Written by Rick Sprecker, Code Enforcement Officer for Beaver Borough
Before long it will be spring and many residents will be gearing up for making improvements to their properties. An essential part of building on or improving land in the Borough of Beaver is the requirement to have a property survey and an approved Zoning/ Building permit. These documents are required for most construction work when there is a change of use or prior to construction activity such as rebuilding, moving, enlarging or physically altering a building or other structure, including but not limited to:
- Major Remodeling
- Changes to Roof-lines
- Additions including Garages/Carports
- Fencing
- Porches
- Decks or Patios
- Swimming Pools
- Storage Buildings
REASONS FOR A PROPERTY SURVEY
Establish Boundary Lines
One of the most common reasons to have a property survey performed is to locate boundary lines and other lines of occupancy or possession. This is an important piece of information that is needed before you build a fence, add an addition, pave your driveway, install a swimming pool, etc. All too often the survey shows that you and your neighbors were operating under the wrong assumption about the placement of the boundary line between your properties. Before you have that fence erected, you want to make sure it will be built on your property, not your neighbor’s.
Certify Compliance
The survey will certify that the improvements or alterations you are making are in compliance with the borough’s ordinances. The survey will show that the improvements being made are not in violation of laws or borough ordinances such as those regarding height, lot coverage, dimension, frontage, building lines, set-backs, and parking.
A property survey is a requirement of the Borough, but it can also help to maintain goodwill. Having your property surveyed is a good idea because it can help clear up minor misunderstandings regarding property lines between neighbors.
