How to find property lines
Property lines are the legal edges of a parcel. You can see an approximate version in seconds, and an exact one with a survey. Here are the options, from quickest to most authoritative.
1. Look at a parcel map (minutes, free)
County governments maintain GIS parcel maps for property tax. The CLILU map brings those maps together for about 165 million parcels on a satellite view: zoom to the property and the outline appears, and tapping it shows the owner, acreage and assessed value. This is the fastest way to see roughly where lines fall relative to fences, roads and buildings.
Treat these lines as approximate. Tax maps are built for assessment, not construction, and can be shifted by several feet or more.
2. Read the legal description in the deed
The deed describes the boundary in words: lot and block numbers in a subdivision, or metes and bounds (bearings and distances from a starting point) for rural land. Deeds are recorded by the county clerk or recorder, and many counties have online search. Parcel maps often show the legal description too.
3. Find the recorded plat
In subdivisions, a plat drawn by a surveyor shows every lot with measured dimensions. Plats are recorded with the county; the deed or the legal description usually cites the plat book and page.
4. Look for survey markers on the ground
Surveyors mark corners with iron pins, pipes or monuments, often with a plastic cap stamped with the surveyor's license number. A metal detector helps find buried pins. Markers can be disturbed, so confirm them against the plat.
5. Hire a licensed surveyor
Only a licensed land surveyor can establish legal boundaries. Get a boundary survey before building near a line, settling a dispute or buying land where the lines matter.
Which one do you need?
- Curious, planning, or walking land: a parcel map is enough.
- Putting up a fence or shed near the line: check the plat and markers, and consider a survey.
- Disputes, construction, or buying land: get a survey.
Common questions
Are online property line maps accurate?
They are close but not exact. County GIS parcel maps are drawn from deeds and plats for tax purposes and can be off by a few feet to tens of feet, more in rural areas. Use them to orient yourself, not to settle a boundary.
How do I find my property lines for free?
Open a free parcel map such as CLILU, find your parcel on the satellite view, and compare its outline with your deed's legal description and any plat recorded with the county. For fences or building near the line, hire a surveyor.
How much does a property survey cost?
A boundary survey for a typical residential lot often costs several hundred to a few thousand dollars; large rural tracts cost more. Price depends on acreage, terrain, how easy the corners are to find and local rates.
Can I see property lines on my phone?
Yes. CLILU's map works in a phone browser; with Pro, 'Track my parcel' follows your GPS and highlights the parcel you are standing on, and offline areas keep the map working with no signal.