Blog · September 27, 2026
Why a Fence Is Not the Lot Line
A fence is occupation. The lot line is the record line, and they match only when someone built the fence on the line.
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Owners offset fences for comfort, cows, or a tree. Decades of mowing up to a fence can matter under possession law, but that is not what the plat says.
On the recorded sheet
The plat and a survey tell you where the record line is. The fence tells you what people have been doing.
The mix-up to avoid
Removing a fence does not move title. Building a new one on the old post holes repeats the old assumption.
Taking an old chain-link fence down? Dumpmapper has a guide to sorting mesh, posts, and concrete footings for the haul.
Find the county map
Start at Platbookmapper, search the county, and open the local GIS link. Write down the parcel number before you compare the screen to a paper plat.
Not a survey. County GIS and tax parcel maps are assessment and planning layers. They are not a substitute for a recorded plat, deed, or licensed survey.