A land survey is a crucial, official process conducted by professional surveyors to accurately measure and identify various features of a parcel of real property. Before physically setting foot on the land, Salt Lake City Surveyor meticulously research existing property records, including deeds, previous surveys, and legal descriptions. They may also consult public and private databases, maps, and aerial photographs to gather information. This preliminary research ensures that the survey is thorough and that the boundaries, easements, and other key elements of the property are correctly identified and recorded.
Whether you’re buying or selling, a land survey could be essential to your transaction. It can also help avoid encroachments, boundary disputes and other issues.
Boundary surveys are essential for property owners, developers, and mortgage lenders. They ensure that a property’s boundaries don’t encroach on neighboring plots of land, which helps prevent disputes and legal complications. Additionally, these surveys can help ensure compliance with local zoning and subdivision regulations.
To determine a property’s boundaries, surveyors perform various tasks, such as fieldwork, research, and mapping. This information is then compiled into a final report. While boundary surveys may seem simple, they are a complex process that requires specialized tools to complete accurately. These include GPS devices, theodolites, and other specialized instruments that allow surveyors to pinpoint accurate property lines. Additionally, some jurisdictions grant licensed surveyors a right to enter other people’s properties in order to complete the survey.
When performing a boundary survey, the surveyor will begin by researching property records, examining maps, and taking measurements. Using this data, the surveyor will then create a network of points known as a traverse and search for existing monuments. Once this is done, the surveyor will compare the results with historical records to arrive at a conclusion about property lines. Then, he or she will mark the new property boundaries with monuments and write up a report describing the findings.
The process of a boundary survey takes two to ten business days, depending on the location and size of the property. Once the survey is completed, the homeowner will receive a detailed map of their property with the surveyed boundaries and the new monuments. The report will also contain a written legal description, references to deeds, and the surveyor’s certification.
Subdivisions
During a subdivision survey, land surveyors analyze the property to determine the exact boundaries and prepare the lot layout. This involves determining the exterior boundaries and topography, and it includes an analysis of how the subdivision will affect the current land usage, including existing buildings, roadways, drainage and more. A surveyor will also ensure that the new lots meet setback and square footage requirements based on zoning regulations. This type of survey is often required when a large tract of land is being divided into smaller parcels.
A land surveyor will also review documents, records and other data to understand the history of the property and any restrictions that may exist. They will use advanced tools like total stations to measure and verify existing markers, monuments or pins to establish accurate boundary lines. This is essential when purchasing a property, resolving disputes and building structures near property lines.
Surveyors can also provide location surveys, which are similar to boundary surveys, but they include specific details about a site’s improvements and any existing structures. These types of surveys are often required for loan applications and obtaining a zoning permit. They are also helpful for developers who want to build on their property.
Other types of land services a surveyor can offer include construction layouts and wetlands surveys. A construction layout is a map or drawing that shows how an upcoming project will fit on the land and ensures that it adheres to zoning regulations. Land surveyors will place stakes to mark the location of buildings, curbs, roads and utilities. They will also mark the locations of any underground services, such as sewer, water and electric lines, manholes and more.
Wetlands surveys, on the other hand, are used to delineate wetland boundaries within and around a property. These surveys are important for preserving the environment and ensuring that a developer can get a permit to construct in wetland areas. This is because many wetlands are home to protected species and plants. Land surveyors can use a variety of tools and techniques to find wetland boundaries, including topographic maps, field sketches, georeferenced images and aerial photographs.
Buildings
Land surveying is an essential first step in the construction process. It identifies a property’s boundaries and topography, which inform many of the project’s later steps. Civil engineers and architects often request surveys before a home design or other project gets started, as this can help them understand how the terrain will impact their work.
For example, a home’s slope and elevation may affect where drainage systems need to be located. Knowing this information ahead of time can save a great deal of money and headaches during the construction process.
Getting the most out of your land surveying services requires choosing a company that provides extensive experience in both residential and commercial construction projects. It’s also important to choose a company that uses advanced technology, innovative management and proven research to ensure efficiency, consistency and accuracy for all of its surveys. This approach to the work is critical for delivering high-quality results that are ready for use in the field.
Boundary surveys are the most common type of land survey, and they establish precise property lines that match the land’s legal description. During these surveys, the surveyors will also identify any existing improvements on the site. These include structures like sheds, fences and swimming pools. In addition, ALTA/NSPS (American Land Title Association/National Society of Professional Surveyors) land title surveys are often required by mortgage companies and lenders before a mortgage can be approved.
Another type of land survey is a topographic survey, which describes the natural and man-made features on a parcel of land. It includes information such as the slope of the land, changes in elevation, vegetation and other factors. This type of survey is ideal for civil engineering and landscape design, as it helps create detailed maps of the property and gives a better understanding of the surrounding terrain.
Finally, a lot of existing buildings and infrastructure are being retrofitted to increase their seismic resistance. In these cases, the surveyors will take 3D scans of the structure to generate a digital model that illustrates its current condition and provides recommendations for upgrades. The model can then be used for planning and engineering, reducing costs and saving time.
Zoning
Whether it’s resolving boundary disputes, preparing site zoning maps or making land development projects viable, land surveyors stand at the crossroads of real estate and legal processes. The value of their expertise cannot be overstated, especially in a densely populated environment like New York. A deep understanding of local laws and practical experience help ensure precise surveys that hold up to scrutiny and pave the way for successful property projects.
During the initial meetings with the Surveyor, you should be sure to clarify what your needs are so that they can provide an accurate fee estimate. You may also want to provide copies of any survey maps, deeds or records of title. Once the Surveyor has all the necessary information they can begin their research through a variety of sources. They will then visit the property to locate iron pins, pipes and monuments as well as existing buildings, drives, sheds and any encroachments. This information is then compiled to produce a final survey plat that clearly defines the property’s boundaries.
If you’re planning on purchasing a property, it’s crucial to have a survey done. Lenders and title companies often require a land survey prior to approving mortgage loans or the transfer of ownership. Surveys determine property boundaries and identify any encroachments and easements that could complicate the transaction.
A professional land surveyor can also help you shape land use policy by recommending specific uses for your property based on its internal and external characteristics. They will take into consideration factors such as topography, geology, environmental restrictions, flood zones and more to make informed recommendations that meet local land use regulations.
During the construction of commercial real estate projects, it’s important to stay within local zoning regulations. A land surveyor can assist with zoning compliance by performing an inspection of the property before construction starts. This will allow them to detect any potential issues that might affect building plans or interfere with the zoning ordinances. By identifying these problems, they can help you modify your project to comply with the local zoning requirements and avoid any costly violations.