The most frequent reasons for neighbor disputes are trees, fences, boundaries, easements and noise, says Cora Jordan, author of "Neighbor Law," a self-help guidebook.
The law offers protection from disturbing activities. Whether it's a zoning ordinance, community association regulation or subdivision rule, almost anything that a neighbor does that provokes anger or annoyance can be rectified.
The simplest way to deal with a neighbor problem is by friendly negotiation and face-to-face communication. The most complex -- and most expensive -- method is to take the neighbor to small claims court.
But there are a number of solutions that fall in between:
Zoning regulations vary by county but affect a wide range of issues, including abandoned autos, trashy yards, exterior signs, animal problems, noise and parking commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods.
Other violations can include operating a business out of a home (especially one that attracts deliveries and employs numerous people) and renting out rooms in a house to three or more adults not related by blood, marriage or adoption.
For more information on particular zoning regulations, contact the local zoning office:
* Anne Arundel County, 222-7446.
* Baltimore City, 396-4126.
* Baltimore County, 887-8099.
* Carroll County, 857-2982.
* Harford County, 638-3103.
* Howard County, 313-2393.
For certain types of violations, such as parking, barking dogs and excessive noise, local police departments can often mediate between neighbors.
Association covenants
If you reside in a subdivision or planned-unit development, you are probably subject to property regulations called covenants, conditions and restrictions. These rules place restrictions on many issues affecting the exterior of homes and neighborhood common spaces.
Such regulations can determine, for example, what colors are appropriate for painting a house exterior, what types of pets you may have or whether fences are permitted. They tend to be more restrictive than county or city zoning laws.
When someone buys a house in an area governed by a community association, he is required to sign an addendum before the contract is closed, stating that he will obey the regulations.
The community association is authorized to levy fines on homeowners who do not comply.
Mediation services offer an additional alternative. Through mediation, neighbors can work out solutions by using a trained third party who is skilled in the art of dispute resolution.
* Anne Arundel Conflict Resolution Center, 266-9033, helps residents of that county for free -- though it requests a donation.
* Baltimore City Police Department's neighborhood services officers will mediate. Call the local precinct office.
* Baltimore Community Relations Commission's Mediation Program, 396-3151.
* Hub Center, part of the city's Human Services Division, 396-6415. There are 14 centers around the city.
* Baltimore County Police Department has community outreach officers in each precinct.
Lawsuits
If all else fails, you can sue.
In Maryland, small claims courts are part of the District Court. To qualify, the lawsuit must involve less than $2,500.
Lawsuits involving up to $20,000 would proceed to the District Court.
* Anne Arundel County, 974-2734 or 508-2030.
* Baltimore City, 764-8969.
* Baltimore County, 321-3355.
* Carroll County, 848-2146.
* Harford County, 836-4510.
* Howard County, 461-0220.