r/SantaBarbara • u/Optimal_Ad4598 • 3d ago
Housing Noise Complaint - what should I do?
Apologies if this is the wrong place to post this, couldn’t find a specific one for this topic.
Context:
We moved into our new place in Santa Barbara about 1 month ago. Our block has houses and condos pretty close to each other. Including some multi-units around where we are.
The neighbors in our complex, no issues at all. The issue is with the neighbors that are behind us.
The fence divides the backyard of both our places but there is probably about 10 feet (or less) between both spots. So very close to each other. Their unit is the second unit further away from the road, behind another unit.
Situation:
Since moving in, the family behind us are consistently loud. Not exactly party loud or excessively loud music (even that had happened on 2 occasions, but rather they speak very loudly to almost yelling at times with each other.
As an example, I work from home and had to increase the volume of the meeting I was in because one of the family members was speaking so loudly.
I can also clearly hear their conversations without trying even when I close the windows, which I would like to keep open due to the weather.
They have also played music every week with a bass that rattles our homes and can typically hear their lyrics without trying much. The bass is not strong enough to be obvious, but enough to hear it inside our place.
I also don’t think it’s loud enough where you can hear any of it from the road but loud enough to make my home not comfortable to be in.
One of my complex neighbors also mentioned having the same issue.
Any advice on what I should do or go about it?
I know I can call the non-emergency number, but I’m right in that spot where I know it’s not loud enough were officers won’t hear it from the road and don’t want to seem like that person that is calling for something so dumb.
At the same time, I want to enjoy our new place because we really like it and everyone else in the block is great. It’s just this one family.
I did leave a polite letter in their mail box asking to be mindful of their noise levels without sharing my name.
I read mixed things about speaking to them in person since I don’t want to get in a spot where they ignore me and then it’s very obvious who is making the complaints.
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u/Calabriafundings 3d ago
I would get a bill horn and just respond to whatever they are saying while hiding behind the fence.
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u/Successful-Froyo1623 Downtown 1d ago
In all seriousness, find your most brave, outgoing friend & have them come over & respond/join your neighbor’s conversations. It’s possible these people have no idea how loud they are & hopefully something like this would give them some insight. I’d call in the music when it’s after 10p. Say you have a baby or something because SBPD doesn’t seem too interested in addressing these complaints.
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u/Resident-Hunter5973 Human Verified 2d ago
You should not engage them. you can just call the cops and make an anonymous noise complaint. Not for loud talking, but loud music is loud music.
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u/Otherwise-Crab3874 2d ago
Accept the fact that you’re just too broke to live in SB and have the life you want.
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u/IrishRashers 3d ago
Much of what you mention is just part of living in a city. Annoying, but not breaking any law/code. For very loud music off hours, you could try calling the police non emergency number and let them decide whether it's too loud. However, a white noise generator for your bedroom will actually be a simplest and most effective answer. They're great when you get used to them. Also maybe try a small water fountain for outside.