Also, it is perfectly reasonable to have homeowners associations that restrict certain types of activities within the confines of the association. Since joining the association is usually a requirement upon purchasing the house this is a normal solution for those people concerned with this happening. There are quite a few on this site that are opposed to contracts though.
Your neighbor is not unlimited with respect to what he can do though even without the homeowners association. If it can be demonstrated that his actions are having a physical effect on you or your property then I think you would have reason to expect his actions to stop or to be compensated.