Let me see if I can describe this a bit better.
Yes, Swede, wooden privacy fence. It is 5'. On the immediate other side of it is a small paved area, like a sidewalk, that is about three feet wide. That pavement runs parallel to the neighbors house, and fully encompasses the space between the fence and their home. If my arms were a bit longer I could touch their house from my side of the fence. Total distance from the fence to their home is probably 3.5 feet. They have a low sloping roof that is probably only 7 feet at it's lowest point.
So the layout is my garage...5 ft....fence...3 ft...neighbors house. They are never on this side of the house ever. There is no reason to be. No grass to cut. Nothing to see. So I think it will be a good place to put the bees because it will really encourage them to go up and over.
However! I have exceptionally limited space. I cannot put the boxes 3 feet from the fence and still have room to move around them. So what I'm trying to determine is whether or not I can put them, with the hive entrances facing the fence, within say 12 inches or less of the fence. That would accommodate the depth of the boxes and the depth of me toting things and moving around behind them. - It seems from what Joseph says that is a possibility.
This is otherwise the ideal spot. There is dappled sun all day, ready water, and they are completely protected from yard traffic, dogs, and general visibility from nosy neighbors. I can't say that about any other place, so I'm hoping I can move them close. There are other places they could go if necessary, but none as well suited otherwise.
Thoughts? And thanks, as always, for the help!