Q: When I bought my condo, my building had the best golf course view from my screened porch. The golf course faced bankruptcy and was sold to a developer that built a new community. The view now consists of two overgrown trees. My community trimmed the trees until they learned the neighboring development owned them. Now our view is horrible. Is there anything we can do? —Irene
A: Questions about views are complicated because of the various facts of each situation.
The general rule is that no one is allowed to block your direct view. Your direct view was of a neighboring golf course that was removed and replaced with houses.
The law often protects particular views like an ocean or mountain view, prohibiting buildings or landscaping from blocking them.
While a golf course view may have been among these particular views, that changed when the developer had the new development approved. That said, while the golf course view may be gone, it does not mean you need to look at untrimmed, out-of-control vegetation.
You should try to work with your condominium association urging them to work with the neighboring community to improve the view. Your association can trim the parts of the trees on your side of the property line as long as doing so does not damage the health of the tree.
It may also be able to beautify your side of the property line.
You can review your municipality’s ordinances to see if they contain rules regulating landscaping and tree trimming.
Even if your municipality lacks specific rules covering your situation, it may still be able to help. Ask code enforcement or the building department to help deal with the problem.
Board-certified real estate lawyer Gary Singer writes about industry legal matters and the housing market. To ask him a question, email him at gary@garysingerlaw.com, or go to SunSentinel.com/askpro.
