Most construction projects and property transactions involve Utah Land Survey. This survey is performed to establish, describe, and mark the boundaries of property corners on the earth’s surface.

There are many types of land surveys. Each method serves a different purpose. However, savvy surveyors know that combining techniques can produce a comprehensive picture of any site.

A professional survey of property boundaries is a critical step in preventing issues with neighboring properties, such as encroachments or legal disputes. Land surveyors use various techniques, including GPS technology and field measurements, to establish accurate property lines. They can also identify any easements or encroachments on the land.

Boundary disputes can arise for many reasons, including ambiguous deeds, shifting terrain, and inaccurate or aging survey records. Regardless of the cause, these disputes can lead to expensive legal battles. A thorough boundary survey can help resolve disputes before they escalate and prevent costly litigation down the road.

Imagine that you’re conducting a boundary survey on a rural property with rolling hills. While setting up your total station, you notice that the gnarled roots of an ancient oak tree appear to straddle the boundary line. You take a series of precise measurements, recording the position of the root system in detail. Later, when you overlay these data on a map, you discover that the tree indeed sits astride the boundary.

In this case, the professional land surveyor will recommend that the parties formally agree to designate the fence line as the property boundary. The agreement may be recorded in the land records, binding both the present and future owners of the property. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, a memorandum of understanding is another option. This document outlines the current status of the boundary and specifies that the surveyors will work together to resolve any disputes in the future.

Boundary Defects

Boundary defects can be problematic for land surveyors and their clients. They can lead to legal and financial issues that can be difficult to resolve. They often occur when property lines are incorrectly determined or staked.

During the course of a boundary survey, land surveyors identify and mark the corners of a property and note any buildings or structures on the site. They also record things like easements and encroachments. This process is crucial for legally defining a property’s boundaries. It’s also an effective tool for preventing legal disputes.

Many of the problems that cause boundary defects in surveying are due to latent ambiguities or patent ambiguities. These can be caused by a missing description of a line or by two different distances for the same call in the description. These types of errors can usually only be resolved by conducting a new survey and discovering which distance is correct.

Another common problem in land surveying is miscalculations. This can lead to a variety of problems, including misunderstandings between surveyors and their clients, as well as inaccurate property dimensions and measurements.

In addition to these errors, a land surveyor can also be liable for failing to provide up-to-date data and information. Changes in land conditions, such as erosion or new construction, can have a significant impact on the accuracy of a survey. This can lead to significant financial losses for clients, as well as costly delays in construction or development projects.

Subdivisions

A subdivision is the process of dividing one larger parcel of land into multiple smaller ones. This may be done for a variety of reasons, including residential development or the creation of new roads and utilities. Regardless of the purpose, a land survey is typically required before any work can begin. Land surveyors can assist developers and property owners in a variety of ways, including preparing a subdivision plat, navigating the approval process, and construction staking.

A plat is a legal document that illustrates the proposed lot layout and dimensions, including any relevant restrictions. It is usually submitted to the local planning or zoning department for review and approval. A surveyor can help guide the process by attending meetings or hearings with the planning commission or zoning board, addressing any concerns or modifications requested, and ensuring that all requirements are met.

In addition to describing the boundaries of each lot, the plat map also identifies and depicts necessary easements for utilities and access. This ensures that specific areas remain accessible for authorized purposes, and is an essential aspect of any land development project. Once the plat is approved, a surveyor can stake out the proposed improvements to help guide construction. This may include staking lot corners, road alignments, and utility easements. Once construction is complete, a final survey can verify that the improvements were constructed according to the approved plans and specifications.

Zoning Issues

Whether it’s planning new construction or assessing existing structures, land surveyors play a crucial role in helping people make the most of their properties. By precisely defining property boundaries, they help ensure that all parties involved in real estate transactions and development projects are protected. A detailed land survey can also help resolve zoning issues and avoid costly mistakes.

Zoning issues can arise when the legal description of a property does not match the actual square footage recorded on record, which can affect tax rates and cause confusion between neighbors. This can also lead to issues with building permits and encroachment. Land surveyors can accurately define the dimensions and features of a property so that builders, architects, engineers, and developers can plan and design with confidence.

A location survey is usually done for a title company or lender, and it shows how existing improvements on a property relate to the boundary lines set in a deed. It’s often necessary for getting a loan and complying with zoning permit requirements. This type of survey involves a field inspection and the identification of any physical monuments that demarcate the property boundaries.

Land surveys can provide valuable information about the site of a potential development project, such as setbacks, flood plains, and environmental concerns. They can also help builders comply with local codes and regulations, such as setbacks and density requirements. A land survey can also determine how far a structure can be from other buildings, and whether or not it may violate any easements or rights-of-way.

Building Permits

In many areas, it is essential for builders and property developers to acquire a building permit before beginning construction. The process of acquiring the permit involves submitting a survey to the local authority in charge of land improvement projects. The survey shows that the land has been inspected and is fit for development, while also meeting a number of other compliance criteria.

A survey can help you establish the boundaries of your property, avoiding potential legal disputes with neighbors. It can also be used to find any existing structures and identify zoning requirements. It can even help you determine the best location for a new home, barn or other structure.

Having a survey will also save you time and money when it comes to obtaining a building permit. Most city and county agencies require a survey to be submitted in order to obtain a permit.

Some municipalities have specific requirements for the type of survey that must be performed to obtain a permit. In these cases, a certified professional must perform the survey and submit it to the proper authorities.

It’s important to remember that a land survey is an in-depth undertaking that requires meticulous research and inspection of the site. It can take a couple of weeks for surveyors to complete a survey, which means prospective buyers and builders need to factor this into their planning schedules.

Property Taxes

When purchasing a property, buyers can often negotiate to have the seller pay for or contribute to a survey. This is an excellent way to ensure that the property you want has a clear and complete boundary description, which can help to resolve disputes about ownership and facilitate the sale process.

A land survey can also save you a lot of money in the long run. If you’re planning to add a shed, deck or pool, having an accurate property line will ensure that your addition doesn’t violate any local ordinances. It will also prevent your neighbors from arguing that your landscaping or new construction is encroaching on their property.

You can also use a land survey to find out how much your property taxes will be, based on the legal descriptions of the boundaries and corners in the property’s deed. To do this, locate a copy of your deed and look for the metes and bounds description laying out your property with bearings and distance measurements. Compare these to the measurements in your survey.

Aside from being useful for homeowners, land surveys can help in the development of new neighborhoods and subdivisions. They can also be used to establish easements, setbacks and encroachments. These important issues can have serious consequences for anyone who owns or plans to buy property. To avoid them, it’s essential to have a reliable land survey done by professionals.