While details like what kind of precast concrete fence to build or what color to pick are important, they aren’t the most important. One of the top things to think about when planning your precast concrete fence is the placement. Why is this so important? For starters, getting it wrong could mean moving your fence – on your dime. Here are some essential things to ask yourself when planning the placement.
How far does the fence need to be from property lines?
Depending on your local laws, you might not be able to build your precast concrete fence directly on a shared property line. You could be required to build a certain distance from the property line. This required distance is known as a setback. Contacting your local officials will be the best way to find out how much of a setback, if any, is required. Ignoring the rules on setback distances could result in you having to remove your precast concrete fence and reinstalling it less than a foot away.
Are you required to notify your neighbors?
It’s considered good etiquette to talk to your neighbors about your plans for building a fence. It creates goodwill between you and your neighbors and keeps you on friendly terms. While you aren’t required to make changes to the plan based on their wants, it’s helpful to consider them, at least.
However, it is required to notify your neighbors about your plans for your precast concrete fence in some areas. In California, under their Good Neighbor Fence Law, you are required to give your neighbors 30-days written notice – complete with details about the fence, how much it will cost to maintain, a timeline, and the design plans. Again, contacting your local officials will be the best way to determine the rules in your neighborhood.
Should you consider a land survey?
Despite what you might think, it’s not required to get a land survey to build a precast concrete fence. If you know where the property line is, then that is typically good enough. Keep in mind, though, that you could be required to move the precast concrete fence and foot the bill if you are wrong.
If you have drawings or anything that could help figure out where the property line is, take a look at those. While getting a land survey done might be expensive, it’s way less costly and less of a headache than moving a brand-new fence a small distance. It is to your benefit to get a survey done if you have any doubts.
Will the fence be built on an easement?
An easement, or a legal right for someone else to use your property, can seem like a headache. In reality, they are often used with no issues. The person, usually a utility company or an HOA/condo management, will request access in advance, and there is no harm done.
You might be wondering how this all works if you want to install a precast concrete fence over the easement. While in most cases, you can build a fence on an easement, the consequences are essential to think about. If the entity, known as the dominant estate, needs to take down your precast concrete fence for some kind of work, they are entirely within their rights to do so.
To avoid all of the confusion, talk with a precast expert at American Precast Concrete Inc. today. We can answer any remaining questions you may have and give you the tools you may need to complete your project without any headaches. American Precast will provide you with a free quote as well.