How to Find Your Property Markers

Property markers or boundary monuments are metal pins placed at every corner of the property, including any angle or change of direction of the boundary line. Each pin is shown on the survey of each property. Property markers are required to verify property lines when obtaining permits for certain projects in the City of Blaine, such as fences, sheds, and additions., when construction is close to required setbacks or the line itself. Property marker location is important information to avoid legal and neighborhood disputes. Property lines or boundary lines are the defined points where one person's land ends and the neighboring land begins.

Step 1

To ensure you can dig for your property markers safely, call Gopher State One at 651-454-0002 to locate utility lines. They will need a 48 hour notice. This is a free service.

Step 2

Obtain a survey of your property.

Step 3

Gather materials you will need to locate your property markers including:

  • Metal Detector (can be used if you are having difficulty finding your stakes)
  • Shovel
  • Survey
  • Tape Measure

Step 4

Property markers are typically 14.5 feet in from the curb. Go to your front curb and measure back about 14.5 feet in the area you think your marker should be. Use a metal detector and then start digging. The marker should be about 6-10 inches below the surface. It may have a colored cap with numbers on the top.

Step 5

Use your survey to see what distance the back stake is from the front stake and use your tape measure to measure that distance, then use the metal detector and dig. Continue doing this until all stakes and found.

Step 6

Put a marker of some type on the uncovered stake. This will need to remain visible until an inspection is done. Do not remove your property stakes.

Step 7

If you are unable to find your stakes and/or need to have property markers installed, contact a licensed Professional Land Surveyor. You can look in a phone directory yellow pages for local area land surveying firms.

Please Note

An existing fence or structure cannot be used to verify property lines.