garbage cans. How rude of your neighbor!!! The street is a public place and it's first come, first served.

As for the dogs, check with your city/county about the "quiet hours". Some places have limits on when noise can legally occur. In my city, the hours are from 10pm until 7am. During those hours, you can report excesive noise made by your neighbors to the police. The police can go and give them a warning and if needed a citation. I would speak to him before you make any reports, to be civilized, but you shouldn't have to put up with it.