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Doctrine of “Practical Location” (to Determine Boundary Line) Explained

In affirming Supreme Court’s determination of the location of a boundary line, the Third Department explained the doctrine of “practical location” which is used when the description of the land in deeds is inadequate:

As a general proposition, “[d]eeds and surveys indicate boundary lines by various descriptive elements or ‘calls’ which consist mainly of monuments, courses and distances, adjacent lands and area or quantity” … . Here, however, … our review confirms — that the subject deeds contain no specific bearings or directional calls and set forth only the vaguest description of the intended boundary line between the land originally conveyed to plaintiff and Laight. Indeed, [a surveyor] opined that the deeds in question were “so bad” that a boundary line could not be established absent either a boundary line agreement, which the parties apparently were unable to forge, or judicial intervention … . To that end, where a dispute exists as to the location of a boundary line, “the intent of the parties existing at the time of the original conveyance of the disputed property controls” … . Pursuant to the doctrine of practical location, “the practical location of a boundary line and an acquiescence of the parties therein for a period of more than [the statutory period governing adverse possession] is conclusive of the location of the boundary line” … . “[A]pplication of the doctrine requires a clear demarcation of a boundary line and proof that there is mutual acquiescence to the boundary by the parties such that it is definitely and equally known, understood and settled” … . Gibbs v Porath, 2014 NY Slip Op 07030, 3rd Dept 10-16-14

In another case, the Third Department found the “practical location” doctrine inapplicable.  Kennedy v Nimons, 2014 NY Slip Op 07036, 3rd Dept 10-16-14

 

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