Unpleasant Disturbance Caused by the Construction Site
Let's talk about the ol' construction site drama, shall we? These bad boys might be necessary for development, but they sure as hell ain't fun for neighbors, especially in cities where space is like gold. Noise, dirt, parking bans, and all sorts of headaches pile up, even if the work's legit. But what's acceptable and what's not? Here's the lowdown.
Communication is KeyPrivate homeowners need to build rapport with neighbors early on, 'cause they'll be living next door to 'em soon. Better to break the ice in person than send an official letter from the authorities before that first excavator rolls in.
Engine momentsThe authorities (magistrate or municipality) inform neighbors about construction projects. Occasionally, a building negotiation might happen (not in all states). "Neighbor rights" should be considered, so a notice board with project details should be displayed at the start of construction at each street front, as mentioned by Nicole Nestler, spokesperson for the Vienna Building Police (MA 37).
Hush now!Generally, no noise-generating activities are allowed between 10pm and 6am (night rest). In Vienna, according to MA 37, there's a separate noise ordinance: loud construction activities are allowed from Monday to Sunday between 6am and 10pm. The federal police enforce night rest. In principle, any danger or unnecessary disturbance caused by noise, smells, or dust should be avoided.
Party petsNeighbors sometimes leave their garden to become a party zone. A bit of noise or dust pollution has to be endured. Is your garden transformed into an inferno of laughter and music? The Supreme Court considers construction sites, including noise and dust pollution, to be acceptable for residents in urban areas.
Cleanliness is next to godlinessA lot of material has to be removed during excavation which leaves traces. Polluting the sidewalk or the roadway? That falls under the jurisdiction of the federal police and is regulated by the STVO, as mentioned by Nicole Nestler.
Additional troublesSeveral events can happen in connection with construction sites, such as:
- Construction site barriers blow over: Inform MA 37 or the federal police if there's imminent danger. If damages occur (e.g., cars or persons get hurt), file a report at the nearest federal police station. A claim for damages can only be enforced through civil law proceedings.
- Bright lights in the bedroom: Liability and how to settle the dispute are matters for civil law.
- Damaged sidewalks by heavy trucks or a crane: This is a civil law matter between the owner of the sidewalk and the owner of the cause. In case of imminent danger, notify the building police, federal police, or the fire department.
Signs galoreEvery traffic sign at construction sites must be approved by the responsible authority. In Vienna, the MA 46 is responsible for the approval of construction site equipment areas. Check with MA 46's info line "Street and Traffic" if signs are approved and erected correctly.
More construction site wisdom can be found at IMMO News.
Investing in real-estate in the United States often requires careful financial planning and considerate communication with neighbors, especially during the construction phase. For instance, in Vienna, private homeowners are advised to build rapport with neighbors early on, as noise-generating activities are mostly prohibited between 10pm and 6am, and any necessary construction site barriers must follow strict regulations to prevent accidents or damage to nearby properties.
