"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

Planning a Parking Lot? Here’s Why You Need a Land Survey First

Parking Isn’t Just Asphalt—It’s a Regulated Asset

Whether you're developing a shopping center in Pearland, a medical office in Conroe, or a warehouse in Pasadena, parking plays a bigger role than you might think. It's not just a convenience—it's a zoning requirement, a design constraint, and in many cases, a code compliance issue.

And to do it right, you need a professional land survey before the first line is painted.

At South Texas Surveying, we help commercial developers, engineers, and architects build smart, code-compliant parking lots across the Greater Houston area—starting with precise boundary and topographic surveys.

Why a Survey Is Essential for Parking Lot Design

Before an architect or civil engineer can lay out parking spaces, drive aisles, and fire lanes, they need:

• Accurate boundary data to avoid encroachments

• Topographic details to ensure proper drainage and grading

• Easement locations to prevent conflicts with utilities or access roads

• ADA-compliant slopes and elevation data

• Setback and zoning verification

A land survey ensures your design meets both code and practicality, avoiding redesigns, delays, or failed inspections.

Types of Surveys That Support Parking Lot Projects

✅ Boundary Survey

Confirms legal property lines, helping you avoid building over setbacks or into adjacent lots.

✅ Topographic Survey

Provides crucial slope and elevation information, especially important for ADA ramps, drainage, and curb layout.

✅ ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey

Required for larger commercial developments, especially if lender or title insurance is involved.

✅ Improvement & As-Built Surveys

Used during and after construction to confirm everything—from curb placement to striping—is built as permitted.

Real-World Example: Saving Time in Sugar Land

A developer in Sugar Land was preparing to build a retail strip center. During permitting, the city flagged concerns about ADA compliance and emergency access. We stepped in to provide a detailed topographic and improvement survey, giving the design team exactly what they needed to adjust slopes and ensure drive aisle widths met code—avoiding weeks of back-and-forth with the city.

Who Needs a Survey for Parking Lots?

• Commercial property developers

• Franchisees and QSRs (Quick Service Restaurants)

• Office and medical developers

• Industrial property owners

• Civil engineers and site planners

• Real estate investment firms

Where We Work

South Texas Surveying provides parking-related commercial surveys across:

• Houston – Midtown, Galleria, Heights, Westchase

• Cypress, Katy, and Tomball

• Conroe, The Woodlands, Magnolia

• Pearland, Manvel, and Alvin

• Pasadena, Baytown, and South Houston

Why Partner with South Texas Surveying

• ✅ Trusted by civil engineers, developers, and commercial contractors

• ✅ Surveys tailored to permitting and ADA compliance needs

• ✅ Fast turnaround times and responsive coordination

• ✅ Deep experience in Houston-area zoning and drainage requirements

• ✅ Licensed professionals who understand site layout challenges

A parking lot might look simple on the surface—but under the pavement, it’s all about precision, drainage, and compliance. Make sure your project starts right—with a professional survey from South Texas Surveying.