"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

The First Step in Commercial Site Selection? A Professional Land Survey

Location Isn’t Everything—Data Is

When developers and investors evaluate a site for commercial use, they look at demographics, traffic flow, zoning, and visibility. But none of that matters if the site isn’t feasible to build on—or if it comes with hidden legal or physical issues.

That’s why every successful commercial project should begin with a professional land survey.

At South Texas Surveying, we work with developers, engineers, and commercial brokers across Houston, Pearland, Spring, and The Woodlands to deliver the boundary, topographic, and ALTA data needed to make smart site selections—and avoid costly surprises.

Why Site Feasibility Depends on Surveying

A land survey is the only way to understand the true physical and legal boundaries of a potential development site. Without it, your project could face:

• Encroachments or boundary disputes

• Floodplain limitations or grading issues

• Inaccessible utilities or rights-of-way

• Easements that restrict how the land can be used

• Zoning setbacks that reduce buildable square footage

These factors can impact everything from layout to construction costs—and even kill deals entirely if uncovered too late.

Types of Commercial Surveys for Site Selection

✅ Boundary Survey

Establishes precise legal boundaries of the site—crucial for title work, financing, and site layout.

✅ Topographic Survey

Maps elevation, drainage, and terrain changes—critical for grading, drainage, ADA compliance, and foundation planning.

✅ ALTA/NSPS Survey

Provides the full picture for lenders and title companies, including easements, improvements, access, zoning, and more.

✅ Platting Survey

Required if land must be subdivided or replatted to meet city or county development guidelines.

Use Case: Avoiding a Misstep in Pasadena

A retail developer was under contract for a corner lot in Pasadena, planning to build a fast-casual restaurant. Our ALTA and topo surveys uncovered overlapping utility easements that would have cut into the proposed parking layout—making the site noncompliant with city code.

Because we delivered the data before the feasibility deadline, the developer was able to cancel the deal and redirect funds toward a more viable site in Tomball.

Who Needs a Site Survey?

• Commercial developers evaluating land

• Retail chains and QSRs planning new locations

• Medical and office builders seeking code compliance

• Industrial developers building warehouses or logistics hubs

• Real estate brokers and consultants helping clients purchase land

Where We Work

South Texas Surveying provides commercial site surveys across:

• Houston Metro – including Midtown, Energy Corridor, and East End

• Katy, Cypress & Tomball

• The Woodlands, Conroe & Montgomery County

• Pearland, Manvel & Brazoria County

• Pasadena, Baytown & Deer Park

Why Developers Trust South Texas Surveying

• ✅ Decades of commercial surveying experience

• ✅ ALTA/NSPS, Category 1A, topographic, and boundary surveys

• ✅ Fast turnarounds that meet due diligence timelines

• ✅ Local knowledge of permitting and planning department requirements

• ✅ Collaborative approach with engineers, architects, and lenders

If you're scouting a site for commercial development, don’t go in blind. A land survey gives you the data you need to make informed decisions, minimize risk, and move forward with confidence.

South Texas Surveying is your first step toward a successful build.