Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help Private pond bridge

Hello all, first time poster here,

I have a question that I hope to get some clarity on.

My neighbors and I each own a piece of a pond in a residential neighborhood.

I own about 25% of a narrow end, another neighbor owns 50% of the wider pond area and a final neighbor owns the last 25% on the other end.

My 50% neighbor owns a piece of property directly across the pond from his residential side that he cannot access without walking abound one of the ends of the pond. (Across either mine or my neighbors property’s)

He wants to build a bridge across the narrow end of the pond on his property that is adjacent to my property but this will restrict me from access to the other 75% of the pond.

Does anyone know if he can do this? I live in Virginia. We have an HOA but it not specifically mentioned.

You are going to need a Va. real estate attorney.

HOA, subdivision and real estate matters vary greatly from state to state.

Suggestion - see what attorney handled the formation etc. of the Subdivision.

Perhaps he would be open to a draw bridge section? Nice to stay friendly with neighbors when possible. Do you each own parts of the bottom of the pond?

Listen to what ewest says, he practices law.....

ewest is of course correct as regards the legal issues.

RAH has an excellent idea. Working out a mutually beneficial plan is usually much cheaper than dragging in lawyers.

I have seen a "swing" type bridge that could easily pass a large bass boat through the open span. It was just steel grating on oilfield pipe with welded on hand rails. Ugly as can be, but very cheap and effective.

I would imagine your neighbor could build a floating section of the bridge that could be easily moved for you to access the full lake? I am sure you can come up with much better ideas that fit your situation - if everyone likes the plan.

Good luck on your project. I hope you get everything to work out well!

I think a bridge would not be in your best interest. As a last resort, consider giving him an easement across your property(shoreline).

What about an arched or elevated bridge... something your boat could go under?