The Boundary Line Agreement (BL AGR) provides a procedure for County review whenever a point or line determining the boundary between two or more parcels of real property cannot be identified from the existing public record, monuments, and landmarks or is in dispute. RCW 58.04.
In Washington State, boundary trees are considered common property of the adjoining landowners. Any decisions regarding the removal or substantial trimming of these trees must be agreed upon by both parties. Unauthorized tree work can lead to legal action and potential compensation claims.
These “side” issues include such matters as resolving substandard access to the public road and meeting bulk zoning regulations such as lot width and area. A Boundary Line Adjustment, then, is an Administrative action by the city or county planning authority. In contrast, a Boundary Line Agreement is a judicial action.
You and your neighbour can create a 'boundary agreement' to record: the boundary between 2 properties. who's responsible for maintaining a hedge, wall, tree or fence between 2 properties.
Be calm, firm, and clear about what you need. Have clear and reasonable consequences for crossing a boundary. If someone has a habit of talking over you, for example, you could say, “I feel disrespected when you talk over me. If you do that again, I'll have to end the conversation.”
If you want to change an existing boundary, such as replacing an old fence with a new one, we always recommend discussing with your neighbour first and making sure it is all agreed. The registered titles can help you to reach an agreement, but only if this information has been added.
But boundaries aren't going to work unless you believe that you have a right to them. This requires a shift how you think about your relationship. You have to change what you believe about your role in the relationship, because beliefs dictate actions.
Here are some tips for resetting them: Point out calmly that your boundary has been crossed. Reiterate the boundary you originally set. Explain again the impact their actions have on you. If needed, take space from the relationship temporarily. In serious cases, consider ending the toxic relationship.