Property boundaries are one of the most critical aspects of land ownership. Whether you're a homeowner, real estate investor, or developer, knowing where your property lines begin and end is essential to avoiding disputes, ensuring proper land use, and maintaining legal clarity.
A Boundary Line Agreement Survey plays a vital role in clarifying property lines, particularly when disputes arise between neighbors or when a property owner wants to define their land precisely. This blog will explore everything you need to know about Boundary Line Agreement Surveys—why they matter, when they are needed, and how the process works.
1. What is a Boundary Line Agreement Survey?
A Boundary Line Agreement Survey is a legally recognized land survey that helps settle boundary discrepancies between neighboring properties. It involves a licensed surveyor measuring and mapping the property lines to determine their exact location.
Once the survey is completed, a Boundary Line Agreement may be drafted between the involved parties to officially recognize and record the agreed-upon boundaries. This agreement is legally binding and can be used to update deeds, titles, and property records.
Key Purposes of a Boundary Line Agreement Survey:
Resolving disputes between property owners
Preventing encroachments on neighboring land
Clarifying property boundaries for fencing, construction, or landscaping
Ensuring legal compliance when buying, selling, or developing land
Avoiding costly legal battles over boundary-related issues
2. When Do You Need a Boundary Line Agreement Survey?
A Boundary Line Agreement Survey may be necessary in several situations, particularly when property owners disagree about property limits or need to confirm exact boundaries. Here are some of the most common reasons why you might need one:
A. Property Line Disputes
If you and your neighbor disagree on where the property boundary lies, a professional survey can provide an objective, legally supported resolution. This is particularly important if:
A fence, driveway, or structure is built too close to or over the assumed boundary.
A neighbor challenges your understanding of your property lines.
B. Encroachments & Easements
If an existing structure, tree, or driveway is crossing onto another property, it may lead to disputes. A survey helps determine:
If the structure needs to be moved
If an easement agreement (legal permission to use a portion of the property) should be established
C. Selling or Buying Property
Before purchasing or selling land, it’s crucial to have clear and accurate boundaries to avoid future conflicts. Many lenders and title companies require a boundary survey before finalizing a sale.
D. Land Development & Construction
If you plan to build a fence, add an extension, or develop your land, knowing where your property lines are ensures that construction stays within legal limits.
E. Government or Municipality Requirements
Some local governments require official surveys before granting permits for development projects, particularly when property lines are unclear.
3. How is a Boundary Line Agreement Survey Conducted?
The process of conducting a Boundary Line Agreement Survey involves several steps, typically handled by a licensed land surveyor. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Research & Document Review
The surveyor begins by gathering records related to the property, including:
Deeds & title documents
Subdivision maps & historical surveys
Local government property records
This helps determine the officially recorded property boundaries before conducting a field survey.
Step 2: Field Survey & Measurements
The surveyor physically inspects the land, using specialized equipment such as GPS technology, total stations, and measuring tapes to determine boundary lines accurately. This step includes:
Locating existing boundary markers (stakes, pins, or monuments)
Measuring distances between property markers
Mapping out any encroachments or irregularities
Step 3: Mapping & Drafting the Survey
Once the fieldwork is complete, the surveyor prepares a detailed boundary survey map, showing:
The exact property lines
Any encroachments or disputed areas
Any relevant easements
Step 4: Agreement Between Property Owners
If a discrepancy is found, the neighboring property owners may work together—often with legal assistance—to draft a Boundary Line Agreement. This agreement should:
Clearly define the agreed-upon property line
Be signed by both parties
Be legally recorded with the county or local land records office
Step 5: Legal Recording of the Agreement
To make the agreement official and enforceable, it must be filed with the county recorder’s office or a similar governing authority. This ensures that future property owners and legal entities recognize the newly established boundary lines.
4. Legal Considerations for Boundary Line Agreements
When establishing a Boundary Line Agreement, it’s important to follow legal procedures to ensure the agreement is binding and enforceable. Here are a few key considerations:
A. Property Owner Consent
A Boundary Line Agreement is only valid if both property owners consent. If one party refuses, legal action may be necessary to resolve the dispute.
B. Local Zoning & Property Laws
Some municipalities have zoning laws or setback requirements that must be considered before adjusting property lines. Always check with your local zoning board to ensure compliance.
C. Impact on Future Sales & Title Records
Once a Boundary Line Agreement is recorded, it permanently alters property records. Future buyers must acknowledge and accept the updated boundary lines.
D. Role of Legal Professionals
It’s often advisable to work with a real estate attorney to ensure that the agreement meets all legal requirements and is properly documented.
5. Costs & Timeline of a Boundary Line Agreement Survey
The cost of a Boundary Line Agreement Survey varies depending on property size, complexity, and location. Here’s a general breakdown:
Service | Estimated Cost |
Basic Boundary Survey | $300 – $700 |
Complex Boundary Dispute Survey | $1,000 – $3,000+ |
Legal Fees for Agreement | $500 – $2,500 |
Recording Fees (County Office) | $50 – $200 |
Timeline:
Basic surveys may take a few days to a week.
Complex boundary disputes may take weeks to months, depending on negotiations.
6. Preventing Boundary Disputes: Best Practices
To avoid costly disputes and legal headaches, here are some proactive steps you can take:
✅ Get a boundary survey before buying or selling property
✅ Review property deeds and documents regularly
✅ Communicate openly with neighbors before making boundary changes
✅ Use fencing or markers to clearly define your property
✅ Work with professionals (surveyors & attorneys) for legal clarity
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