Think Your Fence Line Is In The Right Spot?
It Might Be Costing You Thousands!
Here’s Why You Should Never Build (or Rebuild) a Fence Without a Land Survey in BC
In real estate, assumptions can be expensive — especially when it comes to a fence line and property boundaries. Many homeowners believe their existing fence marks the correct boundary. But as land surveyors working across the Fraser Valley, we’ve seen just how often that assumption is wrong.
If you’re planning to build or replace a fence, or if you’re in a property dispute with a neighbour, a professional land survey is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Existing Fences Are Often in the Wrong Place
It’s not uncommon for fences — even long-standing ones — to stray off the legal property line. Over the years, as properties are bought and sold, boundaries can “creep” due to inaccurate assumptions, missing survey posts, or poorly placed fences. In fact, on a recent job in Langley, we discovered a fence had been built 33 feet into the neighbour’s property — a potentially serious legal and financial issue.
Don’t assume your current fence – fence line reflects your true property boundaries. Without an up-to-date land survey, you could be giving away valuable land — or inadvertently building on someone else’s.
️ Online Maps Aren’t Good Enough
Many property owners check online tools from the City of Abbotsford, Township of Langley, or other local governments to figure out their property lines. While helpful for general planning, these systems aren’t legally accurate. They’re based on approximate data and can’t be relied on for construction or legal purposes.
Only a registered British Columbia Land Surveyor (BCLS) can define and mark your legal property boundaries. At Axis Land Surveying Ltd., we use advanced tools and historical data to produce accurate results that hold up — whether you’re applying for a permit, installing a fence, or resolving a boundary dispute.
Do You Need a Posting Plan?
If your property hasn’t been surveyed in decades, or if there are no existing boundary posts, a Posting Plan might be required under Section 68 of the Land Title Act. This ensures your property corners are properly marked and documented.
A Posting Plan is typically needed when:
- The original survey posts are missing or damaged
- The boundaries haven’t been confirmed in recent years
- You’re subdividing, building close to a boundary, or installing a permanent structure like a fence or wall
Not sure if you need one? Our team will guide you through the process and determine exactly what’s required based on your situation.
⚖️ Shared Fences: What’s Fair?
Ideally, a fence is a shared responsibility, built on the boundary line, with both neighbours splitting the cost and maintenance. But fence line reality often looks different.
If your neighbour isn’t willing to share costs, you might choose to build entirely on your own property — which may mean sacrificing a small strip of land to avoid future conflicts. Still, that small concession could become a big issue down the road, especially if ownership of the neighbouring property changes.
That’s why it’s essential to document everything clearly with a land survey — protecting your property rights now and into the future.
️ Ready to Build? Get a Survey First.
Whether you’re installing a simple backyard fence along the fence line or managing multiple rural parcels, the first step is always a land survey. At Axis Land Surveying Ltd., we provide:
- Boundary Surveys
- Posting Plans
- Property Line Staking
- Legal Survey Documentation
Serving Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Langley, and the surrounding Fraser Valley, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners protect their land and avoid costly boundary mistakes.
Let’s Set the Record Straight
Before you invest time and money in building a fence, let us confirm exactly where it should go. Contact Axis Land Surveying Ltd. today for a free consultation or to book your property survey.
Axis Land Surveying Ltd. – Precision Matters. So Does Your Property Line – Fence Line.