Where Are my Property Lines and What is a Setback?

Have you been wondering how to find your property lines? It is not always clear exactly where one owner's property ends and a neighbor’s property begins, but thankfully, there are ways of finding out. First, you can contact TLA's Community Development Department (cdd@landings.org or 912-598-5501) to ask if there is a site plan on file for your property. Often, these documents will show the property lines, corner markers, setbacks, easements, and the footprint of the home. Setbacks are the required separation between a property line and a building or structure. Development is not permitted within setback areas. See the diagram below of what a typical site plan may include. Finding your property lines online also can be a great tool. The Savannah Area Geographic Information System Map Viewer (www.Sagis.org) provides access to geospatial data on an accessible platform where you can search your address and see information about your property.

If you can't find the information you need using these tools, a professional surveyor may be a great option and is the only legally binding method to determine exactly where the property lines fall. To find the property lines, the surveyor will measure and map the property and mark the boundaries with stakes. 

Before hiring a professional surveyor, you should ensure the surveyor is licensed in your state and holds professional liability insurance, which will cover you if there are errors or omissions in the surveying of the property. Additionally, it always is good to ask what type of equipment they use when completing the survey, such as a GPS or CAD, as surveys completed with these tools can be more accurate and precise. After the surveyor completes the process, ask that they walk the property with you so that you will be clear on where your property lines are located.