photo by Rob Lee
Property lines are invisible. Legal records describe their length, direction, and location, but there is no bright line on the ground in your yard. And there are times when you need to know exactly where they are—on the ground. This is the time to get your property lines surveyed.
It’s natural to assume the fence between you and your neighbor is right on the property line. But a fence can be off by a foot or more. Sometimes a lot more. And the front line can be at the curb, at the sidewalk, or even part way into your yard.
If you are planning an addition to your home, or even a deck, knowing where the lines are becomes important. Your local planning department has rules about how close to the property lines you can build. When your proposed project is close to the allowed distance (called the “setback”) the city might require you to get a survey.
Or maybe you just want to follow the old saying, good fences make good neighbors. And you want the fence put in the right place.
Then it’s time to hire a licensed land surveyor. Starting at markers set in the street years ago, and using specialized equipment, they can mark your property lines on a map, and on the ground, with extreme accuracy.
This will help you get your building permit. And it also will keep any neighbors happy.