Fence not where you thought it was?

Some people get worried about the location of their fences in relation to their boundaries. It is not unusual that these do not match exactly:

• 10 -20 cm in residential areas
• 1 even 2 metres in rural areas are not unusual

If you are worried and your neighbours agree, you can do what is called a boundary adjustment. This is where the legal boundaries are shifted to coincide with a fence line, buildings or some other feature.

You can find our more on boundary adjustments at See How the Land Lies, or alternatively contact Absolute Land Solutions.

What is a boundary adjustment

Every Council in New Zealand defines a boundary adjustment differently. However, the common theme for a boundary adjustment meaning is -

A boundary adjustment is when a property owner decides to alter their common boundary with another property owner. The reason is usually to legitamise an existing encroachment over the boundary, or to have access to a property or even to have a better building site. In all situations you will be required to get a resource consent from your local council.

Some examples of the different definitions are:

‘Boundary Adjustment’ means a subdivision where the number of Lots as a result of the subdivision does not exceed the number of Lots previously existing. In determining the number of Lots, esplanade reserves shall not be counted. (Southland District Council).

You can also click here for more information about boundary adjustments and some examples.