If you want to keep your kids or pets safely in your backyard, installing a fence is an excellent way to do it. Fences form a border around your property that keeps small children and pets from getting out and trespassers from getting in. A fence can serve an aesthetic as well as a practical purpose. Your fence can be an attractive addition to your property, depending on the style.
When it's time to start planning the fence, many homeowners aren't sure where they should put theirs. You know you want it to border your property, but where is your property line? You might also not be sure which side of the property line you need to put the fence on. Here's everything you need to know about fences and property lines in Indianapolis.
How Do You Find Your Property Line?
You might not be 100% sure where your property line is. And that’s okay! Even if you already have a fence installed, there's a chance that it's not on the line. If there's no fence, there might not be any clear markers that indicate where your property ends and the neighbor's begins.
You can find the property line's location in a few ways. One option is to refer to your home's plat document, which you might have received when you closed on the house. If you can't find or don't have the document, you can order one from the city or search online to see if there's a digital copy.
Another option is to hire a surveyor or engineer to visit your property and find its boundaries. A surveyor will create a certified site plan, which you might need if you submit your fence project plans to an HOA.
A third option is to order a non-certified site plan, which you can get for free along with your fence project estimate. A non-certified site plan shows where your property lines are and any other structures or features on your property.
Where Should You Place the Fence?
Once you know your property's boundaries, you need to decide where to put your fence. Generally, it's acceptable to put the fence directly on the property line. A fence on the boundary line acts as a border between your home and your neighbors. If you have an HOA, it's a good idea to read over the by-laws and rules before choosing the location of your fence. Some HOAs have specific requirements about fence locations. Getting approval is easier if you follow the HOA's directions from the start.
Also, refer to the zoning laws in your area. In Indianapolis, you can put the fence up to your lot line.
What Happens if You Put the Fence on the Wrong Side of the Property Line?
If you don't confirm where your property line is or know where the boundary is but ignore it, you could be in for some trouble. Your neighbor might complain if you put the fence just a few inches to the wrong side of the boundary line on their property. In the best case, they might politely ask you to take the fence down. In the worst case, they might take you to court. In either case, you'll have damaged your neighborly relationship.
As a general rule, if you're not going to put the fence directly on the property, it's best to position it so that it's on your side of the boundary, not your neighbor's.
Should You Talk to Your Neighbors Before Installing a Fence?
It's always a good idea to let your neighbors know about any construction plans, particularly if the project will affect them. Before you start the fence project, give your neighbors a heads-up. You can also let them know your exact plans and share photos of your proposed fence.
If you're not comfortable talking to your neighbors, one option is to install the fence so that it's just inside your property line.
Can You Make Your Neighbor Pay for the Fence?
Whether your neighbor has to pay for half of the fence if you build it on the property line depends on a few factors. In Indianapolis, neighbors need to share the cost and upkeep of the fence if one of the properties is agricultural land and is located outside the city. If you live on residential lots within the city limits, you can't go to your neighbor and demand that they pay for half of the fence.
You're free to make the request, though. Just bear in mind that your neighbor has the right to decline.
Working with a professional fence installation company ensures you put your fence in the right spot and avoids legal troubles or neighbor disputes. Contact HOA Affordable Fence Company for a custom quote today.
