Ordering an ALTA land survey too early, or without the right prep work, can cost you weeks. Missing paperwork, unclear scope, or site access problems all slow down the process. For developers working on tight timelines, that delay adds up fast.
This guide walks through what to check before you call a surveyor. Get these steps right, and your ALTA survey moves faster, costs less, and gives you data you can actually use for design and permitting.
Before you request a survey, know what the project actually needs. An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey follows a national standard, but the scope still depends on your project.
Ask yourself:
Different lenders and title companies sometimes want different details included. Some require flood zone data. Others want utility locations marked in more detail. Nail this down first. It saves your surveyor from guessing, and it keeps you from paying for a second site visit.
Write the scope down. Share it with your surveyor before you sign a contract. A clear scope is the single biggest factor in keeping your survey on schedule.
Old records cause more delays than almost anything else. Before ordering a survey, pull together everything you have on the property.
Gather these documents:
Hand all of this to your surveyor at the start. If your title commitment lists easements that don’t match older surveys, flag it early. Surveyors can research the discrepancy before fieldwork begins, instead of stopping mid-survey to sort it out.
Missing records don’t just slow things down. They can lead to a survey that misses something important, like an old utility easement that affects where you can build. A little digging upfront protects your project later.
An ALTA survey rarely stands alone. It works alongside title review, environmental assessments, and civil engineering plans. If these teams aren’t talking to each other, you end up paying for rework.
Before the survey starts, loop in:
Each of these parties may need specific information from the survey. Your engineer might need topographic detail for grading plans. Your lender might need the survey to match specific ALTA Table A items for loan approval.
Set up one conversation, even a short one, before the surveyor steps on site. It’s much cheaper than requesting a revised survey after the fact.
Surveyors need to physically access the property to collect accurate data. Anything blocking that access can delay the timeline or leave gaps in the final survey.
Check the site for:
If part of the site is inaccessible, tell your surveyor before the visit. They can plan around it, request permission from a neighboring owner, or schedule a return trip for after an obstruction clears. Finding out on-site wastes a trip and pushes your timeline back.
For larger properties, especially those with hillside terrain or seasonal creeks, mention any known access challenges tied to weather or terrain. It helps the survey crew prepare the right equipment.
The ALTA/NSPS standard includes optional items called Table A. These cover extra details beyond the minimum survey requirements, things like zoning classification, utility locations, or parking counts.
Not every project needs every item. But skipping ones you actually need means paying for a second visit later.
Think through:
Talk to your surveyor about which items apply to your project type. A small infill lot doesn’t need the same items as a shopping center or an industrial park. Choosing the right items upfront keeps your survey complete and avoids costly amendments.
What information should a developer gather before requesting an ALTA land survey?
Gather the title commitment, past surveys, recorded easements, and any known boundary or encroachment issues. Share these with your surveyor before fieldwork starts so they can plan research and site visits accurately.
Can changes to the development plan require updates to an ALTA land survey?
Yes. If the project scope, building footprint, or property boundaries change after the survey is complete, portions of the survey may need to be revised to reflect the new plan accurately.
Do all commercial projects need the same optional Table A items?
No. Table A items depend on project type, lender requirements, and site conditions. A retail development and a warehouse project often need different optional items included in the survey.
Who should review an ALTA land survey before development moves forward?
Your civil engineer, title company, and lender should all review the survey. Each one checks for details relevant to their part of the project, from grading plans to loan conditions.
Can inaccessible areas of a property delay an ALTA land survey?
Yes. Locked gates, overgrown vegetation, or active construction can block survey crews from collecting complete data, which may require a return visit and push back the timeline.
