"Texas, often referred to as the Lone Star State, is a thriving hub for economic growth and innovation, making it an attractive destination for commercial real estate investment." - Chris Evans

Land Surveys for Commercial Development Along Texas Highways

High-Traffic Locations Come with High-Stakes Regulations

In Texas, some of the most valuable commercial properties are those with direct access to major highways and transportation routes. Whether it's I-10, I-45, SH-99 (Grand Parkway), or US-290, roadside land is prime real estate for gas stations, quick-service restaurants, truck stops, industrial yards, and retail centers.

But development near a highway isn’t just about visibility—it’s about compliance, safety, and access. That’s why any project near a Texas highway starts with one thing: a professional commercial land survey.

At South Texas Surveying, we help property owners and developers across the Houston metro area and surrounding counties prepare roadside properties for successful commercial use—without running into setbacks from TXDOT, county engineers, or utility providers.

Why Highway-Adjacent Projects Require Specialized Surveys

Developing near a major roadway involves multiple layers of regulatory oversight, including:

• 🛣️ TXDOT right-of-way setbacks

• 📏 Access permit restrictions

• 🚛 Driveway spacing and commercial traffic rules

• 🌊 Stormwater runoff and detention for impervious surfaces

• 🛑 Sightline and safety easement requirements

• ⚠️ Signage limitations and utility placement coordination

📎 A land survey reveals what’s legally possible—before you finalize a site plan or close on the property.

Key Survey Types for Highway-Side Commercial Projects

Survey TypePurposeBoundary SurveyDefines legal property lines and confirms no encroachment into ROWTopographic SurveyProvides elevation data for drainage and grading plansALTA/NSPS SurveyEnsures title clarity, legal access, and easement documentationImprovement SurveyMaps current structures and compliance with TXDOT proximity requirementsConstruction StakingMarks where driveways, signs, and buildings must go for code compliance

Types of Commercial Properties That Need Highway-Proximity Surveys

• 🛢️ Gas stations and convenience stores

• 🍔 Drive-thru restaurants and fast casual chains

• 🏗️ Industrial or logistics parks needing quick freeway access

• 🛍️ Retail centers along commuter corridors

• 🧰 Equipment rental yards or contractor supply depots

Each of these property types must carefully balance visibility and vehicular access with strict public safety and infrastructure rules.

Major Texas Corridors Where Survey Accuracy Is Critical

📍 I-10 West (Katy to Brookshire)

• Rapid development with limited driveway permits—surveys confirm spacing and drainage paths.

📍 SH-99 / Grand Parkway

• In Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, new commercial projects must meet evolving ROW and access standards.

📍 I-45 North (Spring to Conroe)

• High flood risk in parts of the corridor—topographic and drainage surveys required for permitting.

📍 US-290 Northwest Corridor

• Mixed rural-commercial land needing updated boundary and ALTA documentation.

Avoid Costly Delays and Access Denials with the Right Survey

• ❌ Building too close to a highway ROW can trigger redesigns or permit denial.

• ❌ Improperly placed driveways may violate traffic engineering standards.

• ❌ Drainage runoff onto TXDOT-controlled land can halt site approvals.

• ❌ Incomplete easement documentation can stall utility coordination.

📎 A survey gives your engineers and designers the green light—before money is spent on plans that won’t pass review.

Why Developers Choose South Texas Surveying for Roadside Projects

With decades of experience working around TXDOT corridors and high-growth highway areas, South Texas Surveying delivers:

✔️ Highway-compliant ALTA, boundary, and topographic surveys
✔️ Utility and ROW mapping to meet TXDOT and county requirements
✔️ Fast turnaround for developers targeting high-traffic land
✔️ Full service across Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Waller, Brazoria, Liberty, Galveston, and Chambers counties

📞 Got a high-visibility site in mind? Get a high-precision survey from South Texas Surveying.

The Best Commercial Sites Deserve the Best Surveys

A highway-side location can drive serious traffic—but only if your project meets strict access, drainage, and permitting standards. A professional land survey ensures you don’t just build near the road—you build legally, safely, and successfully.

📍 Contact South Texas Surveying and pave the way to a smooth commercial build near any Texas highway.