Joe Gearin wrote: Am I the only one who thinks the letter writer was being courteous by leaving the letter first, and not just calling code enforcement?
Agreed. There was a slightly dickish tone, but the heads up is definitely better than them just calling. Trust me. I've had several cars tagged on several occasions, and no one has ever contacted me beforehand. I would have really appreciated the opportunity to settle things in a neighborly manner before getting the authorities involved.
Joe Gearin wrote: Am I the only one who thinks the letter writer was being courteous by leaving the letter first, and not just calling code enforcement?
No, you're not the only one. I'll bet you are also not in favor of vandalizing some neighbor's property just because they've reminded the OP that they're supposed to be living under the same rules that they have to follow. Or calling them names, or whatever, when they are in the right, though I'm sure it is all in good fun. Right guys?
That doesn't look like a legal document. Until a legal document shows up, berk'em.
My neighbors have been patient, waiting a few weeks to even write the note. Believe me, I wish that the work was done long ago as well. Here's hoping that I can have everything buttoned up by the weekend.
What got me grumpy was the "illegal" bit. It's very aggressive and completely untrue. If I were a better nicer person like Mitchell :D I would find the neighbor if you can and "apologize". In that "apology" I would point out that it is a repair with a completion date and you are sorry it took longer than expected. I would also point out that you will do some repairs as needed in the future but they should be shorter. (Basically tell them in the nicest way possible you aren't going to stop working on cars but you don't mind taking a few extra steps to not offend them) Mention how much you love the neighborhood, listen to their stories about their favorite car, wave every time you see them, etc...
In reply to 16vCorey:
If it's tagged and being worked on on private property (not the street) then it's doubtful that it really is illegal. There is a chance that he has draconian local or HOA rules, but a better chance that he has a busy body PITA neighbor. Check the laws, if you are in the right berk em (or call the cops for harassment and trespassing) 
I think I made an offhand remark one day in front of a neighbor that if they hated the contents of my driveway now they should not make me mad because I'd be happy to paint my cars pink. They've never complained, they really should, I'd complain if I were my neighbor.
Is this in a house or an appt? Are you doing the work in a garage or parking lot/driveway?
If its in a house what's the law in your area and what if any rules does your HOA/covenants say?
If its a rental what does your lease say about what you are doing?
Context is everything. One response will make the neighbor look like a dick. The other you are the dick.
For what it's worth, illegal is a sick bird. All the LEOS and attorneys I know cringe when they hear that word. Unlawful is the word he's looking for. 
The asshat part, is not knocking on the door, introducing yourself and stating the problem. That's how neighbors used to treat each other. Unfortunately in the days of email, text messages and impersonal forms of communication, people don't seem to know how to do that anymore.
I'd blow it off and wait for the official communication or the knock on the door.
Sine_Qua_Non wrote:spitfirebill wrote: The $300 tow bill would more than have repaired it., Did they call a tow company from another state??? That is a really expensive tow bill
It's racket. If you call a tow company, its $50 or so. If john law calls, its going to cost $300.
Many HOAs have rules against doing any work on autos, even inside your garage.
I live in a small neighborhood of mostly duplexes. All of the places are pretty well looked after, though. This is in a covered carport. I rent; my landlord said that "maintenance is fine as long as the engine isn't coming out or anything." I only took the transaxle out. 
Honestly, I suspect that it is the person trying to rent out a place a few houses down. It seems like every time someone comes to look at the place, I'm in my greasy clothes, with tools scattered about, and my motorcycle in the driveway.
Is there a HOA in your neighborhood? Have you checked your local laws? I'm all for being a good neighbor, but this leave a bitchy note thing rubs me the wrong way.
Yeah if there's no HOA, berkeley 'em. They can move into a little fascist dictatorship if they want their neighbors bossed around.
spitfirebill wrote: Many HOAs have rules against doing any work on autos, even inside your garage.
The day someone from my HOA tells me I can't work on my cars in my driveway or garage is the day that same schmuck gets a few gallons of used oil dumped in his/her hydrangea bushes.
In reply to Sky_Render:
The day you move into a neighborhood with an HOA that restricts a homeowners ability to work on a car in their own garage is the day that you need to admit you made a mistake not reading the fine print before you bought the house...then you need to nut up and live in the real world where rules have to be obeyed. Dont like it? Realtors can be found pretty easily.
HOA's rarely "spring" rules on you. Theyre available to peruse at your leisure loooong before you sign on the dotted line. Sucks that those rules exist, but thems the rules
4cylndrfury wrote: In reply to Sky_Render: The day you move into a neighborhood with an HOA that restricts a homeowners ability to work on a car in their own garage is the day that you need to admit you made a mistake not reading the fine print before you bought the house...then you need to nut up and live in the real world where rules have to be obeyed. Dont like it? Realtors can be found pretty easily. HOA's rarely "spring" rules on you. Theyre available to peruse at your leisure loooong before you sign on the dotted line. Sucks that those rules exist, but thems the rules
Yep, the wife and I have thought about moving across the river to her Mom's Condo. We'd gain about 10% of our income back, a pool/jacuzzi/workout facility/view of the river and not have to deal with yard maintenance. It even has a 2-car garage. However the HOA prevents working on your car, even in the garage and I own two older Porsches and I like to tinker on cars. So we'll stay where we are and save money to make up for the added income and property taxes.
You can come work on cars at my place 'swede. I live in the country where we don't have any stupid rules.
I live In a small neighborhood at the end of a dead end and ally neighbors are cool. If I had a party for example they wouldn't bitch they would just come over for a few beers.
In reply to bgkast:
Thanks, but I'm fine where I am for now. Now that I have a working car again, I can go over to St. John's and work at the 2000sqft shop that my Dad has or work in my 2-car garage currently.
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