According to Rocket Mortgage, property lines define the points where your property begins and ends. You can use them as markers when you’re planning to build a fence around your property. But there are guidelines to building such structures on your property and checking them with your local government is a good way to follow rules and maintain peace.
You can find out your property line in North Carolina by checking your property deed or hiring a surveyor. You may even search for line markers on your property or find a property line mark at your local assessor’s office.
If you are aware of how close to the property line you can build before starting construction, you can avoid paying fines, having legal disputes with your neighbors, and receiving orders to remove the structure.
Let’s get on with the setback requirements and what one needs to consider.
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Understanding Setback Requirements
In North Carolina, setback requirements govern the building of any structure on their property. As these requirements differ from area to area, one should investigate the local laws.
Setback laws require that a property owner maintain a certain distance from their neighbor to maintain neighborliness and some degree of privacy within the community. They give an opportunity to build a house that suits their needs while still respecting their neighbors’ needs.
Local Zoning Regulations
Knowledge of setback requirements is important, but local zoning limitations apply to setting how far a structure can be built from a property line in North Carolina.
These restrictions differ from city to county. The local zoning office should be coordinated first; they shall furnish guidelines pertinent to your locality so that you may be active in the community. Land use and zoning lawyer Olivia P. Dirig says laws about zoning also control the height of buildings, the size of lots, and what the land is used for. Similar restrictions could apply to the design of such a building. You can protect your investment by following local zoning regulations.
Exceptions to Standard Setbacks
Exceptions could allow construction closer to the property line under some circumstances. For building minor structures like a fence or a small shed, the local law may look more leniently on these.
Your setbacks might also be reduced if your property is situated within a special zone like a historic district or an offered infill zone. If lucky, even the neighboring landowners could grant you a variance so that you would be able to construct near the line; this is quite unusual. Always check with the local planning department since they may give you specific advice.
Tips for Checking Property Lines
Determining how close you can build to the property line is only half the story; it is good to ascertain the exact property boundaries.
- Check your property deed since the description of the boundary lines is usually provided.
- Hire a licensed surveyor to take exact measurements of your property and supply certain details.
- Look at local property records. These can mostly be found online or at your county assessor’s office.
- Another key point worthy of consideration is chatting with the neighbors. They might hold clues or documents related to the lines.
There are physical indicators that can act as boundaries, so take a good look around for fences or groves of trees. All of the above would help clarify the property lines and foster goodwill among neighbors.
How to Get Permits and Approvals
Permits and approvals are the first things you have to bear in mind before building. Each city or county in North Carolina uses its own set of rules, and understanding those can save a ton of time and frustration. Start by seeing if the planning department for your area has a website; if not, then just give them a call. They’re there to help people feel confident with what they wish to do. You will have to submit your plans and pay fees or meet with the community if they insist on it. It is advisable to build some relations with neighbors; they could offer good insights and support. Staying on top of things creates a strong footing for your building project, where you are abiding by the rules and nurturing community ties.
