Property & Fence Line Surveys

What is a Property & Fence Line Survey?

A property survey (also called a Land Survey) is a precise measurement of your property boundaries and features. It's conducted by a licensed land surveyor and results in a detailed map (often called a survey plan or plat) showing:

• Property Boundaries: The exact legal limits of your property, as defined by your deed and official records.
• Property Corners/Monuments: Markers (like iron pins, concrete monuments, or existing structures) that define the corners of your property.
• Easements & Rights-of-Way: Any areas on your property where others have legal access or rights (e.g., utility companies, neighbors).
• Improvements: Existing structures on your property (house, garage, sheds, etc.) and their location relative to the property lines.
• Topography: The elevation and contours of the land (slope, hills, valleys). This is important for drainage and construction.
• Any Encroachments: Any structures or improvements from neighboring properties that extend onto your land, or vice-versa.

Axiom Geomatics provides property line surveys where we stake out the property border/boundary; we mark directly on the ground the location of the property line with orange construction stakes.

Why Get a Property Survey

• Establishing Boundaries: To definitively know where your property lines are, especially if there's uncertainty or a dispute with neighbors.
• Construction & Renovations: Required by most municipalities before building anything new, adding additions, or making significant changes to your property. Ensures you’re building within your property lines and complying with zoning regulations.
• Fences & Landscaping: To accurately place fences, driveways, or landscaping features.
• Title Issues: To resolve discrepancies or ambiguities in your property deed.
• Resale: Can provide potential buyers with confidence in the property boundaries and avoid future disputes.
• Mortgage Requirements: Some lenders may require a survey as a condition of a mortgage.

• Failing to meet municipal set-back requirements
• Construction of a feature (e.g. retaining wall, fence, building) on a neighbours property
• Building within public right-of-ways
• Lawsuits and/or destruction of the offending feature

What is the Cost of a Property & Fence Line Survey?

A significant amount of detailed work is involved in accurately determining where property lines are located. The size of the lot, natural features, shape, and availability of survey evidence directly impact the time it takes to complete the project. A typical property in the City of Calgary takes at least 3 hours to complete. Large rural properties may require a couple of days. Please contact us if you are looking for a fence line stakeout.

As per legislation, only a certified Alberta Land Surveyor is legally able to identify property boundaries. Make sure your markings are legally sound before beginning construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don't I own up-to-the-road on my property?

Probably not. The property line can be anywhere from the sidewalk to many meters onto what you perceive as your front yard. There may also be utility right-of-ways on top of that. In most municipalities, you are responsible for the care and maintenance of the property in front of your home (e.g. snow shovelling, lawn care, etc…).

What style can my fence be?

Typically, you can build a fence in any style you like, unless specific agreements or restrictions (restrictive covenants) are in place for your neighbourhood. These agreements are on the title and, commonly, they limit you to a 4-foot high, black, chain-link fence. There may also be restrictions on the height of the fence.

How tall can my fence be?

Fence height is typically regulated by the municipal bylaws, and may be further restricted by neighbourhood-specific architectural controls. It is the responsibility of the property owner to adhere to all local rules and regulations. There are usually 2 heights allowed, one for the side and back of the house, and a separate, lower one for the front of the house.

Does a fence need to be built on the property line?

No, you can build a fence inside of the property line, or directly on the line if your neighbour agrees to the construction. You may want to build inside the property line if your neighbour is unagreeable. It is always recommended to work with your neighbour where possible. Please note you are unable to build a fence along a utility right-of-way, and in this case, you MUST build on the property line.

I own a corner lot, why can't I build to the edge of my property?

Corner lots bordering roads have visibility restrictions to ensure vehicles can see clearly. Local regulations mandate a certain distance from the corner for any features (such as fences, buildings, etc…) and this distance varies by municipality. This concept is often referred to as the "visibility triangle".