DIGGING INTO PROPERTY EASEMENTS—ANYONE ELSE FIND ONLINE TOOLS CONFUSING?
Yeah, I got burned once thinking the online map was gospel. Started sketching out a patio, then found out the easement cut way deeper into my yard than I thought. Now I always double-check the actual paperwork or ask around the neighborhood. Those survey pins? Half the time I can’t even find them, and I’m not about to rent a metal detector just to see if I can put up a shed. Online maps are good for dreaming, but I don’t trust ’em for the real stuff.
Yeah, those online maps are more like a rough sketch than anything accurate. I’ve had clients swear by what they saw online, then the actual survey throws them for a loop. Ever notice how the easements never seem to line up with fences or landscaping either? I always end up digging through the title docs and plat maps—never fun, but it saves headaches. Anyone ever had a utility company show up and dig right through a “safe” spot? That’ll make you double-check real quick.
Title: Digging Into Property Easements—Anyone Else Find Online Tools Confusing?
Anyone ever had a utility company show up and dig right through a “safe” spot? That’ll make you double-check real quick.
I get what you’re saying, but I’ve actually found those online maps handy more often than not—at least as a starting point. They’re not gospel, sure, but if you know how to read between the lines, they can save you a ton of time before you even get the plat maps out. I wouldn’t trust them for staking out a new addition or anything, but for early concept work, they’re better than nothing.
About the easements not lining up with fences or landscaping—yeah, that’s the classic headache. Drives me nuts when people assume their fence is the property line. Had a project last year where the client’s “backyard” was actually sitting right on a sewer easement. They’d put in a fancy patio and everything. City came in, tore it up, and the client was furious. But the kicker? The city was totally within their rights. The online map actually showed the easement pretty clearly if you zoomed in, but nobody bothered to check until it was too late.
I do think there’s a bit too much paranoia about online tools, though. They’re only as good as the data behind them, and yeah, sometimes that data’s outdated or just plain wrong. But I’ve seen just as many mistakes made by people misreading paper plats or missing a buried note on a title doc. Honestly, it’s less about the tool and more about double-checking everything—old school and new tech both.
One thing I wish we had was a single, reliable source for all this stuff. Instead, you end up piecing it together from half a dozen places, hoping it all matches up. Until then... guess we keep cross-referencing and hoping the utility guys don’t show up unannounced.
Drives me nuts when people assume their fence is the property line.
Right? I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to explain that to folks. Online maps are a pain sometimes, but honestly, I’d rather squint at a glitchy map than deal with the city ripping up my hard work. Double-check or pay the price...
It’s wild how often people just eyeball it and call it good. I’ve seen fences off by a foot or more—doesn’t sound like much until you’re pouring a driveway or running utilities. Those online parcel maps are helpful, but they’re not gospel. I always tell folks, if you’re not sure, get a survey. It’s a lot cheaper than moving a fence or, worse, a foundation...
