What Is a Property Boundary Line Adjustment in New Hampshire?

🏡 What Is a Property Boundary Line Adjustment in New Hampshire?

In many New Hampshire towns — including Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, Ashland, and Dorchester — property lines sometimes need to be legally adjusted.

A boundary line adjustment is an official process where two neighboring property owners agree to modify the location of the dividing property line.

These adjustments are commonly used to fix irregular boundaries, resolve access issues, or correct historical survey errors.

Here’s how boundary line adjustments work in New Hampshire.

⭐ What Is a Boundary Line Adjustment?

A boundary line adjustment is a voluntary, agreed-upon change to the lot line between two adjoining properties.

It typically involves:

✔ A new survey

✔ Written agreement between property owners

✔ Planning board approval

✔ Recording the new plan with the county registry of deeds

No new lots are created — only the shape or size of existing lots is modified.

⭐ Why Do NH Property Owners Request Boundary Line Adjustments?

Common reasons include:

• Fixing a driveway or access issue

• Adding road frontage

• Adjusting land after a survey reveals an error

• Cleaning up irregular or outdated lot shapes

• Ensuring structures comply with setback rules

• Transferring a small strip of land between neighbors

• Making a parcel more usable for building or selling

In rural areas especially, old lot lines may not match modern surveys, making adjustments necessary.

⭐ What the Process Looks Like in New Hampshire

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Hire a licensed NH surveyor

They map the existing boundaries and create a proposed adjusted plan.

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2. Property owners agree in writing

Both sides must voluntarily approve the new boundary.

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3. Submit to the town planning board

Most NH towns require a public meeting for review and approval.

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4. Record the final plan

Once approved, the new boundary is recorded at the county Registry of Deeds.

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5. Update town assessing records

The town updates parcel maps, tax cards, and GIS systems.

⭐ Do Boundary Line Adjustments Affect Property Taxes?

Possibly.

If one lot gains land and another loses land, the assessed value may change.

This is especially true if:

• Road frontage increases

• The land becomes buildable

• The adjustment corrects a prior access issue

Your town assessor will update values after the change is recorded.

⭐ Does a Boundary Line Adjustment Require a New Deed?

Often yes.

After the plan is recorded, property owners may need to:

✔ Record a corrective deed

✔ Update legal descriptions

✔ Ensure the title reflects the new lot dimensions

Your closing attorney or title company can prepare this paperwork.

⭐ Is a Boundary Line Adjustment the Same as Subdivision?

No — they are completely different.

Boundary Line Adjustment

➡ Moves or modifies an existing line

➡ No new lots are created

➡ Typically easier and faster

Subdivision

➡ Creates new lots

➡ Requires a more complex approval process

➡ Often involves road, utility, or frontage requirements

New Hampshire towns treat these processes separately.

⭐ Bottom Line

A boundary line adjustment is a useful tool for NH property owners who want to clarify, correct, or improve their land layout. It ensures:

✔ Accurate lot boundaries

✔ Clear legal descriptions

✔ Town approval and proper recording

✔ Better property usability

Before adjusting a boundary in Central NH, always work with a licensed surveyor and your local planning board to ensure the process is done correctly.

⭐ Keywords

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Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com