Yeah, I've run into similar issues with online property maps. When we were looking into solar panel placement, the online tool showed a utility easement running right through our roofline. Seemed weird, but it was enough to make me pause. Called the city to double-check, and turns out the map data was outdated by several years—no easement at all. From what I've seen, these online maps tend to pull from county records, which aren't always updated regularly. They're great for a quick reference or starting point, but definitely not reliable enough to base major decisions on without verifying. Always worth getting an official survey or checking directly with local offices before making any big moves.
"They're great for a quick reference or starting point, but definitely not reliable enough to base major decisions on without verifying."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've seen clients run into similar headaches when relying solely on online property maps. A couple of years ago, I was working on a remodel for a client who wanted to expand their kitchen and dining area. The online map showed a drainage easement cutting diagonally through their backyard, which would have severely limited our design options. Naturally, they were pretty discouraged at first.
But after some digging (pun intended), we found out the online data was outdated by nearly a decade. The city had rerouted the drainage system years earlier, and the easement no longer existed. If we'd taken the online map at face value, my clients would've missed out on their dream kitchen layout.
These online tools are handy for initial brainstorming and getting a general sense of things, but they're definitely not foolproof. Property records can lag behind reality by quite a bit, especially in rapidly developing areas or neighborhoods undergoing infrastructure changes. Always worth the extra step to verify directly with local offices or even invest in an official survey if you're planning something significant.
Glad you double-checked before making any big moves—saved yourself a lot of unnecessary stress and possibly money down the line.
Had a similar issue once—online maps showed a utility easement right through the middle of a lot we were looking at. Turned out it was off by about 15 feet. Makes you wonder how often these inaccuracies happen...anyone had luck getting online info corrected?
"Makes you wonder how often these inaccuracies happen...anyone had luck getting online info corrected?"
I've run into similar discrepancies before, especially when clients bring me property maps they've found online. Usually, the best bet is to contact your local planning or zoning department directly. They're typically responsive and can update or clarify records pretty quickly. Online tools are convenient, but I've learned not to rely solely on them—always double-check with official sources to avoid surprises later on.
I've run into similar discrepancies before, especially when clients bring me property maps they've found online.
I've actually found local zoning offices aren't always quick to update their info. Had an easement issue once where the online map was outdated, and it took months to get the official records straightened out. So...official sources aren't foolproof either, unfortunately.
