How can I locate the property lines on my lot?

We often get requests to locate a property line for a property owner. Sometimes the owner needs to know where the line is in order to put up a fence, to determine the setback for a new building or to resolve a property line dispute between neighbors. The City cannot provide a precise determination on the location of your property lines. For situations where a high degree of accuracy is required, you should hire a licensed surveyor to locate and mark the property lines for you.


However, if you just need a "ballpark" idea as to where the property lines are, the City can provide information that you can use to determine approximate locations. City staff can provide you with some known landmarks and the distances from them to your property lines. For example, in some subdivisions in town the front property lines are two or three feet behind the sidewalk; others are right at the sidewalk. Other landmarks may include monuments in the street, log corner markers installed by a surveyor, utility poles, fire hydrants, water meters, building locations and fences. Once City staff has equipped you with suggestions about from where to measure, it will be up to you to do the measuring and to ensure its accuracy. Any mistakes that result in a property line dispute are your liability; thus, if accuracy is necessary, hire a surveyor.


Additional Information

Locating property lines can be more difficult for some lots than others as the availability of know landmarks will vary from neighborhood to neighborhood and because some lots have complicated shapes with odd angles and curved lot lines while other lots may be simple rectangles. For information about locating your property lines, you can contact the Building Division at 360-403-3551, or stop by the Permit Center.

Show All Answers

1. How can I locate the property lines on my lot?
2. When is the best time for a citizen to be involved in the land use planning activities of the City?
3. If the decisions on development proposals are based on the law, and not a popularity contest, how can I make comments to ensure a development project meets the law?
4. I've been to public hearings on developments where everybody speaks against the project, but it gets approved anyway. Why is that? Isn't this supposed to be a democracy?
5. What is this "Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance" public notice I saw in the Arlington Times?
6. I'm thinking about developing or subdividing my property but don't know how to get started or if it's even feasible. Should I hire an architect, engineer and/or a land planner?