Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Pennsylvania

land usage

If Im using agricultural zoned land to raise livestock of any kind ,can a neighbor who says that it will depreciate the value of his home sucessfully sue me ? If he does and loses can i recoup the legal fees incured. i am breaking no law. thanks


Asked on 3/23/07, 11:23 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

John Gibson John W. Gibson, Esquire

Re: land usage

Without knowing more, I'd say that his suit would not be likely to be successful. However, you may want to look at any township ordinances and talk with the local zoning officer before going ahead especially if the particular livestock that you are raising may create a nuisance of any kind. Generally attorneys' fees are not recoverable in Pennsylvania except where there is a statute or where they are provided for by contract. However, one statute does provide for fees where a lawsuit is vexatious or frivolous and another statute provides a cause of action against people who file frivolous lawsuits and part of the damages it provides are attorneys' fees. It is difficult to say whether a suit by one neighbor against another for a nuisance would qualify without knowing a whole lot more.

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Answered on 3/24/07, 12:34 pm


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