Boundary Verification Checklist
Know Your Property Lines Before You Build
Why This Matters
Knowing your exact boundaries protects you from:
Building on your neighbor’s property
Violating setback requirements
Unexpected demolition orders
Barangay disputes
Permit rejections
Do this first, before anything else.
✅ Download Boundary Verification Checklist PDF
Step 1: Verify Your Lot Line Before Construction Starts
Don’t rely on approximations. Get exact boundary markers.
Hire a Licensed Geodetic Engineer (LGE)
☐ Found and hired LGE
Engineer’s name:
License #:
Contact:
Date hired:
Request a Survey
☐ Requested a lot survey or relocation survey
Survey type: ☐ Lot survey ☐ Relocation survey
Survey completion date:
Cost:
Permanent Boundary Markers (Mohon)
☐ Mohons placed at property corners
Number of mohons installed:
Material used: ☐ Concrete ☐ Metal ☐ Stone
Date installed:
☐ Mohon locations marked on the lot plan
Lot plan received: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Saved at (physical/digital location):
Keep Legal Documents
☐ Collected and filed boundary documents
Documents I have:
☐ Approved subdivision plan
☐ Survey plan
☐ Tax map
☐ Survey report from LGE
☐ Other:
Files saved at (physical/digital location):
Important Reminder!
Never move or remove a mohon without a licensed geodetic engineer present and proper documentation. This is a criminal offense under Article 313 of the Revised Penal Code.
If Building ON the Property Line
Only if you’re planning a shared fence or wall with your neighbor:
☐ Obtained written agreement with neighbor
Agreement obtained: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Not applicable
Date signed:
☐ Agreement covers:
☐ Cost-sharing arrangement
☐ Maintenance responsibilities
☐ Future modification terms
☐ Other:
Agreement filed at (physical/digital location):
Step 2: Confirm Required Setbacks With Your Local Zoning Office
Visit your local Office of the Building Official (OBO) or City Planning Office to get your specific setback requirements.
Visit the Zoning Office
☐ Visited local zoning office
Office name:
Address:
Date of visit:
Staff member who assisted:
Confirm Zoning Classification
☐ Verified my lot’s zoning classification
My lot is classified as:
☐ R-1 (Single-Detached Residential)
☐ R-2 (Duplex or Single-Attached Residential)
☐ R-3 (Rowhouse or Low-Rise Residential)
☐ Other:
Get Required Setback Measurements
☐ Obtained required setback measurements (in meters)
Front setback:
Side setback (left):
Side setback (right):
Rear setback:
If R-2 or R-3 Classification
☐ Confirmed firewall requirements
Firewall required on shared side: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Zero setback allowed on firewall side: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Firewall specifications:
Get Written Documentation
☐ Requested copy of local zoning ordinances
Copy received: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Document name:
File saved at (physical/digital location):
Step 3: Check for Easements and Right-of-Way Restrictions
Some areas inside your lot cannot be built on due to easements or right-of-way rules.
Road Easement
☐ Checked for road easement
Office checked:
☐ City Engineering Office
☐ Municipal Engineering Office
☐ Barangay Office
Road easement exists: ☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes:
Distance from road center (in meters):
No-build zone width (in meters):
Reason: ☐ Future road widening ☐ Road access ☐ Other:
Water Easement
☐ Checked for water easement
Nearest water body: ☐ River ☐ Creek ☐ Estero ☐ None
If applicable:
Distance from water edge (in meters):
Required open space (usually 3 meters minimum):
Documentation received: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Utility Easement
☐ Checked for utility easements
Power lines on or near property: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Water pipes on or near property: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Drainage on or near property: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Offices visited for verification:
☐ NGCP (power transmission)
☐ Local electric cooperative:
☐ Maynilad / Manila Water / Local water district
☐ DPWH (drainage)
☐ Local utility office:
If a utility easement exists:
Type:
Width of easement (in meters):
Documentation received: ☐ Yes ☐ No
Filed at (physical/digital location):
Right-of-Way
☐ Checked for right-of-way
Right-of-way exists: ☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes:
Purpose:
☐ Neighbor access to their property
☐ Utility company access
☐ Government access
☐ Other:
Width required (in meters):
Documented in: ☐ Title ☐ Survey plan ☐ Agreement ☐ Other:
Mark Your No-Build Zones
☐ Marked all no-build zones on my lot
Method used:
☐ Stakes with markers
☐ Spray paint on ground
☐ Rope/string markers
☐ Flagging tape
☐ Marked on site plan
☐ No-build zones include:
☐ Setback areas (front, sides, rear)
☐ Road easement
☐ Water easement
☐ Utility easement
☐ Right-of-way
☐ Other:
Date marked:
Boundary Verification Complete
Final Checklist
Before proceeding to blueprint or construction:
☐ Lot lines verified with mohons in place
☐ Survey documents received and filed
☐ Zoning classification confirmed
☐ Setback requirements obtained in writing
☐ All easements identified and documented
☐ Right-of-way confirmed (if applicable)
☐ No-build zones marked on site
☐ All documents organized and filed
Boundary verification complete: ☐ Yes ☐ Need to complete items above
Documents filed at (physical/digital location):
What’s Next
Now that you know your boundaries, you’re ready to secure a blueprint that fits your lot correctly.
Read: Sakto or Sulit: Which Boundary Mindsets Are You Building With? - Understand setbacks, easements, and the right mindset for your build
Then read: No Matter Your Situation: How to Secure Your Blueprint - Whether you’re on a tight budget, mid-build, hiring professionals, or thinking DIY, this Dispatch shows you how to get your plan
Disclaimer: Kapwa Homeowner is not a licensed engineer, architect, or construction professional. The information shared on Construction Pulis is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. Every construction project is unique, so always consult licensed professionals for your specific situation.