In this week’s blog, we discuss the role that your neighbors can play when it comes to installing and maintaining a boundary fence.
It is said that good fences make great neighbors, though there are some cases where the opposite is true. Installing a new fence without at least notifying your neighbor can get you into some pretty serious trouble down the line. If you are wondering whether or not you need your neighbor’s approval before installing a new boundary fence, keep reading. In this week’s blog, we discuss the role that your neighbors can play when it comes to installing and maintaining a boundary fence.
What Do Virginia’s Codes Say?
Virginia’s state codes have quite a bit of information about residential and commercial fencing regulations. There are a handful of laws that apply to residential boundary fences, “spite” fences, and maintenance of shared structures. Virginia’s § 55.1-2821 states that “Adjoining landowners shall build and maintain, at their joint and equal expense, division fences between their lands, unless one of them chooses to let his land lie open or unless they agree otherwise.” While some of these rules are relatively clear-cut, you should consult your fencing contractor to ensure that your project is up to code from the start. Additional codes and regulations may be applicable when livestock, bodies of water, and other variables are involved, and many counties have specific fence laws.
Property Lines are Key
While you may not need neighbor approval for things like pool fences that lie in the middle of your property, you will likely have to discuss structures that are nearer to your property line. The precise location of your property line is crucial when building a boundary fence. Knowing where your property lines are can help you avoid dealing with adverse possession, and consulting your land’s plat or enlisting the services of a land surveyor can help you avoid complications in the future.
The Bottom Line for Your Boundary Fence
Consulting your neighbor before building a new fence is always a good idea. You may be able to split installation and maintenance costs for your new boundary fence. If you and your neighbor cannot seem to agree on materials, colors, and locations for your shared fence, building your boundary fences within each of your lots may be the best solution. Be sure to discuss all of your fencing concerns with your contractor, and do not hesitate to bring your neighbor into the conversation.
Hercules Fence is Here to Help
No matter what type of fence you have decided on, Hercules Fences has the expertise and equipment to construct your dream fence. Our experienced team can help meet your fencing needs, whether they are residential or commercial, for the right price. We proudly serve Albemarle County, Amelia, Ashland, Augusta, Buckingham, Caroline, Charles City, Charlottesville, Chester County, Chesterfield County, Colonial Heights, Cumberland County Dinwiddle County, Fluvanna County, and Fort Lee, Virginia, VA. Give us a call at 804-752-7992 or visit us online. To see examples of our work and keep in touch, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, and Pinterest.
