Fencing my new yard, but neighbor's have one side of a fence already?

For the sake of good relations with your neighbors I would offer to pay half of the cost of their fence where is borders your lot. That is what we did when we moved into a new house. If someone was benefiting from your fence wouldn't you want them to do the same?

No you do not pay them. No you do not have to let them know you are putting up a fence. You have 2 options. 1) You can extend your fence from the existing one or 2. You can run a new fence backed up to the neighbors. The problem with not backing a new one against the neighbors is your new fence will not match the one that is there. The other issue is if your neighbor does not maintain the existing fence or wants to tear it down he can and you have no say in the matter. The only issue with placing fences back to back is weeds grow in between. Personally I have and I would do it again place them back to back. Whoever is putting your fence has to pull a permit anyway so ask what they think.

First, what kind of wire fence do you have? I'm just picturing chain link, which is usually not considered attractive and doesn't really add value to your house. A wooden fence (if decently done) would add value. Definitely you should have time to consider, but if your neighbor is willing to shoulder the workload/expense, i'd let her put up a wooden fence (but i'd try to talk her out of vinyl). You might consider offering to help pay for the fence if you can provide input on the design--and contractors would probably give you guys a deal on fencing two yards simultaneously.

You should speak with your neighbors and/or to your local town center. I have seen it where two yards have fencing around each yard and a small space of just a couple of feet between the two fences.

My daughter has the same situation where one side of the fence is shared and belongs to her neighbor. She lives in South Carolina.

So asking questions is the best approach.

If you want to avoid having to put a fence on that side of the property you can run your fence right up to the edge of theirs and not fence that side but they have the right to take down their fence if they want in the future. You dont need to pay them. It is to your benefit to help maintain that section of fence. I am assuming the fence is high enough to satisfy your needs. You dont need to inform anyone or get permission to put up a fence unless you are in a home owners association. Height of fence can be determined by city regulations. Up to six feet is usually standard. It never hurts to bepolite and to get aquainted with your neighbors.

I don't see how they can stop you from taking advantage of their fence. Just but up to their fence and go on. In the event of repairs to damages done to their fence from natural forces it would behoove you to help in the repairs.If your dog tears their fence up, fix the fence and buy the beer.

Talk to anyone who knows the codes.