"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 Infill Development in Texas Cities

Filling the Gaps: Why Infill Development Is on the Rise

As Texas cities grow, vacant lots and underutilized parcels inside urban cores are becoming prime opportunities for builders and investors. From townhomes in The Heights to mixed-use buildings in East Downtown Houston, infill development supports denser housing, walkable neighborhoods, and smart urban growth.

But infill isn’t simple. Older lots often have outdated legal descriptions, missing plats, or conflicting easements—and that’s where a professional land survey becomes essential.

At South Texas Surveying, we help real estate professionals, architects, and developers execute successful infill projects with accurate site data, fast turnarounds, and zoning-aware surveys.

Why Infill Development Requires a Land Survey

Infill properties are often:

• 🧱 Surrounded by older homes, fences, and non-conforming structures

• 🗺️ Mapped with outdated or incomplete plats

• 🚧 Located in zoning overlays, flood zones, or right-of-way corridors

• 🔌 Dependent on aging or shared utility connections

• 🧾 Missing clear legal descriptions or property markers

📎 Without a survey, you risk building on the wrong lot—or violating current building codes unknowingly.

Survey Types That Support Infill Projects

Survey TypePurpose for Infill DevelopmentBoundary SurveyConfirms legal lot lines in dense or irregularly developed areasTopographic SurveyMaps grading, elevation, and drainage—especially on narrow or sloped lotsALTA/NSPS SurveyProvides detailed data for title companies, engineers, and lendersImprovement SurveyShows fences, driveways, and existing structures near lot edgesReplatting SupportHelps when combining, dividing, or redefining lots for new uses

Houston Neighborhoods Where Infill Is Booming

• The Heights & Eastwood – Old lots, tight zoning, and drainage sensitivity

• Montrose & Third Ward – Multi-family and townhome infill in urbanized cores

• Independence Heights & Acres Homes – New builds on narrow legacy lots

• Pasadena & Baytown – Replacing commercial or mixed-use sites with modern housing

• Katy & Tomball Town Centers – Redevelopment of underused downtown parcels

How Land Surveys Support Infill Success

✅ Prevent Title and Lot Disputes

Older inner-city lots may be mislabeled or mismeasured in county records.

✅ Secure Permits Without Delay

Cities often require elevation, drainage, and lot line verification before issuing permits.

✅ Guide Creative Lot Design

Accurate surveys allow builders to maximize square footage while meeting setbacks and zoning codes.

✅ Avoid Conflict with Neighbors

A survey proves that fences, driveways, and other structures are—or are not—where they belong.

The Risk of Skipping a Survey in Infill Projects

• ❌ Building over a setback or easement

• ❌ Constructing on the wrong portion of the lot

• ❌ Delays due to unplatted land or lot irregularities

• ❌ Conflict with neighbors over shared driveways or access

• ❌ Needing a teardown or redesign due to missed flood elevation or right-of-way clearance

📎 In dense areas, inches matter—and only a professional survey can give you those inches with confidence.

Why Infill Developers Trust South Texas Surveying

✔️ Fast boundary, ALTA, topo, and improvement surveys for small-to-medium sites
✔️ Deep experience working in Houston’s oldest and most complex neighborhoods
✔️ Coordination with architects, engineers, and city permit offices
✔️ Serving Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Galveston, Brazoria, Liberty, and Waller counties

📞 Planning a new build on an old lot? Let South Texas Surveying map the way forward.

Infill Builds the Future—Surveys Protect It

Infill development is reshaping Houston and cities across Texas. But building smart, safe, and legally requires land data you can trust. Don’t start demo or design without it.

📍 Call South Texas Surveying to ensure your infill project starts strong and finishes clean.