Elevation on the neighbor property

[aayjaber]

I hired a surveyor to do a TOPO map for my property. He produced a map with 2 ft increment contours of my property and on two of the adjacent 4 properties to a certain distance inside the neighboring properties. Two of the neighboring properties with no fence between mine and them and the surveyor was able to draw contour lines of those two properties. Between my property and the other two there is a wood fence of 6 ft height so the contour lines ended at the fence. The surveyor located the approximate locations of buildings behind the fence with elevation of the face and the corner of the buildings, there are also few points that mark the elevations behind the fence.

I have a request from the Grading Plan reviewer to draw elevations on the properties behind the fence, how can that be done while I do not have access to any thing behind the fence? Is it acceptable practice to take some of the elevations marked behind the fence and assume that is the finish grade on what is behind the fence? There is no doubt that the two properties sit on flat pads and there is no differential height so taking any one of the marked points (which are very close to each other in value) will be a true representation of the flat pads of the properties behind the fence.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks

 

[msquared48]

He just wants to make sure there are no existing rockeries or retaining structures on the property line that might be affected with any excavations. I would be more concerned with the proximity of any permanent structures to the property line and their associated foundations though. Pictures could satisfy that issue.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[kslee1000]

It's time to give your fenced neighbors a visit with diplomatic baskets.

 

[Ron]

In most states, surveyors and engineers have immunity for trespass onto property for the purposes of completing a particular task. This likely falls within that bound.

I agree with kslee1000....a little diplomacy would help.

 

[RWF7437]

"It's time to give your fenced neighbors a visit with diplomatic baskets."

After that, invite the "Grading Plan reviewer" over for a couple of beers. Then take him/her out to the backyard to peer over the fence.

 

[kslee1000]

Yah, would be a nice neighborhood backyard party.

Ron:

Agreed with the term of "immunity". But don't try it down SW states in the US, they shoot you and claim were aiming at intrusion wild bears. (just kidding, but not too far off the reality)

 

[Ron]

kslee1000...excellent point! Hadn't thought about that even though we have similar issues here in the southeast. I anticipate facing one next week in fact.

 

[kslee1000]

Yes, I had a few run-ins with local "red necks" while I was down South. Notify local sheriff, in small town, they may either send an officer with you, or a patrol car. Good luck.

 

[aayjaber]

No Need to Trespass if you can take a photo on both sides of the fence

 

[PELS]

Land Surveyors have "Right of Entry" authority to complete surveys on adjoining propertiies. Even if the adjoiner is hostile, a surveyor can ask local law enforcement to accompany them, if necessary.

But I agree with previous posts which stated you should first start with a diplomatic overture. You could offer to share your survey information at no cost to your neighbor. They may need that information themselves in the future.

 

[bimr]

The Grading Plan reviewer is just doing what some refer to as "complaint engineering" to minimize possible arguements (that the municipality will have to referee) in the future over drainage. You are generally not allowed to change the existing drainage. For example, you can not change the direction of the runoff on your property so that the neighbor's property will flood.

It is more important that the drainage works than the topo map being accurate. The Grading Plan reviewer is just asking for the map for a cya.

In my village, the drainage map does not have to be prepared by a surveyor, only a PE that works in the stormwater/drainage engineering field.