What are your easements?

[shcisamax]

Does everyone have the same easements on their lots? I was told you need 10 ft in the back, 20 ft in the front and 5 ft on the sides. Someone was telling me they had 10 ft on the sides and 25 ft in the front but they have a 5 sided lot. Comments?

[downeaster]

Does everyone have the same easements on their lots? I was told you need 10 ft in the back, 20 ft in the front and 5 ft on the sides. Someone was telling me they had 10 ft on the sides and 25 ft in the front but they have a 5 sided lot. Comments?


It could vary by lot. The only way to be certain is to see a plat of the property. When I bought here ten plus years ago the "standard" lot was 60' by 90' with a 10' easement in the rear for utilities. My plat shows no easement on the side but I am sure there are restrictions as to its use because of drainage and access to the rear easement. Distance between houses is 12'. There is no easement shown in front but the property line is 13' from the street. So, a 60' deep lot has 73' deep lawn. Property owner is responsible for the upkeep of the easement and 13' of right of way in the front.

There are a lot of variables here. Some would call this a cookie cutter community but it represents a lot of different cookie cutters. I think they did a good job of laying out the lots and getting something for about everybody. There are not many of us anxious to do a lot of yard work and balancing that for want of privacy is not easy.

[shcisamax]

Our lot is 120 ft deep. The salesperson told us the front setback was 20 ft and the back was 10 ft. Also, the sides were 5 ft each ...for me and my neighbor which would allow 10 ft between. I guess there is a bit of difference depending upon the lot sizes.

[784caroline]

The 5, 10 or 20 feet lines that you mention are more likely county buliding setbacks. You can often appeal and get a variance for them. The more problematic areas are what they call "Special " easements and from what I understand this means NO exceptions meaning nothing can be built in this area. One type of special easement that I know of is where the main water irrigation line ( not simply your house but the main line that may conect streets) crosses over your property. Im sure there are others.

The only way you can be certain what your particular property has in way of setbacks or easements is to look at the property plot "SITEPLAN" at the county center. The site plan will lay out your house and identify all setbacks and restrictions. If you thnk you have any questionsor concerns about this issue I would NOT rely on generalities told to me by a salesperson....or anyone else for that matter. The only time these restrictions come into play is if your property lines are tight (even if its at only one particular spot) and 1) if you want to landscape and it crosses into a "Special" easement, or 2) you plan to add an addition some time in the future

[Penguin]

Would you happen to know where the county center is located and if the siteplan info is available to everyone. Thanks.

[Bryan]

784Caroline hit the nail right on the head. You can think, hear, feel, assume, presume, or believe anything you want about property lines, easements, setbacks, etc. If it ain't in writing, it didn't happen! Go get a copy of your "official" site plan from the county office and then it will be 'official' and in writing. Keep in mind that TV is in three counties so you have to go to the county office in which you live (Lake, Marion or Sumter) for the site plan.

[784caroline]

For sumter county I believe you can still get this information at 466 and Morse Blvd.... right behind the firehouse.

[shcisamax]

tks.