Filming a neighbor’s house from the street — North Carolina
Not legal advice. General information only; laws change and outcomes depend on facts.
Quick answer: From a public street, recording what’s plainly visible is often lawful, but filming into private interiors or harassing behavior can create legal risk.
| Location | Public street/sidewalk |
|---|---|
| Video | Often allowed for what’s plainly visible |
| Audio | Avoid capturing private conversations |
| Risk factors | Zooming into windows, persistent surveillance, harassment |
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Expectation of privacy
People generally have less privacy for what’s visible from public spaces, but more privacy inside homes and in secluded areas.
Using tools or angles to see/hear what you normally couldn’t may cross the line.
Best practice
Keep filming limited and purpose-driven (e.g., documenting property damage).
Avoid windows/interiors; don’t linger or repeatedly return in a way that looks like stalking/harassment.