Fence etiquette:we want a backyard fence, the backyard neighbor already has a 6' wood fence. Butting-up OK?

Question

The backyard neighbor built their fence approx. 5' onto their own property due to an electrical box on the corner of our shared lot line. We want to fence in our backyard should we, could we dare to ask to butt-up to theirs? If not, there will be approx. 10' of land in between the two fences. We were thinking of a vinyl picket fence. Will this look OK?

Answer 1

i too have almost the same dilema. i am a real estate agent i know the law.. know exactly where your property lines are..have a survey done..your property is yours and as long as what you construct make sure it is inside your property line.and if you decide to (butt ) your fences against each other,make sure you do not attach your fence to his..be free standing.what if you or your neighbor moves? or damage is caused? be independent with your property, know your boundries..

Answer 2

Animal control departments don't normally put down dogs for chewing through a fence. You absolutely should call your local animal authorities and they will see to it that the owner fixes the fence. Those dogs sound like a serious problem waiting to happen. Pit bulls can kill people, particularly children, suprisingly easily - if they latch onto your neck, they don't let go until they sense you're unconscious, and by that time it may be too late. In some cases, the dogs have to be shot or tranquilized to make them let go. As for angering your neighbor, how much concern is he showing you and your neighbors by not fixing that fence? It doesn't sound like he gives a damn about you, so why should you be so accommodating to his less-than-earnest attempt to corral his viscious animals.

Answer 3

Put any fence you like. Check property lines, easement if any and check with city or township for height limits. My area is 6'.

Btw----butting -up is OK if it's on your property.

Answer 4

one problem you might want to consider if you butt up against... we did it 13 years ago and now there are two trees growing in between the fences one is a magnolia that we cut off when it pokes up and the other I'm not sure what it is and it gets loped off every year too... neither one of us wants to take down the fence and dig them up and I have roses and ferns that I don't want strong vegetative killer near, I guess when the trees get too big they will bust out of the fence.

Answer 5

Go to city hall and check your codes. I know here you leave 8 inches to property line. Don't "Butt-up to their fence. That is trespassing. They can make you move your your fence.

Answer 6

instead of putting up another fence ask your neighbor if you can either paint it or even stain it, then plants some dwarf bushes, maybe something climbing vines, there is so many things that you can do with the backside of his fence, put hanging lights, create yourself your own little getaway, just use your imagination but check with your neighbor first.

Answer 7

if the box is on their side of the property line then build it anywhere you want on your side. you don't have to look at the stupid thing if its on their side. Keep in mind that the easement is your property. there is nobody named "ease" who owns it nor will "ease" cut the grass.