Property Boundary - Construction Question??

[Mike]

I have looked all over and asked a few questions, all with different answers so I thought I would post it up here.

I am looking to put in a permanent metal building/carport on the side of my home. My question is how close to my property line can I put this building?

I have heard 5' and 10' from the boundary, one is an option and the other is not with my situation. I ask this as I own other properties that have add-ons that are within one foot of the boundary and there are no issues.

I know people put fences right on the line, what about a building?

I have also been told there is a 10' utility easement all the way around the property and I have to honor that number. If so, how can you put up a fence on the boundary line?

My neighbor on that side owns two lots and the one between us is vacant and they have not built yet. I am tempted to ask to purchase half of the vacant lot but someone brought up the fact you can subdivide lots. If I could even get a few extra feet it would be great.

I am located in the county and not under any city limit jurisdiction.

Any input?

[Rockpit TX]

I just built a shop in the lot next to me.No restrictions so I built it 10 feet of the prop line. Then you can hide stuff behind it like barrels gas cans old mowers

[goinincircles]

All of the info as to build lines and easements should be on your title survey. If there is a utility easement, it should be listed on the boundaries of your property as such. Fences aren't generally considered to be a "permanent" structure and can be located in the easement in most cases with the understanding that should work need to be done to the utilities, the utility company assumes no responsibility for your fence. Not sure about rural areas,but in the city building lines vary greatly from one subdivision to the next. Where I live it's 15' on sides and 30' on front and rear but just down the road from me the houses are only 15' apart so they are only 7 1/2' from their property lines.Long story made short....it varies from one area to the next....no one size fits all answer.

[Mike Murphey]

You need to talk to your local city officials....what are their code provisions...?

[BrianL]

I am located in the county and not under any city limit jurisdiction.

Any input?

I think with that being said I think you could build up to the property line, but you better be dang sure where that line actually is, or get a survey. Most people would want access to all sides of their structure so 5 feet is about as close as I would ever get, but 10 foot would be better.

[Mike]

My plat survey shows a 10' utility easement all the way around. We have a few buildings that are closer than that in the neighborhood.

I think I might forego the elaborate carport/building format and continue renting a 14x35 storage building for $125/month for the boat and extra junk.

I think I am going to shift gears and go with a combo building that will be used for storage/pool bath/outdoor kitchen/patio. I will have to lay it out different in the yard.

I was hoping to be able to get an 18x50 on the side to house the boat, my toys, shop and patio.

The relocation to set it deeper into the property would increase the driveway by 80-100' and that would be a pretty penny.

[Snakelover]

All of the info as to build lines and easements should be on your title survey.

I agree that build lines probably will be on the survey. But sometimes they're not. I believe the only way to be completely sure is to research the deed restrictions. Twice I've owned properties that had build line restrictions that were included in the deed restrictions but were not reflected on the survey.

[Russ]

All of the info as to build lines and easements should be on your title survey. If there is a utility easement, it should be listed on the boundaries of your property as such. Fences aren't generally considered to be a "permanent" structure and can be located in the easement in most cases with the understanding that should work need to be done to the utilities, the utility company assumes no responsibility for your fence. Not sure about rural areas,but in the city building lines vary greatly from one subdivision to the next. Where I live it's 15' on sides and 30' on front and rear but just down the road from me the houses are only 15' apart so they are only 7 1/2' from their property lines.Long story made short....it varies from one area to the next....no one size fits all answer.

X2. I would not build any permanent structure with in the utility easment. I sell land an I have seen this situation get ugly!!!!

[Nate Riley]

I am located in the county and not under any city limit jurisdiction.

Any input?

You could still have deed restrictions or other restrictions related to the subdivision. If you are saying that there is a restriction against subdividing lots, then I would assume that there are deed restrictions and probably they probably include building set backs.

If you have the title policy from when you purchased the property the restrictions should be listed. Also look at your deed for restrictions. It may be a seperate document. If there is a HOA as them they would have a copy of the restrictive covenants.

[Mr. Whiskers]

It should be 10 foot from property line.

[Snakelover]

It should be 10 foot from property line.

The 10 foot number is common, but I certainly wouldn't make that blanket statement. I have four sides to my property. The build line on three sides is 10 feet and the build line on the other side is 30 feet.

[Mike]

I have no HOA here but do have some deed restrictions.

I guess it all has to do with when you build and who complains.

There are others that have disregarded the restrictions and built one within the 10' easement.

I have been through the deal of, "well he did it why can't I" and such and I am not going to buck it too much.

I think I am going to pour an additional driveway that will be on the 10' easement line and go from there.

[glen]

Call you local planning and zoning department. If you are in the city limits or etj then it will be them. If you live outside the city limits then the county will have someone that can tell you the ordinance. I would check with them and get the right permits otherwise they may be tearing it down and you paying for the demolition.

[BrianL]

IF you violate the deed restrictions you could have a problem when you sell the property. CAll a local title company and ask them the problems you could have. If you have a deeded easement I would think the driveway would be OK but no way on a building.

[Bill M]

Agree with Russ, if your plat shows a 10' utility easement around the property I wouldn't build in it. If they ever decide to run utilities through that easement your building will be compromised.