Property lines: Everything you need to know

Before you move a fence, pour concrete, or add a shed, confirm where your property line is. In this guide, we’ll show you how to find property lines using a plat map, your deed, a professional survey, and local zoning tools – so you can avoid disputes and stay compliant with property fence rules.

What are property lines?

Property lines define the boundaries of a parcel of land. These boundaries are used when installing features such as fences, pools, and home additions. Some property lines have physical markers, while others are invisible.

It's important to know that a property line in front of a house determines the measured distance of the land known as the frontage. In contrast, the property boundaries on the sides of your house are known as sidelines, and the property boundaries on the rear of your house are known as rear lot lines. Understanding this information is helpful when making home improvements, such as landscaping.

Why is knowing your property lines important?

Knowing your property lines is an important part of being a homeowner. Being aware of where your property lines begin and end can prevent conflicts or legal disputes with your neighbors and ensure that you respect your neighbor’s privacy and space.

It’s also important to note that an unknown property line encroachment, when neighbors overstep surrounding property lines, could result in a title company refusing insurance.

How to find property lines

There are a few ways to verify property lines.

Read the plat map

A property line base map, or plat, is a drawing that shows all plots in a single area and how the land is divided. It can also include details like elevations, bodies of water, and structures. By contrast, a plot map details a single plot of land.

When you buy a home, a plat map is typically included with your property records. If you don’t have the plat, you should be able to find it at your local assessor’s office or online.

Check the deed to the property

Another way to check your property lines is to review your property deed, which should include a legal description of your land's boundaries. If the current deed doesn't describe the property lines, it will refer you to an older one that does. However, be careful when using older deeds, as the data may be outdated.

If you don’t have a copy of your deed, you can request one online or in person through your county’s recorder's office. Expect to pay a fee for a copy.

Get a property line survey

A property line survey is a precise measurement of a land’s legal boundaries. Sometimes, a property line survey isn’t included with the plat and property deed. In this case, you can hire a surveyor to measure your property and its boundaries.

Land surveyors also can research the property’s history, including subdivisions, easements, and ecological restrictions. Mortgage lenders may require a new land survey for a property upon purchase.

In addition, you may find survey pins – thin iron bars staked into the ground – that mark property boundaries. Some builders use land survey pins during construction, and sometimes these iron bars are left behind.

Look for property line markers

Some newer properties may have property line markers, such as stakes, from when the property was initially divided. If you have a slightly older property, you may still be able to walk your property lines and find stakes that are sticking up or flush with the ground. This method may be less accurate for older properties because markers can move over time.

Check with your local zoning office

You can visit your county's zoning department website or office to determine your property lines. The department often provides maps and tools to help you research property lines. If you're planning a project, knowing the local zoning laws ahead of time is crucial. You may be able to use their online tools to get started.

Common property line issues

Property line issues may arise when installing a new feature, such as a fence.

For example, if you want to build a fence on the property line between your home and your neighbor’s home, you must be awarhttp://e of all necessary laws and regulations. Whether you can build a fence on the property depends on your jurisdiction’s laws and any applicable deed restrictions on either property.

Generally, laws require a fence to be built at least 2 to 8 inches from a neighbor’s property line. A fence built directly on a property line may result in joint responsibility for the fence between the neighbors, including maintenance and costs. However, this may not be true in all states, so you’ll want to check your state and local laws.

Trees also can cause property line issues.

For example, if a tree trunk is on your property, it’s generally considered your responsibility. Meanwhile, if a branch from the tree extends onto your neighbor’s property, they typically have the right to trim it up to the property line (and vice versa), but tree laws depend on local regulations.

The bottom line: Knowing your home’s boundaries can help you settle any disputes

Understanding your property lines helps you avoid disputes with neighbors and ensure your home improvement projects comply with local regulations. Whether you consult a plat map, your deed, a professional surveyor, or your local zoning office, taking the time to identify your home boundaries can save you headaches later.

Ready to become a homeowner and establish your own property boundaries? Apply for a home loan with Rocket Mortgage today and take the first step toward homeownership.