Replacement fence

[drs253]

What is the name of your state? Virginia

I recently bought a townhouse in Alexandria City, Virginia. The people I bought it from put up a fence in the front yard to replace the chain link fence that previously existed for over 20+ years. The city is now saying that the fence needs to come down and if I want to put up another one, I must get an easement from the city.
2) According to the survey we received when we bought the house, the first three feet of the front of the house is also not on the land we owned. It is very common in this part of the city for property lines to be misaligned with actual uses.

Couple questions:
1) Since the old fence had been up for so long, does the city have any right to "reclaim" this land? Does the law of Adverse Possession come into play?
2) If they do have this right, does this mean that they have to maintain the front yard since it is not technically mine?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[seniorjudge]

1) Since the old fence had been up for so long, does the city have any right to "reclaim" this land? Does the law of Adverse Possession come into play?

A: The city does not have to reclaim; it is already theirs. Adverse possession does not run against the government.


2) If they do have this right, does this mean that they have to maintain the front yard since it is not technically mine?

A: Yes, they are supposed to maintain their property ... but don't hold your breath.