Hey there fellow Seattleite! IMO, you've been very accomodating to your neighbor, and kudos to you for that. I have to agree that the barking dog is her problem, not yours. However, I know you want to keep on good terms.
Here's the thing. I would try to work things out -- BUT I would also not accept responsibility for her barking dog. To do so is to send the message that she has more of a right to have a dog than you do a chicken. This is not true. According to Seattle city code, you are allowed to have up to three chickens on a standard city lot. And noise ordinances do not differentiate between animals--a noisy animal is a noisy animal. From your other post it sounds like her barking dog has been a problem for a long time.
If it were me, I wouldn't talk to her about YOU getting netting. I feel that you doing all the compromising sets the tone that you will ALWAYS do all the compromising. I would instead say, "Hey, I understand the noise bothers you. What can we do to solve this? I want to be able to let my chickens loose in my yard for x minutes a day. How about we come up with a set time? That way, you can make sure your dog is inside, sequestered away from the fence, whatever."
This basically puts the decision-making in her court. She can either say yes, in which case the problem is solved. Or she can be demanding, which it sounds like she is anyway based on your other post.
At which point, I would say, "Look, I want to resolve this. You're my neighbor, and I value that. I want to stay on good terms. But according to Seattle city code, I'm allowed to have chickens, and I'm allowed to let them roam on my property as long as they are enclosed within my property. It doesn't really seem fair to me that I can't have my pets and let them have access to my yard the way you do with your dog for the simple reason that your dog barks at them."
You could even print out a copy of Seattle city code regarding domestic fowl and the relevant noise ordinance and take them with you.
If she makes grumbling noises, say something about really wanting to work this out. Does she have any suggestions? When she says keep them away from the fence, a gentle reminder that her barking dog isn't really your responsibility. But that you are very willing to come up with set times so she can make sure her dog isn't close to the fence.
Sorry if this sounds very bossy and like I know all the answers, because I don't. But I DO feel that it's very important that she take responsibility for her own animal. I tend to be mouthy, and knowing me, I would probably say something about how bothersome the barking really is, and on other occasions too, but in the interest of being a good neighbor, nothing has been said.
Anyway, let us know how it goes!
Here's the thing. I would try to work things out -- BUT I would also not accept responsibility for her barking dog. To do so is to send the message that she has more of a right to have a dog than you do a chicken. This is not true. According to Seattle city code, you are allowed to have up to three chickens on a standard city lot. And noise ordinances do not differentiate between animals--a noisy animal is a noisy animal. From your other post it sounds like her barking dog has been a problem for a long time.
If it were me, I wouldn't talk to her about YOU getting netting. I feel that you doing all the compromising sets the tone that you will ALWAYS do all the compromising. I would instead say, "Hey, I understand the noise bothers you. What can we do to solve this? I want to be able to let my chickens loose in my yard for x minutes a day. How about we come up with a set time? That way, you can make sure your dog is inside, sequestered away from the fence, whatever."
This basically puts the decision-making in her court. She can either say yes, in which case the problem is solved. Or she can be demanding, which it sounds like she is anyway based on your other post.
At which point, I would say, "Look, I want to resolve this. You're my neighbor, and I value that. I want to stay on good terms. But according to Seattle city code, I'm allowed to have chickens, and I'm allowed to let them roam on my property as long as they are enclosed within my property. It doesn't really seem fair to me that I can't have my pets and let them have access to my yard the way you do with your dog for the simple reason that your dog barks at them."
You could even print out a copy of Seattle city code regarding domestic fowl and the relevant noise ordinance and take them with you.
If she makes grumbling noises, say something about really wanting to work this out. Does she have any suggestions? When she says keep them away from the fence, a gentle reminder that her barking dog isn't really your responsibility. But that you are very willing to come up with set times so she can make sure her dog isn't close to the fence.
Sorry if this sounds very bossy and like I know all the answers, because I don't. But I DO feel that it's very important that she take responsibility for her own animal. I tend to be mouthy, and knowing me, I would probably say something about how bothersome the barking really is, and on other occasions too, but in the interest of being a good neighbor, nothing has been said.
Anyway, let us know how it goes!
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