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Should You Build A Fence On The Property Line?

This question recently came up about a fence in Raleigh, NC. The question was pertaining to the front yard, and the right of way for the sidewalk. Here is the exact question:

I have recently installed a fence for a home in downtown Raleigh. The home has been completely renovated and we have only heard nice things about it from everyone in the area – except the bitter neighbor (who just owns the house next door, no one lives there) who has read us the riot act about ?stealing her property?. She thinks when shes not looking we are moving the property line over? (haha) The 6ft privacy fence in the backyard is at least 6-10 Inches off of the property line, and ends evenly with the house. However, I constructed a small (no more than 2.5 ft. tall) white picket fence in the front. It is a foot or two away from the property line, but runs flush with the sidewalk. The City of Raleigh has forwarded an anonymous complaint (I wonder who) that the strip of grass between the two houses was too long, and that there may be a violation on the fence in the front. My question is, is the fence in violation by being too close to the sidewalk? Our lawyer told us that a fence -can- be installed on or up to the property line. So what should I be using the judge the property line along the sidewalk? Can I get an easement or an exception for this? The fence has no gate, and barely surpasses 2 foot tall, so it is more of a decorative feature than a barrier. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you – Kevin

I immediately made a phone call to the planning and zoning department to get an answer on the property line issue. I was told by the planning and zoning department in Raleigh, NC. that a homeowner is allowed to build a fence in their front yard up to or on the property line (be careful trying to place it directly on the line), or up to the sidewalk, whichever came first. After Kevin had a closer look at his survey, he was well within the ordinance of the City of Raleigh for his fence.?

Always check your city ordinances before building a fence on your property, always better to do some research before spending thousands of dollars on having a fence built in Raleigh, NC. only to find out you are not in compliance with the ordinance.

This question has prompted me to post the city ordinances here on my website. I will be creating a page dedicated to those ordinances as I am able to locate each one.

My recommendation to customers in the Raleigh / Durham NC area has always been to stay inside the property line 6″-12″ to be safe