File Name: Phil/construction codes/property lines bulletin (06/2015)
Page 2 of 2
Metal Detector (can be used if you are having difficulty finding your markers).
Shovel.
Step 4. Start with the front markers first for they are typically the easiest to locate. Front
property markers are typically one foot back from the City sidewalk toward your property.
Use of a metal detector is also helpful when you start digging. Caution should be used
while digging in the event of buried utility lines. Always contact the Miss Dig system (see
above) prior to digging to avoid property damage, injury or death. Depending upon the
age of the plat and turf build-up, the marker should be about 6-10 inches below the
surface. It may also have a colored cap with numbers on the top.
There are a number of marker types, depending on when the area was platted and also
on any surveys done since then. We have found
three different types here – a hollow iron pipe about
1” in diameter (plats recorded prior to 1967), a
single 1.5” piece of re-rod (plats recorded prior to
the 1980’s), or a 1.5” piece of re-rod encased in a 4”
circle of concrete (plats recorded after the 1980’s).
Notes: It is possible not to have markers – they
may have been moved or removed entirely at some
time. An existing fence, structure or lawn mowing
line cannot be used to verify property lines.
Step 5. Use the plat map to see what distance your lot’s rear marker is from the front
marker and use your tape measure to measure that distance, then use the metal detector
and dig. Continue doing this until all markers are found.
Once you establish the front marker you can use this to measure to the rear property
marker using the lot measurements from the plat map. Property lines in older areas often
may coincide with or be near walls of long-existing garages, utility poles, old fences and
fence posts.
Step 6. It is recommended that you place a marker/flag of some type on
the uncovered stake. This will need to remain visible until an inspection
is done. Never remove your property stakes.
Step 7. If you are unable to find your stakes and/or need to have
property markers installed, contact a licensed Professional Land
Surveyor. You can search online for area land surveying firms.
Surveys/Surveyors. There is no repository for information about what properties/areas
have had modern surveys. If you feel you need a survey, contact a surveying
professional and ask them to check their records to see if they have done any work in
your area. Chances are that this can save you time and expense. We were given
estimates ranging from about $400 (if they could find nearby recently marked points) to
$2000 (if they had to start from much further away from the house). Surveys can consist
of individual property markers, certain boundary lines, and all the way up to the entire lot.