Do good fences make good neighbors?

I have a typically sized Brooklyn townhouse back yard (maybe about 16’x16’?). My neighbor’s fence (which pre-dates both myself and my neighbors) is white plastic. The fence is set on my yard, but clearly belongs to them (the rest of their fencing matches). I imagine that the previous owners’ offered to re-do the fence in exchange for being allowed to set it into what is now my yard. Here’s the problem: I don’t like how it looks. Because the rest of the fencing in my yard is falling apart, I am planning on re-doing the whole thing in wood this spring. I intend to cover up the white fence with wood and tear the rest of the fencing out and replace. This “cover-up” will cost me about six inches in space total (x 16’)—as opposed to three inches if there was no white fence. My current plan is to just cover it up and say nothing to my neighbors, but should I at least approach the subject with them? Something along the lines of “I noticed your fence was in my yard, would you mind if I moved it three inches towards you, or replaced it entirely with wood?” What would you do? Do good fences make good neighbors? Is there some sort of honor code involving Brooklyn and fencing that I don’t know about? (Note, they are nice people. I’ve chatted with them a bit and have no desire to have a contentious relationship.)

greenivy

in Fencing 13 years and 2 months ago

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Townie | 13 years and 2 months ago

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You assume the fence is on your property but you can’t be sure until you have a survey done.   That will cost you $500-$800\.

Silvermax | 13 years and 2 months ago

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They actually might be happy to have a new fence, since it was their predecessor who installed the existing one. Talk to them, and say you would like to put up a new fence of this style, on the property line, using the “good neighbor” policy (if there is a good side to the new fence, it faces the neighbors). If your survey shows that the existing fence is definitely on your property, and if they dig in their heels and are clearly going to give you grief, you may decide to follow DIBS’ suggestion, but in that case, give them a letter, copy to yourself, stating that you are leaving the existing fence where it is — on your property, rather than on the property line — but this does not mean you are ceding the land to them. This letter will be useful when/if either of you sells your property.

jack1152 | 13 years and 2 months ago

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To avoid conflict you should definitely speak to them before taking any action. Approach them and see where the situation goes. Best of luck.

slopefarm | 13 years and 2 months ago

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I like dibs’ recommendation. You could also just attach a trellis to your side of the existing fence and grow climbers on it to cover it up — ivy, climbing hydrangeas, wisteria, etc. Hide the ugly fence behind a wall of green. One concern about the second fence approach — and this is not my area of law so I do not know the answer — but is there a concern that you could eventually lose those few inches of your land on the other side of the fence on an adverse possession theory?

timber | 13 years and 2 months ago

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my feelings exactly, Dave, and as you said it wouldn’t hurt to give the neighbors a “heads up” so they know what’s going on……..”  3″ isn’t a lot to argue about outside the bedroom”…luv it!

daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 2 months ago

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I never thought I’d hear myself say this but 3″ or 6″ doesn’t make much of a difference!!!!  Tell them you’re putting up a new fence.  i doubt they want the look of your fence instead of theirs that matches what thye have elsewhere.  Just put it on your side, losing 3″, and cover up the look of theirs.  besides, moving theirs is going to add to the overall cost.  Let them know all about this.  maybe they don’t even know that their fence encroaches.  3″ isn’t a lot to argue about outside the bedroom.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 2 months ago

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You will need to get an up to date survey to prove where it is.  Since it is in your yard, I would say they did it on purpose.

etconstruction | 13 years and 2 months ago

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I would definitely have a conversation with your neighbors just to bring it to their attention and see were it goes, some people can be the nicest people in the world but then the smallest things can bother them when it comes to their home, outdoor space and property lines. Just say your peace and feel them out. Good luck