Whether or not you can install a fence on your property line depends on a few factors. Your local regulations, homeowners association guidelines, and property easements. Find out how each factor affects the location of your fence.
A fence is an important installation on any property. It helps to ward off intruders, keeps pets and animals restrained, and adds to the curb appeal of the property. A good fence can boost the resale value of the property too. But one question comes into play when considering the installation-how close can you install a fence to your property line?
As a property owner, you don’t want to lose even an inch of your property to strangers. Again, you don’t want to infringe on the rights of others by encroaching on their property. The latter can result in costly boundary disputes. That’s why you want to make sure your installation is within the set boundaries.
There are laws that govern fence installation. These may vary from one location to another. But it’s crucial for property owners to follow the set guidelines when erecting fences around their plots.
The exact place to erect a fence on your property will depend on a few factors:
Your neighbor’s perception of the fence
A fence doesn’t serve you only. It can influence the appearance and usage of your neighbor’s land too. In some cases, you can be lucky to construct your fence directly along the property line thanks to an amiable neighbor. In this case, you might consider a shared fence in which you both shoulder its construction and maintenance costs. But this doesn’t always happen, especially if those you share the boundary with are public entities or non-cooperative neighbors. All in all, fencing etiquette and local fence regulations demand that you notify your neighbor prior to any fence erection project.
Local fencing rules and regulations
Every jurisdiction has its specific rules governing fence erection. It’s important for property owners to check and adhere to these. In most cases, fences should lie 2 to 8 inches from the plot’s border. But there are places where it’s allowed to erect a fence on a property line. So it’s up to you to find the exact rules and restrictions in your area so that you can adhere to them.
Additionally, check whether the Homeowners Association (HOA) where your property is has some fencing guidelines and restrictions. Some dictate the type, style, and height of the fence. Going against these guidelines can lead to legal action, penalties, or other inconveniences with neighbors and your HOA.
Underground utilities and easements
Perhaps you don’t know it, but it’s possible that you have an easement on your property or underground utilities passing along the boundary lines. Most property owners don’t always think about easements or possible underground utilities when planning their fence projects. Unfortunately, that area of land that’s under easement or carries a public utility isn’t entirely under your control.
Besides, erecting a fence on top of an underground utility can lead to costly inconveniences. This is because some fence installations call for the digging of holes which may interfere with existing underground utilities.
Basically, an easement is a legal designation that gives permission to entities or people to use parts of your property. You’ll still own the property, but those with the easement can build on a certain portion or use it for physical access. Think of an area where one has to provide a driveway, sewer or gas line, and a sidewalk.
These will occur on your property, but you don’t actually own them. It goes without saying that you can’t install a fence along the easements or completely enclose these portions. To ensure your peace of mind, make sure you leave easements accessible for when the relevant professionals need to access them. Otherwise, your fence might have to be pulled down and you don’t want to bear such a cost.
If you aren’t sure whether you have an easement or not, recheck your title documents. This information should suffice when you are purchasing the plot. But again, it depends on the type of easement. In places where there are already underground utilities, it can be hard to tell. So inspect the documents or talk to your local land authorities for guidance. A qualified fence installer can also help you to determine whether there’s an underground utility.
Before you can begin a fencing project, it may be necessary to:
Establish the correct boundary
If you already have a copy of your property’s drawing, it’s time to study it keenly so that you can find out where the boundaries lie. In case you don’t have a copy of your property details, order a new survey. A land surveyor might charge between $500 and $1,000, but this report will save you the headache of missing the property line and erecting the fence at the wrong location. This survey can also help determine whether your land has any type of easement or underground utilities installed on it.
Consult a fence expert
A professional fence installer is aware of the possible complications and issues that may arise. Those within your area understand the fence regulations there and homeowners association guidelines. If you engage them, they will guide or check all the factors discussed here on your behalf to make sure you install a fence that will not cause you costly issues in the future.
The bottom line
A fencing project is a tedious and costly endeavor. You don’t want to incur unnecessary costs or engage in a futile project. To avoid situations that blow up your budget or cause your fence to be pulled down, make sure you leave a proper allowance to the property line. Use the tips above to make a sound decision as to the best place to install your property fence.