Seeking Advice about a Fence Issue

Here???s the situation: We installed the existing chain-link fence 17 years ago; our neighbors on either side each contributed one quarter of the total cost: $365 each. The chain link is still quite sturdy but showing signs of wear ??? it???s bent and starting to rust along the top.   We plan to install a new cedar lattice fence, entirely at our own cost. The neighbors do not want the chain-link removed. They both insist that any new fence must be installed on our property inside the chain-link fence.   Our contractor says installing a new fence beside the existing fence will be difficult. And he estimates that we will lose about 10 inches of garden space on either side because it will be necessary to leave some space between the two fences.   What rights and responsibilities do we have in this matter? Do we have the right to remove the existing chain-link fence? If we do, will the neighbors have recourse to insist we reinstall the chain-link (or put in new chain-link)? Any thoughts on the legal and practical issues from the reading public will be appreciated.

Silvermax

in Fencing 13 years and 10 months ago

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Goatcrapp | 13 years and 10 months ago

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This is getting a lot more complicated than it needs to be.   ALL over brooklyn, you’ll find wooden fences that have been tied/ wire strapped to existing chain link fences, that have been standing for decades – still firmly attached…  the wood will rot before the cement footings give under stress, assuming the chain link was installed properly.  Its not difficult at all, but does require access to the neighbors side of the fence.  it’ll cost you the thickness of the fence (typically 3″ or so, depending on the size of the ties, behind the boards (typically 2×3)

If you want to be nice, you give your neighbors the finish side, or make it double sided, and cost yourself an additional 3″.

Stop trying to impose your needs on your neighbors.. they have a right to not want a new fence, just as you have a right to want one.  build your own fence, tied to the old one and get on with life.

Silvermax | 13 years and 10 months ago

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Op here. Vinca, thanks for directing me to the Administrative code. What we have decided to do is this:On the side that veers two inches into my property along the back half of the fence, we are simply going to eat it and erect the new fence inside the deteriorating chain link fence. On the side that veers six inches into my property along the back half, we are going to remove the chain link and install new chain link along the property line. It won’t be perfect, but it will at least give me use of my heretofor lost property. Then we will install the new fence inside the chain link on that side as well. Thus, the new fence will be entirely on our property. It won’t be perfect, but it will give us some privacy, which we very much need at this point.We will not have access to the chain link fence at all — which is damaged and rusting along the top — so, administrative code notwithstanding, any “maintenance” will have to be done by the neighbors on either side.

vinca | 13 years and 10 months ago

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I assume you are working with an attorney. I would ask for their input on the sections of NYC Administrative Code that deal with structures located on the lot line of adjacent properties, retaining walls, and partition fences including Article 305 and the following link. At same time, it’s never a good idea to lose sight of the value of good relations, harmony and friendship with your neighbors. Curiously, your reply, which speaks of your neighbors’ bullying, does not seem to recognize that they might perceive you in the same fashion: http://bit.ly/igZ8lX

tgiardina | 13 years and 10 months ago

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My issue is what deboerarchitects is mentioning. Our neighbor did not want the foundation (actually it was a curb) even an inch on her property, yet she wanted me to pay for the fence…I ended up building the curb on my property so the fence face is actually 10″ into my property. with the original fence we had the same issue as you…the fence started on her side and ended on my side.  I was told by someone that even though the fence goes across property lines, neither of us can remove it unless we both agree. She wanted me to place my Ipe fence in the same spot…that wasnt going to happen! Your just going to have to put the fence on you land and loose the inches you mention. When I showed my neighbor a small sample of my Ipe fence she didnt like it and said she was going to put her fence up behind it…which wouldnt be good considering ours is a louver design. The funny thing is after we built it and cleaned it she LOVES it. DAMN HER! Of course she will considering the fence cost $30K! Now she wont do her fence behind it. Yet she gave us so much crap the whole time!

Laura | 13 years and 10 months ago

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Neighborhood is always so complicated.Once, my mother because of this thing happened with a neighbor dipute…Even so,  they could not solve this matter in the end.

northofditmas | 13 years and 10 months ago

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Surveys are a joke – don’t take them at face value.  The original fence contractor probably installed it along the logical property line which is as accurate as anything else.  I would lose the 10 inches, forget the lattice and build the fence of your dreams.

Petebklyn | 13 years and 10 months ago

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if neighbors are so against it…leave it as is.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 10 months ago

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Yes, get the property lines staked out and keep the foundation on your side. You will lose inches.  Good luck.

Silvermax | 13 years and 10 months ago

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Thanks for responding, dssguy99\. Something that I didn’t add because I thought it would further complicated the write-up: I _have_ a recent survey, because we just renovated, and discovered that the chain-link fence had been installed only partially on the property line — the back half on one side veers in 6 inches and on the other side 2 inches. So I’m already losing 8 inches right there, and would like to restore it by putting the fence on or just my side of the property line. I deliberately chose a lattice fence because when I first told my neighbor I wanted to install a wood fence she literally wept at the prospect of losing light and air. Lattice notwithstanding, she’s still adamant about the chain link. The neighbor on the other side says he’ll take me to court if I remove the chain link. All of this comes after 35+ years of civil neighborly relations. It makes me very sad. But I’m also interested in knowing if I have any rights — or do I just have to bow to their bullying?

tgiardina | 13 years and 10 months ago

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Oh man…I just went through a similar issue. What a nightmare. You will have to just build it on your property. Everyone will tell you to remove the chain link fence or order a survey and if its on your property remove it…but you really want to deal with a pissed off neighbor for the rest of the time you live there? I just build the fence on my property. I lost 10 inches on both sides…but I got my Ipe fence with the good side facing my yard!