The best thing to do is call the Planning and Redevelopment Division at 732-2900, ask for your property’s zoning, and we’ll be happy to explain the details of the district and things like setback and height limits.

Johnston County does not have a set back requirement for fences. We recommend, however, that you make sure that the fence is completely within your side of the property line.

For a standard-size lot (minimum of 60’ wide), you can build as close as 25’ to your front property line and as close as 8’ to your rear property line. In general, for lots which are not on a corner, you can build as close as 8’ to your side property line as long as you allow at least 12’ of space on the opposite side of the structure (for a total of 20’ of side yard setback).

We recommend that you call your local planning and zoning department and ask them what the rules are in your area. Our experience is that you need to have a few feet left over, after the carport is built, all city's are a little different.

No, the fence can be built up to but not on the property line. A privacy or barred fence must be held 2’ off the property line for maintenance. There must be a 4’ gate within 10’ of the house.

If the deck is 30 inches or more above the ground, it must be at least the distance from the property line same as required for the house. Please check with the Development Services Division at (503) 526-2420 to determine the land-use zone your property is located in and what the setbacks are. If the deck has a cover over it, regardless of its height, it must be at least the distance from the property line same as required for the house.

If your property contains or is located near wetlands/watercourse or the coast you must obtain a permit from the Conservation Department before you build any type of walls. Walls with or without footings, regardless of construction material and purpose must be located greater than 30’ from the wetland line. Any proposed wall within that distance requires Conservation Commission approval.

It depends upon the depth of the well, if you have leased your property, and if the well is going to be a vertical or directional well. A vertical well cannot be drilled closer than 100 feet from any property not in the drilling unit but may need to be up to 500 feet depending upon the depth of the well. A directional well can conceivably be drilled right next to a property line.

To legally establish your property line requires the services of licensed surveyor. The City of Seattle has resources in the Engineering Vault (684-5132) that can help you determine approximately where your property lines are.

Unless you have several hundred thousand dollars to spend, you should probably consider building a radio-controlled airship or a manned hot air balloon instead. If the financial requirements do not deter you, a book called "Building Gas Blimps - A Practical Guide to Building Small Gas Blimps" by Robert J. Recks will provide you with more detail. The book is available for approximately US$80 directly from the author (e-mail r.recks@juno.com).

Prior to construction, you generally will need to obtain a permit from DEP to build your dock, as well as written authorization from DEP to use the State’s submerged lands. However, some (exempt) docks have minimal environmental impacts because of their size and location, and do not require written authorization. A pamphlet, "Know what you need before you build..

A building permit is not required for fences up to 72 inches and freestanding masonry walls up to 48 inches in height above the height of the adjacent grade. All fences over 72 inches and walls over 48 inches require permits. In all cases, you must check with the Planning Division on Zoning regulations applicable to all fences. For more information see Wood & Masonry Fences, Form 4604.

Yes, most property if it is located within a development will be subject to the CC&R's, a local building permit must be obtained and plans must be drawn and engineered by a licensed Mexican architect/ engineer.

The distance requirement is regulated by the City’s gas drilling ordinance. No well may be drilled closer than 500 feet* from any protected use such as a residence, religious institution, public building, hospital, school or public park. The Railroad Commission website states “The Railroad Commission does not regulate how close a gas well can be drilled to a residential property.

A fence may be located at the property line, however the City recommends keeping the fence at least three feet off the property line to allow for maintenance of both sides of the fence. Fences in the front yard do have setback requirements – please contact the City for the setback on your particular street. A permit is not required for a fence, however it is the responsibility of the homeowner to know where the property in line is and where any utility easements may be located.

feet in the side and rear yards. Front yard setback is 35 feet in the Single Family Residential (SFR) and Commercial (C) zones, 40 feet in the Island Residential (IR) zone, and 50 feet in all other zones. Only docks and boathouses may be placed within 40 feet of Lake Winnipesaukee.

What catches your eye? Is it a Towboat with a string of barges moving up a river, or a sleek yacht motoring away to the horizon, a squat and powerful tugboat pushing a freighter to the dock, or is it a menacing looking warship patrolling the sea-lanes? If you have a type of vessel you’re drawn to that’s where you should start.