Determining exact property lines?

[Pete]

How would one go about determining the exact property lines of a home?

I want to do start some work and before I do, I'd like to be able to stake out the exact limits of my property.

Can you just hire a surveyor who will research the City records then come to mark with stakes or similar?


Or is there a way to do this from your deed or the County Assessors site?

I would think GPS enters in here somehow.


TIA!

[Pete]

BTW, I see the exact property dimensions on the County Assessor site but of course the issue is setting the starting point for those distances.

A complicating factor is I am on a cul-de-sac so my property lines are angled in the classic pie shape.

[Martin]

the most accurate method is to get a pin survey.

[Pete]

the most accurate method is to get a pin survey.

You mean hiring a surveyor to come out and make markings?

Any idea of the approximate charge?

[Martin]

You mean hiring a surveyor to come out and make markings?

Any idea of the approximate charge?

that's right... i don't know for sure on the cost, but I think it's in the neighborhood of $200-$400... i can probably get a more precise figure if you need it.

[Paseofreak]

All above is correct. There are some surveyors that essentially do nothing but knock out residential surveys for property transfers. Go back to the last folks that did the survey when you acquired the property and it could be substantially cheaper. Your title company should be able to tell you who it was if they didn't include that info in your closing documents.

[Roger S]

I can give you the names of a couple of surveyors if you need them when I get back to OKC Monday. I know one of them did a pin survey for a friend of mine recently.

[ctchandler]

I paid $350 for a complete survey. It included the house and five acres. I did this in 2015. I can give you a name if you want it.
C. T.

[Celebrator]

I had to get exact property lines when putting in a fence a year and a half ago just to make sure I would not ignite the ire of a difficult neighbor. I used Geo Map Surveying 405.234.6022 and was pleased.

[stick47]

I bought a $50 Harbor Freight metal detector and found the pins that were already there when I fenced in my 1 acre lot. $aved hundred$ !!

[Pete]

I had to get exact property lines when putting in a fence a year and a half ago just to make sure I would not ignite the ire of a difficult neighbor. I used Geo Map Surveying 405.234.6022 and was pleased.

Do you remember what you paid?

[BBatesokc]

Interested in this too. We are getting ready to have a slab poured and a detached two car garage built. I need to make sure I'm not encroaching on my neighbor's property. We are all on about 2.5 acres and a lot is wooded. I'm assuming that may make my cost to survey higher?

Also, anyone know the regulations as to how close to the property line can you build a permanent structure like a garage? I'm hoping I can get within 5 feet (I think I know where the property line is). Regardless, I'm going to try and coordinate with the neighbor so they know what our plans are and reassure them we are taking their view into consideration and will offer to buy and plant some bushes, trees, etc. on their/our property to mask the garage and pain their side a neutral color of their choice.

[Pete]

^

In OKC, according to the Municipal Code, on lots larger than one acre accessory buildings like garages require a 25' setback from any property line:

https://www.okc.gov/government/municipal-code

https://www.municode.com/library/ok/...2200STACBUSTUS

[BBatesokc]

^

In OKC, according to the Municipal Code, on lots larger than one acre accessory buildings like garages require a 25' setback from any property line:

https://www.okc.gov/government/municipal-code

https://www.municode.com/library/ok/...2200STACBUSTUS

I'm in Edmond - which may have similar regulations. I guess I better do some homework next week. That said, if there is a 25' rule in Edmond too, it apparently gets ignored a lot. Was looking around my neighborhood and lots of people have storage barns etc pretty close to where you'd assume the property line is. Actually, where we want to put our garage, there is already a large storage barn and it's definitely only about 12' from where I'm betting the property line is and it's been there for 20+ years.

[Celebrator]

Do you remember what you paid?

$650. I considered it cheap insurance against trouble with a very cantankerous neighbor.

[rezman]

I'm in Edmond - which may have similar regulations. I guess I better do some homework next week. That said, if there is a 25' rule in Edmond too, it apparently gets ignored a lot. Was looking around my neighborhood and lots of people have storage barns etc pretty close to where you'd assume the property line is. Actually, where we want to put our garage, there is already a large storage barn and it's definitely only about 12' from where I'm betting the property line is and it's been there for 20+ years.

I could be wrong on this but I think it also makes a difference if the building is a permanent structure, or if it's a structure built on skids.

[BBatesokc]

I could be wrong on this but I think it also makes a difference if the building is a permanent structure, or if it's a structure built on skids.

Someone i know had a large garage/shop (24x30) built in on their residential property in Edmond (on a foundation) and within about 10' of their property line. The city told them if there was a complaint they'd have to pay $500 for a 'variance' but the structure would not have to be torn down. He decided it was worth the $500 risk and it has yet to be a problem - been there several years now.

I have a call in to the city to try and see what the actually ordinance is.

[Pete]

A variance has to be approved by the Planning Commission and if your neighbors complain it could be denied.

[BBatesokc]

A variance has to be approved by the Planning Commission and if your neighbors complain it could be denied.

They assured him it happens all the time.

I faced the same thing with my storm shelter. I couldn't find an appropriate spot in my yard that met the city's ordinance. They said "worst case scenario you pay a small 'fine' for a variance."

[Pete]

Variances do get denied.

Read the minutes from any planning commission meeting.

[BBatesokc]

Variances do get denied.

Read the minutes from any planning commission meeting.

Not saying they don't Pete. Saying these structures are very common and if you use common sense you most likely have nothing to worry about. Don't know how to make it any clearer for you.

[Pete]

I understand completely, just pointing out facts.

[BBatesokc]

I understand completely, just pointing out facts.

And I'm pointing out reality. Sometimes the two contrast each other.