Whether you are developing a sprawling suburban subdivision of upscale, single family homes or simply trying to maximize the number of multi-family housing units on a small tract of urban land, the successful layout of any type of subdivision requires the expertise of a skilled surveyor.
Developers, housing contractors, real estate professionals and even the home owners who will eventually live there understand that creating an optimal subdivision lot requires a multi-faceted approach. By utilizing all the information provided through specific surveys, compliance can be ensured for all existing ordinances and requirements, including:
- easements for city services or utilities
- drainage and management of storm water run-off
- streets, roads, sidewalks and right-of-way requirements
- any applicable required setbacks
- green space or parkland dedication
- general access
In addition, surveys must also help enhance the visual aesthetics and maximize the space of the subdivision for positioning structures, improvements and landscaping elements. Ensuring that these basics points are covered is one way in which all sizes of municipalities can improve the level of public health and services and promote uniform growth that will benefit current and future residents.
Survey Types Commonly Used for Subdivisions
Surveys, especially those used to design subdivisions, include three commonly used types to provide a complete overview of the property and help developers, architects, engineers and builders deal proactively with any issues that might be found.
Boundary Survey
As the name suggests, a boundary survey helps to determine the actual property lines of both the entire piece to be subdivided, as well as the proper placement of boundary lines for each lot in the subdivision. This is done using the correct legal description found in the property deed as well as recognized corner markers. Boundary surveys are also useful in helping to expose encroachments and easements.
Topographic Survey
Used to map and identify the contours of the land, as well as any existing features, a topographic survey provides a clear, view of the actual features of the land. This can make positioning houses and other improvements much easier and help developers make better decisions about the design of the entire subdivision.
Site Survey
A site survey provides a method to inspect the actual area where the subdivision is to be located. By doing this, obstacles can be noted and dealt with and important aspects, such as orientation of structures and improvements can be optimized.
Often, especially if the subdivision projects is large or complicated, the assistance of other professionals will be needed, such as landscape architects and civil engineers