Property ownership is a complicated process. When you buy a house or a property, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. If you own a piece of land, a boundary dispute with a neighbor is a problem you might encounter. This happens when there are disagreements over property lines.
Most of the time, your property includes the yard, driveway, and adjacent areas. This is where the confusion happens. Many property owners do not know the actual extent of their property. Having an accurate boundary survey lets you know who’s responsible for maintaining portions of the property.
If you’re wondering who owns the grass between the curb and sidewalk, we can help you! In this blog, we will discuss the different property line definitions that can affect where your property ends.
What Is the Definition of Property Line?
A property line is any real or imaginary line that represents the boundary of a property. Most exterior boundaries are indicated in plot maps, plats, and property deeds.
If the boundary line intersects with the street, it is considered the nearest boundary of the public right-of-way. The public street is the road owned by the municipality or state. On the other hand, you can own a private street but there’s an easement held by the government.
Where Do Property Lines Start?
When your land is beside a public road or street, your actual property line starts a fair distance back from the sidewalk. For some cases, the property line extends past the sidewalk to the curb. In other areas, your boundary might extend all the way into the middle of the street. To know where your front property line is located, go to the middle of the street. Then, measure 25 feet towards your house—that’s the front property line.
If you have a private road, it’s possible that you own a portion of the land where the road is. The width of the private right-of-way can range from 10 to 100 feet. No matter the width, you’re still responsible for maintaining their trees and shrubs.
The right of way in residential neighborhoods is 50 feet in total. Of the 50 feet, the paved road is only 25-foot wide. On the other hand, the unpaved 25 feet can be accessed by the road authority. If ever they build the road in the middle of right-of-way space, the sidewalk and curb is within the 12.5-foot area
If you want to know the width of the public right of way, you can obtain a copy of the subdivision plat. This document will include the designated road area.
How To Find Your Property Line?
Knowing the start of property lines is a difficult task. The best way to find them is to hire a land surveyor. They are the best people who can help you out. The best way to find out the exact dimensions and property lines is to hire a land surveyor.
You may also visit the assessor’s office where you can request a copy of your area’s map. Using the maps or satellite images, you can view landmarks and points of reference in your neighborhood. This will help you find boundary lines and public usage easements.
Aside from this, you can use a metal detector to locate survey pins. These property markers are buried deep into the soil. Usually, they are placed about 14.5 feet or 4.42 meters from the curb. The metal detector can locate the iron rods in the ground. These survey pins are installed by the original land surveyors of your land to mark each corner of your property.
Whether you’re putting up a fence or dealing with a boundary dispute, metal detectors will tell you where your property starts or ends.
Talk to Our Team
When it comes to land surveying services, Pittsburgh Land Surveyors is a trusted one. Our company has been a proven leader in the surveying industry. We aim to compare historical records and existing markers to accurately define your property lines.
Our services include ALTA surveys, boundary surveys, flood elevation certification, and so much more. We produce accurate results for your construction or land development project.
Do not hesitate to call us today to learn more about our services. Our team looks forward to working with you on your land surveying needs!
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