 | | Your site survey offers a slew of information to find property lines and easements. |
Before you build a fence, shed, or deck or install an irrigation system, do these simple steps to avoid problems later.
Get the proper permit. Does your town require a permit to build a fence? A permit is needed if you are building a deck that is attached to the house. If you are building a free-standing deck, one may not be required. You'll need a permit when you install an irrigation system because a back flow preventer is installed to the house. Permits may seem to be a nuisance, but think of it as protecting your home and the individuals who live there.
Locate your plot/site survey. Don't just follow the mow lines or believe what the neighbor tells you where the property lines run. Check your mortgage papers to see if a plot survey is located there. If not, visit city hall and ask for a copy. A copy will most certainly be on file for newer homes. It may be hit or miss on older homes.
Find the metal property stakes. Use the information on the plot survey (and a metal detector) to locate the metal stakes buried on the corners of your lot. Run string from stake to stake to delineate the property line. Note: it is unlawful to remove these stakes.
Survey the property. The best move may be to have the property professionally surveyed if there is any uncertainty. Note that the city does not provide this service. Spending the money now could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars later on attorney fees and having to fix or remove the project.
Know your property's easements and right-of-ways. You own the property in the easements, but utility companies or the city has the right to work within these lines. It is strongly discouraged to put permanent structures, like a shed or a retaining wall, in an easement.
Check city ordinances, setbacks and building codes. Codes vary from city to city. Understand how high fences can be on corner lots or in front yards, so not to obstruct traffic views. Learn what style of fence is required around pools and how high.
Check with the neighborhood association. Are there any covenants? Are you even allowed to build a shed? What building materials are allowed to construct a fence?
Call to mark utilities. If utilities aren't marked and you hit a line and cause damage, you will be held responsible for the repair cost and damages. Remember you are responsible to mark irrigation lines and heads, electrical dog fence lines, and grill gas lines too.
Don't build directly on property line. First, consider how you will maintain (think weed whacking or painting) the other side of the fence or shed wall, particularly if you're already not on good terms with the neighbor. Second, your concrete footings have to be on your property.
Ask permission and get it in writing. Before you connect your fence to your neighbors or the landscaper needs to use your neighbor's yard to access your yard, ask first and document.
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