How to Ask Permission to Document a Design Element on Private Property

Spot a gorgeous pergola on someone else's property? Want to sketch or photograph it so you can plan a duplicate for your own property? Follow these rules of etiquette for seeking permission to do so.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pencils
• Sketchbooks
• Cameras

1. Dress conservatively for this outing. When approaching strangers in their homes, fashion is less important than appearing to recognize the virtue of civilizing constraints.
2. Stand at the gate and call out "Hello!" If someone is at home and responds, smile, wave and hold up your camera or sketch pad.
3. If there's no gate, march right up to the front door and knock.
4. Make your request quick, direct and, above all, polite: "Excuse me for intruding upon you, Sir/Madam, but I was admiring your picket fence and wonder if you would mind if I sketch it. I'd like to copy it in my yard. I won't take more than 15 minutes."
5. Go away if you are refused permission.
6. Write the property owner a short, polite note if no one is home or the property's gate is closed. Make a brief, direct request, such as "In passing your house I was admiring your pergola and I'd like to copy it in my yard. I wonder if you would allow me to return at your convenience to sketch it. I won't take more than 15 minutes. Please call me if this would be convenient."

Tips & Warnings

• Beware of dogs when stepping onto private property.
• Stay in the public right-of-way to snap a photo or make a sketch if you have not been invited onto the property by its owner. Even a quick foray onto private property is trespassing.