Finding My Lot Line

How do I find my property line?

The Neenah GIS Parcel Viewer on the left side menu is a good tool that will show the shape and dimensions of your lot and where survey pins should be placed.  Surveying pins should be located at the corners of your property. The front corner stakes will not be at the road edge, but will be adjacent to and on your side of the public walk or a similar distance from the road edge were no sidewalk exists.  In recent years, property stakes are typically ½ inch diameter pipe, sometimes buried into the ground so you may not find them on the surface.

Will the City locate my property stakes for me?

The City does not locate property boundaries in the field for residents. While fences, power poles and public walks may give you a general idea of where your property lines are, they are not always accurate indicators. But they are a good place to start looking for markers. Fences sometimes are located on property lines, but the previous owner may have erected them well inside the line. Also, lots are not always uniform in size, so it should not be assumed that your property lines will line up with the lot lines of your neighbors. If you cannot locate the original survey pins, the only accurate way to find or replace them is to hire a land surveyor.

Why is it important to know your property line?

When buying a property, part of the process involves receiving survey information about the boundary lines of the property. However, over time, changes to the landscape often can present less clear visions of property lines. Knowing the boundary lines of your property could help you avoid:

1. Being forced to alter or remove structures that extend over the property line
2. Being forced to remove or move landscaping that encroach or extend over the property line
3. Neighbor disputes
4. Fines
5. Lawsuits

Properties that border park or government lands can also present situations that are not correctly interpreted by homeowners. Some homeowners assume that since the adjacent parkland will not be developed, it is okay to extend fences, or erect sheds, on that land. This assumption could lead to serious consequences for homeowners.

Examples of situations when it is important to know property line locations

• If you plan to build a new structure.
• If you plan to construct an addition to an existing structure.
• If you plan to erect a fence, pool or deck.
• If you disagree with you neighbor on the property line location.
• If you plan to plant, trim or remove a tree or bush near your property line.

For more information, please contact the Building Inspector’s office at: 920-886-6130 Email inspections@ci.neenah.wi.us