‘We're not going to bite’: Dispute over fence sparks legal battle between family and developers

[@benjaminkingbenjamin-king3744]

That guy is not interested in getting in contact with Rilwan. They pulled the stunt of removing the fence because they were aware of the NO CODE matter well before they played "friendly" developer. What they were not expecting were the Patterson family to file suit. Just shady, tacky, bullying developers.

[@Lisa-f5v4r]

boycott them.

[@williegrant3054]

It happened to the Older Black lady in South Carolina? Josephine Wright

[@VietCongBanNuocBuonDanHaiDanPh]

The house overhang is on top of that strip of grass. She need to put security camera up and no trespass sign, to make sure the builder keeps off her property.

[@W.K.F7]

@benjaminkingbenjamin-king3744 and that weird because every house should have land left over, they want to put it as close to the house for there benefit

[@tonyl4438]

The temporary restraining order on the fence should also apply to the new construction, see how fast they want to settle and I don’t know the codes there but in South Florida you can’t build right up to the fence property like it seems they are doing.

[@jcombs5495]

Didn't have any business bullying that woman.

[@2pugman]

How can they build ON the property line itself ? There has to be a set back.

[@jamesfields7]

be good journalists and name the developer

[@eggs3000]

0:59 it’s “New Signature Homes, LLC” /“New Signature”

[@jamesfields7]

@@eggs3000i just figure they should be the ones making people aware.

[@eggs3000]

@@jamesfields7 Oh sure, I agree.

[@vihtoripuurola3775]

These are not good journalists. They didn't even address property lines or setbacks that could impact any ruling. I don't think Rilwan even addressed that. He should have shown where the property lines are where the pins are located at the corners. Emotions without facts is not journalism.

[@perrysanders9998]

The address shown, 3334 Francis was a pretty big eye sore. There are no less than 18 vacant lots around this house and being so close to the university this area is in need of re-development. She should have sold that lot to the developer if she had the chance. It's barely worth $200K.

[@dski8097]

Why would the city allow a house to be built right up against another house? That is insane..... If there is a fire, it will just consume all of the other houses. This is a huge safety issue.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Some jurisdictions just don’t care. My county is fanatical about the fire issue because houses were to close and it caused several homes to burn and was hazardous to our firefighters.

[@theOne80]

I never understand how the money hungry developers would disregard the safety of the homeowners in that matter

[@livingfrugalwithashley3618]

Exactly! But all they care about is $$$$$ so if the developers made their units any smaller they’d lose out on all that $$$

[@rfugy]

The reason, land inside the loop is getting crazy expensive and so they need to max the buildable area. Yes the City does require that homes closer than 3' to the property line be equipped with fire-rated walls and the also limit the open space or windows on the at side of the house.

[@Bill-im6nt]

@@theOne80 They can't see past the $$$$$$$$, they'd sell their Mom's grave for a few dollars.

[@rnvrnv354]

Gee, that foundation looks really close to the property line? Not much room for a fence?

[@EdwardM919]

Yeah exactly, what ever happened to set back, where you can not build a certain distance from your neighbors property

[@steveurbach3093]

Is there no side setback zoning in that area?

[@FarmToMarketRoad]

He doesn't want to address the issue in court for a reason. That foundation is way to close to the property line. No way they can build that legally.

[@vihtoripuurola3775]

@@FarmToMarketRoad I agree. She needs to get a stop order going before they get too far along. At the very least have a survey crew come out and locate the pins then mark the property line.

[@vihtoripuurola3775]

Looking at the street views on google maps the previous house that stood there was in bad shape, and where those foundations are was once a driveway for the house that was torn down. Those shotgun style houses were not meant to last forever. There are an insane amount of vacant lots in this area where houses have been bulldozed.

[@Living_Despite]

The construction plans should be scrutinized again. Looks like setbacks for that zone are not being followed.

Family home they want to keep in the family. Power to them.

[@janofb]

Spend $300 on a surveyor. I just had to do the same think. HOA claimed I wasn't taking care of what turned out to be their property.

[@perrysanders9998]

She technically did trespass. Her house was built right on the property line on what used to be her neighbor's driveway. That's gone now and new construction is proceeding. Nothing lasts forever.

[@charliej766]

YESSS!!! Congrats! I have an HOA and we’ve bumped heads a few times and I was victorious both times. Some folks ask “why have an HOA?” but when I drive around the surrounding neighborhoods, I see what happens when you don’t. Overgrown yards, abandoned vehicles, trash on sidewalks, squatting. All of these things reduce the property values of the other homes. Meanwhile the value of my home has increased $100K😊

That property line setback in 3rd Ward for new construction should still be 5 feet unless the City changed the Code. That wasn't 5 feet.

[@racthuibainhlaonhiemlambai1384]

That foundation is not even 5 cm from the property line.

[@janofb]

We want to try and work it out by filing a trespassing notice for them on their property. I hope the court makes the developer move their foundation back a safe distance from the fence that's going back up.

[@cliffontheroad]

A town without a set-back requirement from the property line? No codes at all can be a joy or a problem. But since a fence is erected on your property, hindsight says no one replaces a neighbor's fence; they would have erected their own. But look at the concrete work - that new structure is probably going to be a high rise. 0:48 covers the whole lot. Concrete? Foundation is a slab. The developer is not going to live there but take the $$ and run. I'd move

[@racthuibainhlaonhiemlambai1384]

That homeowner should not allow the builder to set foot on her property. And that foundation is at the property line

[@SpotTheBorgCat]

@@racthuibainhlaonhiemlambai1384 That's what I have a problem with. Anyone living in the new place would have to trespass onto the woman's property to get to the back.

[@herewegoagain4041]

0:55 thats the problem. She dealing with business people like theygood friends. Dont agree to nothing, dont remove nothing especially while construction is taking place. They strangers and will encroach while u are sleeping.

[@susanhurst3292]

Good for her, she went straight to the courts, don't let these contractors, scare you!

[@uncleshrek32]

Please list the development company. Address of property too.

[@cliffontheroad]

it is in a reply. My comment echos others 12 hours prior. How will the name help you Uncle? I could not get a hit searching for “New Signature Homes, LLC”

[@uncleshrek32]

@cliffontheroad Getting the name out there will help the public.

[@HannibalTheDragon]

they took down the Patterson's fence knowingly they intended to build right up to the fence line which is way to damn close, then try to convict people off their own property. Hope the judge makes them tear the new build down.

[@kennardjohnson7875]

They can not build that close to an existing home.

[@Moondoggy1941]

I thought the something but the original house is built that close as well, the city needs new setback laws.

[@Lisa-f5v4r]

they are greedy.

[@safeandeffectivelol]

@@Moondoggy1941 Older houses are likely grandfathered. New builds should abide by the code

[@Moondoggy1941]

@@safeandeffectivelol Yes exactly and that is why the new houses should be pushed back.

[@vihtoripuurola3775]

@@Lisa-f5v4r So is everyone else. No one I know can afford to work for free.

[@joyaustin6581]

Sounds like they need a survey

[@FerrisSOCAL]

Some how the developer thinks that their house is on their property, at least partially. That document should have a surveyor's report inside of it for the court to agree to create an eviction notice. Should be spicy, and they should have their own surveyor do the work, as you say.

[@uncleshrek32]

Developer should have one given they purchased the lot before building. Bully developer needs to be listed.

[@davidthecardcollector]

With that last line now you know why they wanted the fence taken down. Now that they started building next to the property line if you want a fence it will be pushed further back on the ladies property giving the homebuilder access to some of her property.

[@YoDawg-v6l]

That's going to be a Texas / Houston issue because everywhere i have lived you are NOT allowed to have a structure within 4ft of the property line or fence so that house being built is right on the property line and has no way of being upkept without trespassing on neighbors property

[@georgemichael9106]

Today’s developers would build a 20 story condo in front of the emergency entrance to your local hospital if they could get away with it.

[@perrysanders9998]

Seeing that we are 4 million housing units short in the US that is not a bad idea.

[@user-ln8hp4vt5z]

MASS BOYCOTT this Developer. How Pathetically Criminal.

[@Silencedogood-r6l]

I’ve seen houses close to each other…..but that’s *INSANE*

[@heathercloete7450]

I can't stand bullies.

[@Moondoggy1941]

Maybe the city should enact a more realistic set back rule for the house, so any new development has to be a minimum of 5 feet away from the PL.

[@daviddiehl-gy2sq]

Fences make good fences, firearms make quiet ones.

[@findingretirement6649]

What a complete zoning failure to allow a home to be constructed right up to the property line, that's not just stupid it's insane.

[@AT-zl6dk]

Didn’t expect her to go to court

[@Yallegue]

Creepy how ANYBODY can just tlserve you with evictionsl notice from your own home. Now, who pays for the attorney's fee while you go back and forth to court.

[@ZuulGatekeeper]

The eviction notice letter was fake. The couple checked with the county clerk’s office & no eviction filings had been made. It was a bluff by the developer so they filed & a judge issued a temporary restraining order on building the fence.

[@matthewearl9824]

Man, why do news outlets not give us the whole story.

[@MsArtistwannabe]

They allow building right up to the property line. That’s insane.

[@Mr.Pop0]

Theres no building there yet. Plenty of time to get it right.

[@kenyonbissett3512]

Sure you want to work it out, that’s why you sent an eviction notice! Jerk 😮

[@ftroop52]

8 foot tall privacy fence, going in quick !,lol

[@perrysanders9998]

Take a look at the street view. She doesn't really have the room. Plus, she would have to wait until the new construction is finished.

[@carefulconsumer8682]

What about the surveyor's report?

[@jorgeposadas1192]

I got no idea where tf your all at, cus every city has a code how near can you build next to the fence line,

[@vitaAutLetum]

This is Houston.

[@MegaStamandster]

Normally there's an city/town ordinance (In fact, Houston is Ord. No. 2013-343, § 3(Exh. A), 4-24-2013; Ord. No. 2015-639, § 21, 6-24-2015, eff. 7-24-2015; Ord. No. 2020-684, § 2(Exh. A), 8-5-2020; Ord. No. 2023-801, § 3(Exh. A), 9-27-2023, eff. 11-27-2023) that does not allows domicile type buildings to abut property lines but requires a certain amount of feet away, unless said building is existing and grandfathered in. The fence is the least of their issues with the concrete foundation looking to be less than 10' away from the property line. They need a surveyor.

[@joeschmo622]

Ans all this time, nobody ever did a survey? Looked at ordinances about setbacks, etc.? They need to get a survey done asap, stake the property line with witnesses and recordings so that the stakes don't "mysteriously" get moved or disappear, and finally get the local govt to *enforce* ordinances. It'd be a huge win to make the shady developer move back the entire foundation the proper distance to meet the ordinance.

[@cynthiannenicholas5156]

They are attempting to ruin this family financially. We just had practically the same issue. Nearly $70k in attorney fees.

[@nomadictravelerfromTx]

They built that house to close to her house. This is ridiculous!

[@finally97]

Please keep us updated.

[@MaryCoffey-pn9zv]

This is why every homeowner should have a survey and have their property clearly fenced in. She needs to make sure going forward that her property line is clear and written into a legal and binding agreement.

[@MegaStamandster]

_Normally_ there's an city/town ordinance (In fact, Houston is Ord. No. 2013-343, § 3(Exh. A), 4-24-2013; Ord. No. 2015-639, § 21, 6-24-2015, eff. 7-24-2015; Ord. No. 2020-684, § 2(Exh. A), 8-5-2020; Ord. No. 2023-801, § 3(Exh. A), 9-27-2023, eff. 11-27-2023) that does not allows domicile type buildings to abut property lines but requires a certain amount of feet away, unless said building is existing and grandfathered in. The fence is the least of their issues with the concrete foundation looking to be less than 10' away from the property line. They need a surveyor.

[@adammoe605]

That guy looked shady & a bully

[@markmurray2970]

In most communities, building that close to a property line is illegal. I wonder if that is why the developer is causing issues?

[@CAC6363]

Don’t ever let any corporation do anything without legal writing

[@beebee2731]

They may as well move into her home building that close. That's INSANE.

[@HEHE-dx9og]

Never saw two houses that close before. You can`t even do any maintenance on your house being that close. Where I live you have to be six feet from the property line with anything structure. This is insane.

[@TheZipeedoo]

One often hears that Houston has no zoning. However, I have to believe they have building codes, and that foundation appears from just eyeballing it to be too close to the property line for fire safety.

[@jonathanleonard1152]

Is there a survey on file at the county clerk’s office? A Survey on file takes precedence over new development. It is sad so many owners and builders fail to file a survey prior to work.

[@sharonstone-bh1zp]

It's nice to hear so many agree boundary fences are necessary and effective, The builder must be a Harris devotee.

[@flamingchillum]

That Building is too close to the property line. For Fire safety.

[@LamarA-bq1zz]

Definitely a bully move. The fence should have never been taken down in the first place.

[@davemac521]

What about easement? Looks like the house foundation is on the fence line. Most build codes require a specific distance from a property line.. I'd sue for damages against the owner and builder.

[@2pugman]

A neighbor at the rear of my property was building a new patio in his back yard. I went to see what they were doing and they had built on my property ! They just took 10' of my back corner lot for their use ! They returned my property as it once was after threats of a lawsuit.

[@MegaStamandster]

It's not considered an easement (that would be for things like shared driveways). Normally there's an city/town ordinance (In fact, Houston is Ord. No. 2013-343, § 3(Exh. A), 4-24-2013; Ord. No. 2015-639, § 21, 6-24-2015, eff. 7-24-2015; Ord. No. 2020-684, § 2(Exh. A), 8-5-2020; Ord. No. 2023-801, § 3(Exh. A), 9-27-2023, eff. 11-27-2023) that does not allows domicile type buildings to abut property lines but requires a certain amount of feet away, unless said building is existing and grandfathered in. The fence is the least of their issues with the concrete foundation looking to be less than 10' away from the property line. They need a surveyor.

[@rwoodey68]

Is there no easements between the houses and fences? In most states I've lived, you can't build anything 5 to 7 feet from adjoining properties.

[@damnu8089]

you should have left the fence up to keep the new house off your line

[@williamzander9708]

Yes had this happen to me never let someone take your fence down biggest mistake you will make .

[@vihtoripuurola3775]

A simple survey would fix this. Property lines don't lie.

[@paulskopic5844]

NEVER EVER trust a developer. Also one has to wonder why the Judge ruled in favor of the developer.

[@fishydubs7964]

The builder building that house right on top of the property line is going on her property to build the house she needs to receive compensation from the builder

[@sdjgfashjasbfasd]

They are trying to push her out of her home so they can tear down the house and build more.

[@8180634]

Is there no rule here on how far back from a property line a structure can be built?

[@justcallmejohn2833]

Where I live we can’t build any structures within 10 feet of our property limits.

[@goooodluckeveryone]

Glad this is the attention they need. Best wishes ..🙏🏼

[@Abstract1406]

Next, they will try to force her out of her home and on to the streets through high property taxes.

[@FredSmith-s5t]

Why I moved to a semi rural small town where the fence already existed.

[@helidude3502]

The taxes will increase on this house because of surrounding development to the point that the family cannot afford it.

[@patmcbride9853]

This is why sane areas have setbacks of at least 5ft from property lines. There is no way a house could be built that close to an existing house or property line where I have lived.

[@SmileeBandit]

We know our property rights and we will lawyer up if need be.

[@mugenjin205]

The courts could not get involved here because no damage happened yet until a damage which can be sued for takes place, they need to hire a lawyer to conduct all communication with the developers. The lawyer will be able to mediate between the two parties and acquire all paper work needed such as county property lines to resolve the issue.

[@timwaddell9450]

How are they putting a building right on the property? This looks more like the builder messed up.

[@geangarcia2673]

they propitiated her 😢

[@Lisa-f5v4r]

company name of the home builder?

[@korgaun]

Stupid case... survey team and laws are already in place. You get the survey team out to verify the lots size. They tag it and then you can check with local laws and most have a law stating how far away from a territory marker you can build legally. It looks like they are trying to seize more property to allow the house to be built, because of the lot how it stands now and the past fence either they are encroaching on the property line or can't build due to the lot line legal parameters of structures near or close to it.

[@ElDell]

Disability guidelines would allow for a minimum amount of left to right space for a wheelchair, etc.

[@RoldanRR00]

I can't put a shrub within 12 inches of the property line, but this builder can put a house on top of it???

[@edward5979]

Developers are like lawyers.

[@sydneywood4398]

Whoever moves into the new house, does it developer Believe that they're going to want a house that close to the next house without a fence? Or was the developers plan all along to set up the homeowners and get them evicted from their house? Unconscionable. And I bet they go to church and act holier than though. City / county government should intervene, rather than set a precedent for developers to do this to other long-term homeowners. The developer caused this problem completely unnecessarily and should pay the price to move the foundation of the new house over.

[@ZStHope]

The new construction is toooooo close to the existing property and as well as the former fence. Greed etc is getting worst

[@d.b.2812]

You guys dropped the ball on that one.

[@brandexample1776]

Should have never removed the fence.

[@justinsternhagen4698]

Any construction needs to be three feet away from property lines?

[@redlobster4841]

5ft

[@perrysanders9998]

Depends on the rules for that property. If it is zoned for multi-family housing that that doesn't exist.

[@originaloldpop8405]

Surely there are setback lines for permanent structures, as for the fence have the PL established and put the fence 6" inside your property

[@wittydisplayname1761]

A fence line is not a property line.

[@reikirobingc4367]

Is there an update to this story?

[@tazpupper7828]

I wouldn’t have taken my fence period.

[@antonioherrera2476]

Would have never removed the fence.

[@duvine3882]

If the city gets in on this they will find non compliences besides this and get rich.

[@glbernini0]

That new construction can't be within code for distance to pre existing home...CAN IT? I know every town is different but that just isn't right.

[@RoseNZieg]

if the move for the fence goes through I bet the developer has to destroy part of the foundation because they built too close to the property line and need room for the fence posts.

[@rl8571]

Story feels incomplete. Would’ve loved to see the property lines as documented in the appraisal districts to show who is trespassing on who.

[@cadavis5314]

Looks like that build is too close to the property line. But I don’t know local laws.

[@DaisyDreams143]

There are also setbacks, and typically, minimally on the side of a property, the house can not be built any closer than 5 feet from that property line... It looks like the builder is placing the home within that no build zone. Depends on the Code setback for that neighborhood, though.

[@lilcheezitz16]

That guy’s clothes are way too small need to call a tailor

[@redlobster4841]

😂😂😂

[@srezzy1326]

Why are there no setback laws in place? They are allowed to build a structure so close to another home? The new structure will create a runoff situation, eves that are on top of each other, flooding etc. blocking of natural light. This is Ludacris. Was zoning informed of this? Was it approved for a variance? I would sue the city for allowing this situation to occur.

[@oldschooldiy3240]

wait....Wait....WAIT....What kind of city does not have building codes on fences and building placement on property? SMDH

[@Liveabndlearm]

The look on the dudes face like damn they brought me to court and I’m on tv and here goes my profits lmao 1:51

[@bradfordarthurson1315]

That's too close to their property where's their 5 ft distance should've left the fence up and they shouldn't have to pay anything for anything they should be paid for courts and the inconvenience

[@helloworldmain]

New Signature Homes, shame…

[@perrysanders9998]

Just look down the street. They are building some nice much needed housing. Her property values are only going to go up.

[@benjaminkingbenjamin-king3744]

Is that the name of the development company that this family is being inconvenienced by? If so, interesting name for a business. Name suites their tacky, shady, tactics. Must be their business motto.

[@robertpalmer3166]

The developer can't even afford clothes that fit or a decent haircut.

[@sydneywood4398]

It's clearly a gentrifying neighborhood. Hopefully another developer will offer them more money to build townhouses like there are down the street. But it'll be more impactful if the developer made things right. Also more doubtful that they will because they never had the right intentions.

[@jonflanagin6682]

Most place's have a code for how close you can build to the property line , looks like that developer maybe to close.

[@janemm1567]

Can’t someone show the survey of both sides?