Understanding property lines

Have you ever wondered exactly where your property ends and your neighbor’s begins? Maybe you want to build a fence, or perhaps your neighbor just put up a shed that looks a little too close to your land. Property line disputes are more common than you might think and understanding how to handle them can save you money, stress, and friendships.

A property line is the legal boundary that separates your land from someone else’s. These invisible lines were established when your property was first divided and recorded with the borough. The problems arise when people lose track of them over time. Snow, vegetation, floods, old fences that weren’t placed correctly, and fading memories can make things even more confusing.

When neighbors don’t agree where a property line sits, it can lead to problems. You might think you’re planting a garden on your land, but your neighbor believes you’re on their property. Driveways might cross the dividing line. These misunderstandings can damage relationships and even end up in court, which costs everyone time and money.

The best way to avoid or resolve property line disputes is through a professional land survey. A land surveyor is a licensed expert who uses specialized equipment and legal documents to know where your property boundaries are located. They look at the original property description filed with the borough, previous surveys, and physical markers that might still exist on the land. After completing their work, they place stakes or markers at the corners of your property and provide you with an official survey document.

Getting a survey isn’t cheap, costing between hundreds and thousands of dollars depending on the size of your property and how difficult it is to access. However, this investment often prevents much more expensive legal battles down the road. If you’re planning to build anything near your property line, like a garage, fence, driveway, or addition to your house, getting a survey first is a necessity. Remember that the online imagery visible on MyProperty is not guaranteed to be accurate. Only a professional survey is.

Make sure everyone you hire is properly licensed in Alaska. But before you hire a surveyor, it’s worth checking to see if a recent survey already exists.

The Mat-Su Borough Assessments Department keeps records of property information, though it doesn’t always have surveys on file. You can visit their office in Palmer or check their website to see what information they have about your property. Your title company or the person who sold you the house might also have survey documents from when the property last changed hands. The State’s Recorder’s Office has copies of all surveys and plays provided to them.

If you’re having a dispute with a neighbor, try talking to them calmly before taking legal action. Sometimes showing them historical property records or explaining that you’d like to hire a surveyor together can resolve the issue peacefully. Splitting the cost of a survey with your neighbor can make it more affordable for everyone involved.

The Mat-Su Borough Planning Department can also answer questions about setback requirements, which are rules about how close you can build to your property lines. Their staff in Palmer can help you understand what permits you might need for projects near boundaries.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.