What is meant by the term “property encroachments”?

The term “property encroachments” specifically refers to instances where a structure or improvement extends beyond the legal property boundaries and infringes upon the area of an adjacent property. This can lead to significant legal issues, including disputes between property owners and potential requirements for the encroaching structure to be removed or modified. Encroachment can occur in various forms, such as fences, buildings, or trees that cross over property lines without permission from the neighboring landowner. Understanding this definition is crucial for property owners as well as inspectors, as it helps identify potential legal complications that may arise from such situations.

In contrast, the other options describe unrelated concepts. Improvements that enhance property value do not constitute encroachments, as they remain within the property's legal boundaries. Unapproved modifications to public property or extensions of gardens beyond designated areas may involve regulatory or aesthetic concerns, but they do not specifically address the legal implications tied to property lines that encroachments entail.