As a land owner, knowing the location of your property lines is one of the best ways to avoid disputes with your neighbors˳
Property lines, or boundary lines, are the defined points where one owner’s land ends and the neighboring property begins˳ A property owner uses boundary lines to determine where they can legally place items such as fences, driveways, outbuildings like pole barns or anything else˳ Erecting a structure on or partially on another person’s land can lead to lawsuits and unpleasant situations with neighbors˳
1˳ Check your deed˳ The deed contains the legal description of your property, which is basically the property’s measurements and boundaries in words˳ For most people, the property description can be difficult to interpret, so you may not find it helpful˳ However, sometimes, the legal description uses landmarks and measurements that you can interpret˳ If that’s the case, measure from the landmarks in the description to the property lines˳ Mark each corner with a stake or other marker˳ Measure from each stake to the next all the way around your property to ensure the measured lines match the deed˳ Physically measuring the boundaries will allow you to visually determine where the lines are and avoid encroaching on your neighbor’s land˳ Just be warned: An old description may rely on the location of a tree that no longer exists or a creek that has gone dry˳
2˳ Check the official website for the assessor’s office in your municipality˳ Some assessors have mapping tools available online for all of the real estate in the area˳ You can use the maps to find the boundary lines for your property and to determine where nearby landmarks are located, such as the east line of your street˳ You can use these landmarks as fixed points to measure from˳ Using a tape measure or measuring wheel, measure the distance from each of the landmark points to your property line as shown on the maps˳
3˳ If you don’t have a copy, and there’s nothing available online, visit the county recorder’s office or the assessor’s office˳ When you bought your property, you may have received a plat map, showing property lines and measurements˳ If it wasn’t included with your paperwork, check with your local clerk’s or surveyor’s office˳ Ask if there are any maps available for public viewing that include your neighborhood and street˳ Some of these maps may be available online, while others will be hard copies or microfiche copies˳ Even maps of neighboring properties can be valuable if they show shared property lines˳
4˳ Last but not least, hire a surveyor˳ The most surefire way to determine legal property lines is by hiring a professional˳ The surveyor can measure and map the property and will generally also mark the corners of the property with stakes˳ It’s always a good recommendation to be present when the surveyor comes to measure your property, so they can review the property lines with you˳ The cost of a survey will vary depending on your location, lot size, and other variables˳ The surveyor needs to be licensed with your state and should carry professional liability insurance, which can cover you if the surveyor makes a mistake in the survey˳
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