I am in the midst of closing on a house on 4/1 and one irritating problem are the twins, 2 identical barking dogs next door. I always forget, but I am hoping that the iron fence on the side of the house where the twins live belongs to the property I'm hoping to buy; what's the rule of thumb? I plan to put up a privacy fence to block my view of the twins' unsightly discharge. The only problem is that the house where the twins live is a large ranch that was built at ground level and there will probably be an issue because if a privacy fence was put up, it would block their light, I think. THANKS

Well first how tall of fense, there will be zoning laws on it, and you will have to get a buidling permit along with most likel a survey to insure it is on your property, your city will have a rule on how far inside the property line it has to be. Merely becauase a old fence is there, does not mean that is where the new fence will be approved for. It is not uncommon to have two or three fences between homes, I have two fences between me and one side yard. Three at one spot were an additional privacy fence was installed.

Also have you had a new survey of the property before closing to insure property lines

At the closing, if not sooner, you should receive a survey of the property showing the property lines and listing any improvements. Whether the existing fence is on the line or not, you will be able to build a fence as long as its within your property line. AND as long as its within zoning laws. So you should check with your local building department to see what the laws are so you know what you can do.