How to Find Your Property Boundary Lines in Washington State

Knowing your exact property lines prevents disputes, guides fencing/building, and is essential for due diligence. Here's the step-by-step process in Washington:

1. Start with Public Records (Free/Low Cost)

• County Auditor / Recorder's Office: Search **recorded plat maps, surveys, deeds, short plats, boundary line adjustments**. Most counties have **online portals** (e.g., King County Parcel Viewer, Pierce County Public GIS, Snohomish County PDS Map Portal). Search by parcel number or address.
• County Assessor: **Parcel maps (GIS)** show approximate boundaries, dimensions, acreage. **Not survey-accurate** but good starting point. Online in all 39 counties.

2. Get Your Deed & Legal Description

• Your **deed** contains the **legal description** (metes & bounds, lot/block/plat, or section/township/range). This defines the property legally.
• If you don't have a copy, get it from the **County Auditor** (small fee).

3. Check for Existing Surveys

• **Title Report:** If you bought with title insurance, your **owner's policy** may include a survey or reference one.
• County Surveyor / Auditor: May have **record of survey (ROS)** or **plat** on file for your parcel or subdivision.
• Previous Owner / Builder: Ask for copies.

4. Hire a Licensed Land Surveyor (Most Accurate)

• Only a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) licensed in WA can **legally establish boundaries**.
• They: Research records → Field work (find/set monuments: rebar, pipes, caps) → **Produce Record of Survey (ROS) map** → **File with County Auditor** (required if new monuments set).
• Cost: **$1,500–$5,000+** depending on size, terrain, vegetation, record complexity, monument recovery.
• Find one: Washington State Land Surveyors Association (WSLS) directory.

5. Physical Evidence (Clues, Not Proof)

• **Fence lines, hedges, walls** – often *not* on boundary.
• **Survey monuments:** Rebar with plastic cap (PLS #), iron pipes, concrete markers. **Do not disturb.**
• **GIS / GPS Apps (OnX, LandGlide, Gaia):** Useful for *approximation* only. **GPS accuracy ~3-10 ft—insufficient for legal boundaries.**

6. Talk to Neighbors (Cordially)

• They may know, have surveys, or share concerns. **Agreed boundaries** can be formalized via **Boundary Line Adjustment (BLA)** or **Quiet Title Action** if disputed.

Critical Warning

Do not build/fence based on assumptions, GIS, or old fences. Encroachment = lawsuits, forced removal, damages. **Survey first.** It's the cheapest insurance.