Property Line Fence Laws In California

California Good Neighbor Fence

California law states the presumption that two neighbors benefit equally from a boundary line fence and that they are therefore equally responsible for it. Of course if you want to be on good terms with your neighbor you would discuss a fence repair or replacement before beginning the work. The law specifies certain obligations which you should understand.

The original law defining a property owner's rights and obligations for property line fences was created in 1872 but updated in 2013 and is cited as the "Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013". The key parts of the act are:

A few exceptions to the Good Neighbor Fence law:

• Your neighbor has never fenced his land and does not fence his land in the future.
• The fence is not on the property line.
• The fence is being replaced for the aesthetic desires of one property owner.
• Please view the California Civil Code §841 for exceptions specifically listed.

What if one of the neighbors says they don't care if the fence falls down? Generic advice published by attorneys is that probably the court would find that he benefits from the fence and hold the neighbor responsible for half of the cost as long as the specified conditions were met.

Spite Fence

California Civil Code Section 841.4 puts restrictions on fences which are over 10 ft. tall and are often referred to as spite fences. One of the important aspects is that the fence does not have to be made out of typical building materials. A tight row of trees obstructing a view could fall into this category.

The requirement for malice puts this beyond simple interpretation even though an appellate case already determined that a row of trees can be considered a spite fence. The advice of a licensed California real estate attorney should be sought to understand how this could impact you.

Placement of a Fence

Perhaps the most common dispute around fences is actually defining where the property line is located. If a fence is being built by one property owner without the agreement of the adjacent property owner, it needs to remain off the property line. Of course no property owner wants to give away any of their land because of a fence.

Most often, replacing an existing fence will be agreed to by a simple discussion between neighbors. If that is not the case, a survey may be required. Consult a California licensed real estate attorney.

Tree Trimming

There are two basic points regarding trimming trees near property lines.

• You may not cut down or damage a tree on your neighbor's land.
• You may trim branches extending onto your property but you must not cause harm to the tree nor act negligently. This does not give you the right to go onto his property.

If the trunk of a tree is wholly on the land of one owner, the tree belongs exclusively to him even if the roots grow into the land of another. §833

California Civil Code 3346 considers that the encroachment of branches and roots onto your property to be a nuisance.

If you are wanting to do significant trimming you would be wise to hire the service of a licensed and bonded professional.