Never guess where your property line sits#
Fences, curbs, and hedges are frequently placed off-boundary by prior homeowners. Relying on an old fence line without locating legal iron survey pins or obtaining a boundary survey is the leading cause of neighbor boundary lawsuits.
Line Fences Acts and cost-sharing bylaws#
- Boundary line fences: When built directly on the shared lot line, municipal bylaws often allow cost-sharing up to the cost of a standard basic chain-link or wood fence.
- Setback fences: If a neighbor refuses to share costs, you can build entirely inside your property boundary (e.g. 2–6 inches inside the line).
- Height restrictions: Most residential zoning bylaws cap backyard fences at 6 to 7 feet (2.0 m) and front yard fences at 3 to 4 feet.