For instance your neighbour may not dig down next to your wall on his/her side if this is likely to wash away the earth if and when there are heavy rains. The law also protects the structure from any action that may threaten its stability.

And this includes the foundationswhich of course will be wider and longer than the wall itself. If you decide to build a wall or erect a fence on the boundary, you may do so provided it is on your property. If there is a dispute between neighbours at any stage (and they could be completely different parties to those who owned the two properties when the wall was built), it may be necessary to get a land surveyor to resurvey the property according to the official diagram that is lodged with the Surveyor General in Pretoria. This is why it is so important to ensure that boundary walls and fences are correctly positioned in the first place. But as soon as the land is built on, generally the pegs are removed. Positioning Boundary Walls and FencesĪll properties are surveyed and pegged when land is zoned for residential use. The two most important issues here are the position of boundary walls and fences, and ownership. Ultimately what you can and cannot do is up to them. There are laws that relate to boundary walls and fences, but more importantly, you need to check the boundary walls and fences policy followed by your local authority. We are constantly contacted by people from all parts of South Africa who want advice – or have some sort of problem – relating to boundary walls and fences – often because neighbours have erected something that is offensive or clearly illegal. Strategic Planning of Boundary Walls and Fences A steel palisade fence on the street side boundary.īoundary walls and fences are one of the most controversial topics facing homeowners.

Boundary house