Land Surveys for Fencing: Everything you need to know before you build

Discover the importance of land surveys for fencing and how to use it when it comes to building a fence in the right location.

Let’s start with the basics:

What is a Land Survey?

A Land Survey Plan is a specialized map of a parcel of land, created by thoroughly examining and measuring the property. It determines and delineates boundary locations, building locations, physical features and other items of spatial importance.

More than just a diagram of the property, a Land Survey Plan is an important legal document that displays the exact legal borders of the property and applicable aspects of the registered parcel.

In Ontario, only a licensed Land Surveyor (OLS) registered with the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS) can create a legal survey plan

Land Surveys are also known as Survey Plans, Property Surveys, Legal Surveys. or a Building Location Survey.

What Constitutes a Fence?

A fence is a structure that encloses or separates a piece of land. It can be used to keep people, animals and objects from entering or leaving an area.

Fences are commonly made from wood, metal, plastic or stone and come in many different styles; they are beneficial for both homeowners and businesses because they help protect property from damage and intruders while clearly distinguishing where the property lines are.

Likewise, fences also help prevent wild animals from getting into your yard where they could harm you, your pets or your gardens.

The Connection Between Property Surveys and Fences

You may be wondering how land surveys are related to fences. A fence is an important part of any property, and it's important that you have one that suits your needs.

Having a Land Survey Plan is useful for many reasons, especially when building a fence. A Surveyors Real Property Report (SRPR) is a type of survey plan that will show buildings and structures that allow you to determine the approximate location of your boundaries. This is the gold standard for survey plans and the type of plan we recommend when making any changes to your property.

If you decide to hire an Ontario Land Surveyor, they will use your survey plan to determine the exact location of your property boundaries, ensuring that your fence is built on the property line or on your side of the property line.

The Surveyor's Role in Fencing

When it comes to building a fence, in addition to having a copy of your survey plan, you may choose to hire a surveyor to mark out your property boundary lines. This way you can be certain the location of your fence is correct the first time.

If you are looking to hire a surveyor, you can look up local surveyors in your area with a simple online search. Make sure your surveyor is an OLS registered with the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors.

Check out our article on the Stakeout Process Here

Do fences show up in existing Property Surveys?

It depends: Land Surveys Plans are labeled with the year they were conducted and depict the state of the property’s physical features at the time it was completed. In other words, if a fence was built after the Land Survey was conducted, it is not going to be shown on the document.

Check out your property details and available Survey Plans by typing in your address below:

How tall do I want my fence?

You should always check with your local municipality for height restrictions and bylaws before you start construction on your fence. Knowing how tall your fence can be in advance will allow you or your builder to plan accordingly as well as keeping you out of hot water with your local bylaw officers.

Conclusion:

Fences are an important part of any property. They can increase the value of your home, provide privacy, and even make you feel happier with your space. Remember, good planning and contacting a Land Surveyor can save you from potential issues with your neighbor and provide peace of mind, knowing your new fence is at the right place.