What is a Fence Line Survey?
A Fence Line Survey is a survey where an Alberta Land Surveyor will locate your boundary and physically mark the boundary on the ground so you know where to build your fence. Remember the location of a previous fence may not accurately represent the property’s boundary. If there is a question or dispute in the future about the location of the boundary, the Alberta Land Surveyor will take responsibility for the work done.
Tips for locating property boundaries
- The easiest way to determine boundary locations is to hire an Alberta Land Surveyor (ALS).
- If you know where your property boundary markers are you can mark the property line—there are often monuments (survey markers) for other purposes, such as roadways, etc. Be absolutely certain that you are using the right survey markers (steel pins).
- Remember it is illegal to disturb or remove any survey marker.
- Fines for tampering with boundary markers can be up to $10,000.
- Call Alberta One-Call and have underground facilities marked. You do not want to hit a gas or electrical line.
- Ask your neighbour to help and be involved in determining the fence location.
Current Costs – Future Savings
The cost of hiring an Alberta Land Surveyor to conduct a fence line survey is well-justified if there is ever a boundary dispute. The surveying cost is minor compared to potential costs of legal actions. A boundary determination by an Alberta Land Surveyor will thus reduce future costs, lessen the likelihood of legal action and will stand up in court.
Protect yourself – Do it right
Fencing is considered an important residential design element and bylaws are in place to protect property values from construction that could damage the character of a neighbourhood. If you hire a contractor, be sure you are protected from sub-standard workmanship. If there is any doubt about the fence location, insist that the fence-line be surveyed properly.
Real Property Report (RPR)
A Real Property Report (RPR) is required by the local municipality to ensure that the property will meet the local Land Use Bylaw. Improvements to be shown on an RPR are outlined in Part D, Section 8.5 of the Manual of Standard Practice, which can be found at: www.alsa.ab.ca.
Include your neighbours
Discuss the construction of the fence with your neighbors—remember they have to look at it too. They may share in the cost, helping with the location and even the construction. Ideally you and your neighbour should jointly own the fence—with this arrangement encroachment and access for maintenance is seldom a problem. Consider future problems that may arise should the neighbouring property be sold. Remember that your verbal agreements with your old neighbour are not binding for the new neighbour. Make sure any access arrangements are disclosed to the new neighbour and if there is a problem create a formal agreement with the old neighbour before their property is transferred. If you don’t get along with your neighbour, locate the fence entirely on your property. Design and locate your fence so maintenance can be done from your side of the property line. Install a fence that is finished on both sides, or place the finished side facing the neighbour’s property.