People living in the Gatewood neighborhood recently discovered a backyard fence built across an alley, but it turns out the alley, not the fence, is out of line.

The alley is in the 7000 block just west of California Avenue Southwest. It's been there at least 60 years serving as a connector between Frontenac and Myrtle streets, say neighbors.

When a town house-style building was erected recently next to Caffe Ladro, the backyard was fenced and that closed off passage through the alley.

The Seattle Department of Transportation, which has dominion over the city's alleys, sent an inspector to the site. After examining the survey the builder had hired done on the property, the inspector determined the builder is correct and the private property line indeed does extend into what is now the alley, said Gregg Hirakawa, city transportation spokesman.

The survey indicated the alley right of way really lies west of the existing alley, he said. Theoretically it should run much closer to Gatewood Elementary School, which is due west of the alley. However there is a short but steep dropoff there. The first floor of Gatewood School next door is several feet lower than the alley.

It appears the alley was moved eastward of its right of way location on the map because the alley couldn't be built on a steep slope, even a short one.

As long as all of the businesses on the alley still have access to the alley, the situation is OK as far as the Transportation Department is concerned, Hirakawa said.

Tim St. Clair can be contacted at 932-0300 or tstclair@robinsonnews.com