not in a garage band persay, but I've been a musician who practices in his apartment. I've had some neighbors complain about it, and others who approach me to tell me how nice it is to hear me playing. You get both sides of the fence with this issue. Most likely if the people are not approaching him, they're neighbors who don't know him or have other issues about him. That's how it was with me too.
And practice rooms are not that easy to get. Like he said, prices can be up to $200 a month and the ones in my city are 30min. north of where I live.
boogieman481-
Sorry to hear about this man. Doing some research some cities have actual SPL levels, others say if it can be heard 200 feet away it's too loud...and others don't really define what is a nuisance.
So I guess it's either practice in the house if that has remedied the issue before, do some construction work on the garage or find some other band member's house.
Or, go around to each of your neighbors house and see if you can cut a deal with them. Certain times of day for only a set time....they might be much more likely to work with you on this issue if you talk to them face to face about it (with a smile...). Like I said, it's probably some neighbors you don't know who just think there are some punk kids playing loud music next door. Be a good neighbor and approach them about it and invite them to come over and tell you when you are playing too late or too loud. Maybe someone has a sleeping baby next door.