SERVICES

Land surveys are maps created by a surveyor to determine and advise on property boundaries when a property is purchased, sold, or subdivided. Land surveys can break into several categories, and are each used to define or determine specific elements of a land survey. All surveys must meet the minimum technical standards that are established by the Board of Professional Surveyors and

Engineers.

Topographic Surveys report on the physical conditions and characteristics of a

property. This can vary from just listing locations of buildings to outlining improvements on a property based on design style surveys that reflect spot elevations, contours, grade breaks, utility structures, depths of utilities, and locations of rivers, streams, or gullies. It can also cover locations of street signage, striping trees, wells, and expansion joints, and it can even report specific conditions such as

type of paving, depth of stream, or if a tree is sick or dying. Topographic surveys are primarily created to develop property and are used by engineers and architects as the base map for design projects.

ALTA/NSPS Standard Land Surveys are surveys that are administered under guidelines established by the American Land Title Association and the National Society of Professional Surveyors that address a comprehensive list of various items that are typically of concern to lenders and title companies. ALTA/NSPS also dictate minimum allowable precision requirements, as well a minimum standard of practice for standardizing elements of a land survey. Most specifically, ALTA surveys can depict optional items as required to suit individual needs (Optional Table “A” Items) that can range from building height, nearest street intersection, zoning information, wetlands, and utilities. They can even specify minimum professional liability requirements.

Category 1A Condition II This type of survey refers to specific code in the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors Standards and Specifications. A Category 1A condition denotes a survey in which all corners must be staked, or identified, to provide the least amount of deviation in the survey. A condition II survey means it is conducted in an ‘Urban’ setting, meaning within the limits of an incorporated city; however, this excludes a recognized downtown business district.

A document that lists a building's location, the lowest point of elevation, flood zone, and other characteristics, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It is used to enforce local building ordinances and to help determine flood insurance rates.

The governmentally required process to obtain approval of a subdivision of real property pursuant to Tex. Local Gov't Code Chapter 212 (Cities) or 232 (Counties) and applicable local government regulations. Subdivision Plat (or Plat) - The written depiction of the lots, blocks, and reserves created by the subdivision of real property by a land owner participating in the platting process, which document will be recorded in the Official Public Records of Real Property of a county after it has received the requisite approvals.