"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

How Land Surveys Support Utility Planning in Texas Commercial Developments

Utilities Make Projects Work—Surveys Make Utilities Work

Whether you're developing a medical plaza in Katy, a mixed-use center in Conroe, or a logistics hub near Baytown, every commercial development relies on accurate utility access—and that access starts with a land survey.

Planning for sewer, water, electrical, drainage, and telecom infrastructure isn’t optional. But without professional survey data, your utility design can lead to conflicts, delays, redesigns, or rejected permits.

At South Texas Surveying, we help commercial developers across the Houston region build smarter by mapping the existing and proposed utility framework—above and below the surface.

Why Utility Planning Requires a Land Survey

Utility infrastructure is invisible—until it’s in the way. Without a survey, you might be placing buildings, driveways, or stormwater systems on top of:

• 🛑 Underground lines or easements

• 🧱 Outdated or misaligned utility corridors

• 🧾 Legal encumbrances preventing relocation

• ⚠️ Shared access lines not reflected in public maps

📎 A utility conflict discovered mid-project can shut down an entire site.

How Surveys Help with Utility Layout and Design

Survey FeatureUtility BenefitTopographic ElevationsGuides stormwater flow, gravity sewer lines, and drainage infrastructureBoundary MappingConfirms legal utility corridors and setbacksEasement IdentificationHighlights rights-of-way for public or private utility providersALTA/NSPS Survey DataShows title exceptions tied to utility placement or capacity agreementsConstruction StakingLays out trench paths, meter placements, and connection points accurately

Critical Utility Considerations in Texas CRE Projects

🔌 Electric Service

• Transformers, access boxes, and poles must meet clearance rules

• Easement encroachments can delay or deny service requests

💧 Water and Sewer

• Gravity systems depend on elevation—surveys ensure proper slope

• Shared utilities must be documented before design approval

🌩️ Telecom and Fiber

• Often require underground conduit space that may interfere with driveways, signage, or structural elements

🌧️ Stormwater and Drainage

• Most counties require surveys with elevation data for drainage reports and detention pond sizing

📌 Surveys ensure all of this is coordinated before construction drawings are finalized.

Where Utility Surveying Is Most Critical Around Houston

• Fort Bend (Richmond, Katy): Extensive MUD and utility district coordination

• Montgomery County (Conroe, Magnolia): Limited existing utility grid—surveys needed for infrastructure planning

• Pasadena & Baytown: Heavy industrial zoning with utility clearance and safety requirements

• Brazoria County: Fast suburban growth requires detailed utility easement verification and flood elevation data

• Waller County: New builds often require private utility access and cross-parcel agreements

Avoiding Utility Delays with Proper Surveying

A professional land survey helps developers:

• ✅ Submit complete permit packets

• ✅ Coordinate with public and private utility providers

• ✅ Avoid redesigns that delay bids and approvals

• ✅ Protect against lawsuits over blocked access or easement conflicts

• ✅ Ensure fire hydrant and drainage compliance for final inspections

Why Developers Rely on South Texas Surveying

South Texas Surveying brings 40+ years of experience helping commercial property owners, engineers, and architects plan smarter utility layouts. We offer:

✔️ Boundary, topographic, ALTA, and construction staking surveys
✔️ Fast turnaround for utility coordination with engineers and city planners
✔️ Detailed utility easement and setback data tailored to each county
✔️ Coverage across Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Chambers, Liberty, and Waller counties

📞 Don’t let utility conflicts delay your project. Call South Texas Surveying today and build it right—from underground up.

Utility Access Can Make or Break a Commercial Site

If water can’t flow, electricity can’t connect, or drainage can’t drain—your project can’t move forward. Land surveys don’t just guide buildings—they clear the path for everything your building needs to function.

📍 Start smarter. Work with South Texas Surveying and map every connection before you build.