Installing a fence requires knowing exactly where your property boundaries lie. If you build a fence on the wrong side of the line – even by a few inches – you could end up in a dispute with your neighbors or be forced to move the fence later. Taking time up front to understand your property lines will save you from potential legal issues, neighbor conflicts, and costly adjustments after installation.
Why Accurate Property Lines Are Important
A fence is a permanent structure that defines the limits of your yard. Erecting a fence on your neighbor’s land, or even directly on the shared boundary without agreement, can lead to conflict. By ensuring the fence sits within your property, you maintain good relations with neighbors and comply with local laws. Many municipalities require that fences be set back a few inches or feet from the official property line unless there’s a mutual agreement between neighbors.
How to Find Your Property Boundary
There are several ways to determine your property lines:
- Review Your Survey or Plat Map: When you purchased your home, you likely received a property survey or plat. This document shows your lot’s boundaries and measurements. Locate the property corners on the map and then find the corresponding stakes or markers (often metal pins) in the ground at those corners.
- Check Deed and Property Records: Your property deed or local county records may include a written description of the boundary lines (for example, measurements from known landmarks or coordinates). While this can be technical, it provides legal definitions of your property extents.
- Hire a Professional Surveyor: If existing markers are not visible or you want absolute certainty, consider hiring a licensed land surveyor. They have the tools and expertise to precisely locate and mark your property lines. This professional verification is especially useful if you suspect any previous fence or structure might not align perfectly with the true boundary.
Discuss Your Plans with Neighbors
It’s a good practice to talk to your adjacent neighbors about your fencing plans, especially if the fence will run along the property border. Open communication can prevent surprises and disputes. Neighbors might be willing to share the cost or have input on the fence style if it will affect them. While you don’t need permission to build on your own property, being considerate can go a long way in maintaining a friendly relationship. If you intend to build the fence directly on the property line (as a boundary fence), you should absolutely get your neighbor’s agreement in writing to avoid issues down the road.
Understand Local Regulations and Permits
Before finalizing the fence location, check local building codes or homeowners’ association (HOA) rules. Some cities have “setback” requirements that mandate a fence be a certain distance inside your property line. There may also be height restrictions or rules about finished sides facing outward. In many cases, a permit is required to install a fence, which will enforce these rules. Ensuring you know your property lines is crucial for the permit process because you’ll often need to indicate the fence’s location relative to those lines on the permit application. Violating local regulations by placing a fence incorrectly can result in fines or orders to remove the fence.
Conclusion: Knowing your property lines is a fundamental first step before any fence installation. By doing your homework – checking surveys or hiring a surveyor, communicating with neighbors, and abiding by local regulations – you can proceed with confidence. This preparation helps you avoid boundary disputes and ensures your new fence will stand in the right place for years to come.