ALTA Surveys – Surveys on Steroids (Part II)

by | Feb 14, 2019 | Surveying Related

An ALTA Survey is basically a boundary survey on steroids.  The minimum requirements for boundary surveys in the state of Missouri either meet or exceed the American Land Title Associations (ALTA) national requirements for surveys.  However, ALTAs can be much more in depth than what we show on a typical boundary survey.  The ALTA Table A provides over 20 different “add ons” to the surveying process.  Here is a list of some of the more obscure items that can be requested to have shown or addressed on the ALTA Survey:

  • Flood Zone classification
  • Topographic/vertical datum on the property
  • Current Zoning classification, setback requirements, height and floor restrictions, parking requirements
  • Height of all building structures
  • Relationship and location of shared party walls; determination as to if those walls are plumb
  • Governmental Agency survey related requirements (HUD, Bureau of Land Management, etc.)
  • Distance to nearest intersecting street
  • Use of airborne/mobile laser scanning, photogrammetric mapping, etc. for showing the location of certain features
  • Evidence of building construction or building additions
  • Proposed changes in street right of way lines and evidence of sidewalk construction/repairs
  • Field delineation of wetlands located on the property
  • Inclusion of plottable offsite easements that serve the property
  • Declaration of Professional Liability Insurance minimums

An ALTA Survey is really a boundary with all the bells and whistles.  While some options may seem out of the ordinary, they can affect how a property can be used and can be a contributing factor as to if the property is a “good fit” for what you want to do with it.

Information provided should not be considered legal advice and all buyers, agents and title companies should consult their attorneys for legal advice.

For More Information Please Contact Us At: Cardinal Surveying and Mapping  I   636.922.1001  I   www.cardinalsurveying.com