I have a back patio which consists of an overhead aluminum awning having open sides. I have a neigbor who unfortunately is an idiot and has a camera aimed right at the side of my patio. I dealt with it last year but felt a little uncomfortable about it. It is high enough where it looks right above HIS 6 ft privacy fence. I would appreciate any low cost ideas to effectively block his view while not creating an eyesore.
Patio Privacy Ideas
- Thread starter Lubener
- Start date
Not sure if local ordinances, what we call by-laws in Canada may have to say about that.
What’s the neighbors reasoning for aiming a camera at your patio? Have you asked the local authorities about legal actions? It seems an invasion of privacy such as that would give you some legal approaches.
I take it that you’ve already approached the neighbor about your concerns?
I take it that you’ve already approached the neighbor about your concerns?
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- Jul 18, 2022
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A planter box with a trellis for vines. Build the trellis as tall as you would like.
Metal pipe and a privacy screen. You can probably have a screen custom made from sail cloth, a canvas tarp, privacy shade… .
Plants, vines, trellis, likely your best bet. Plant some tree's. You could easily get a nursery to plant 12 foot evergreens likely.
What is your max fence height restriction?
HOA might be able to do something.
Unlikely you can do anything legally. If they can see it from there yard they probably can video it.
What is your max fence height restriction?
HOA might be able to do something.
Unlikely you can do anything legally. If they can see it from there yard they probably can video it.
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Put up a privacy fence with something ugly and nasty on his side so that his camera sees only that.
Laser pointer aimed at the camera lens ?
I would start with the local building code enforcement taking pictures and documenting your case. Perhaps an 8ft fence may provide enough height to keep his cam out of your yards view, if it does have him pay for the fencing. Some jurisdictions if it is indeed proven to be an encroachment and invasion of neighboring property he may be forced to remove the camera.
Simple 4' x 8' lattice panels with your choice of supports, depending on skills and aesthetic needs. Be creative on the top foot or two to block out the camera view - extra lattice strips, shade cloth panel, etc.. If desired, soil bed, mulch, pots or planter boxes to make it more attractive.
Just so we understand ....Is the camera intentionally positioned so that it looks over the fence and is of no use to his own security ?
AZjeff
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^Never wrestle with a pig, you get dirty and the pig likes it.
The simple solution is a sun screen panel on the side of the patio. You can make one yourself. Here's a shade panel on Amazon, make a frame and stand it up. https://www.amazon.com/Shade-Beyond-Grommets-Greenhouse-Backyard/dp/B0B5L7FZCH
Depending on distances from the camera to the property line and property line to your patio planting a tree close to the property line could block the view. Then he moves the camera or the tree drops it's leaves.
Notice the OP is asking for low cost options to block the camera view not retaliatory or legal actions.
How legal or actionable it is may depend on the expectation of privacy you have for the location its aimed at.
Example: IF he aims it at your hottub in the backyard. is different than if he catches some yard that you can see from the road.
As always do your own research for your location.
Example: IF he aims it at your hottub in the backyard. is different than if he catches some yard that you can see from the road.
As always do your own research for your location.
Reason? We do not get along. He has some mental development issues from what I can tell. He is doing it on purpose to annoy me and because he has nothing better to do. Local authorities will do nothing but say to call an attorney which is an expense I do not want to have. I would rather just block his view.
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Maybe the first option should be.
Find a situation where you do them a favor. No matter how small. Mail delivered to the wrong house, garbage can blown into road, etc. This builds a little good will.
Then ask them about the camera and just explain how its uncomfortable to be pointed that way. Dont acuse them of spying or anything. Most people dont like being on camera and maybe they will move it once aware.
Find a situation where you do them a favor. No matter how small. Mail delivered to the wrong house, garbage can blown into road, etc. This builds a little good will.
Then ask them about the camera and just explain how its uncomfortable to be pointed that way. Dont acuse them of spying or anything. Most people dont like being on camera and maybe they will move it once aware.
This is what I'm building coming the warm weather.
If this clown is deliberately trying to provoke you , it would be GAME ON and he would not like the outcome . 
I had a lattice similar to what @doitmyself shows in #10 all around my raised patio. The lattice on mine was about 6' tall with a gap above and below. My lattice was custom made of cedar with horizontal and vertical strips.
It was attractive and gave a degree of privacy in an area where a number of back yards backed onto one another, with only 6' fences between.
I also had an Australian style triangular canvas sunshade that could easily have been positioned to block the view from a nosy neighbour. They look very nice when set up with different orientations. (google "Australian sun shade")
It was attractive and gave a degree of privacy in an area where a number of back yards backed onto one another, with only 6' fences between.
I also had an Australian style triangular canvas sunshade that could easily have been positioned to block the view from a nosy neighbour. They look very nice when set up with different orientations. (google "Australian sun shade")
The problem is this, you’re gonna let this clown dictate how you landscape your yard or put up fences or walls. Then what? He moves his camera? Where does it end? After your back yard is so full of stuff that you can’t see anything yourself? Keep spending money by putting up stuff or landscaping in a way that you don’t want?
At what point does the expense of an attorney make it worth it to keep this guy from making you dance to his tune? At the very least, get a consultation before you start dancing.
Other than that, try the laser pointer and aim it at the camera lens and see if that trick actually works.
At what point does the expense of an attorney make it worth it to keep this guy from making you dance to his tune? At the very least, get a consultation before you start dancing.
Other than that, try the laser pointer and aim it at the camera lens and see if that trick actually works.
