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Common Land Survey Questions in Houston and Surrounding Counties

Thinking About a Land Survey? You’re Not Alone

Whether you’re buying land, building a home, or developing commercial property, chances are you’ve got questions about land surveys—and they probably vary depending on where in the Houston area you’re located. From city lots in Harris County to wide-open rural properties in Liberty County, the survey process and requirements can differ across jurisdictions.

Below are some of the most common land survey questions we get from property owners, buyers, builders, and real estate professionals in Houston and nearby counties like Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Chambers, Liberty, and Waller.

Common Land Survey Questions in Harris County

🧭 Do I need a survey to sell my home in Houston?

Technically, not always—but most title companies or buyers will request one, especially if the previous survey is outdated or changes have been made to the property (like new fences or additions).

🌊 What if my property is in a flood zone?

Harris County includes many flood-prone areas. If you’re building or refinancing, you may need a floodplain survey or elevation certificate to satisfy FEMA, insurance, or city permitting requirements.

📏 What kind of survey do I need for a new driveway or fence?

A boundary survey will mark exact property lines so you avoid encroachments onto neighboring lots.

Montgomery County Land Survey FAQs

🏡 Can I build a guest house on my land?

It depends on zoning, but a boundary and topographic survey will help determine buildable space, setbacks, and drainage conditions.

🧾 Do I need a survey to divide my lot in The Woodlands or Conroe?

Yes—you’ll need a platting or replat survey, and it must be approved by the city or Montgomery County before recording.

🌲 Can a survey show tree locations or sloped areas?

Yes. Ask for a topographic or tree survey—especially important in wooded areas and planned developments.

Fort Bend County Survey Questions

🛠️ Is a land survey required for building permits?

Often, yes. If you're building in cities like Sugar Land, Katy, or Richmond, your contractor will likely need a boundary and topographic survey before applying for permits.

🧭 What if my land is in a MUD (Municipal Utility District)?

MUDs may have additional easements or access requirements. An ALTA or utility easement survey can clarify what's allowed on your property.

🏘️ I’m buying in a master-planned community—do I still need a survey?

Yes. Even new lots should be surveyed to confirm as-built conditions match the plat, especially if you're installing a pool, patio, or fence.

Brazoria County Land Survey Questions

🌾 How do I confirm the acreage on a rural property?

Request a boundary survey that includes GPS-verified measurements and legal descriptions. This helps avoid overpaying or discovering legal issues later.

🧱 What kind of survey do I need for a mobile home setup?

A boundary and site plan survey will show where your structure can be placed and whether it meets county setbacks and drainage requirements.

🌊 Does Pearland require floodplain surveys?

Yes, especially in new developments near Clear Creek. You may also need an elevation certificate for flood insurance.

Galveston County Land Survey FAQs

🏝️ What’s the best survey type for beach or bay properties?

An elevation and topographic survey is ideal. You’ll also want to confirm the coastal construction line with a registered surveyor.

⚠️ Do I need to worry about erosion changing my boundary lines?

Yes. Properties near the shoreline should be surveyed regularly to track erosion and protect property rights.

🏚️ Can a survey help with rebuilding after storm damage?

Absolutely. Surveys document structure placement, elevation, and flood zone data required by FEMA and city officials during reconstruction.

Chambers County Survey Questions

🚜 What kind of survey do I need to lease land for agriculture?

A boundary survey with marked corners is best. If you're adding infrastructure, a topographic survey helps with planning.

🏗️ Do I need a survey to build a workshop or barn?

Yes. Local permitting offices often require a site plan survey showing proposed structure locations and compliance with zoning.

Liberty County Land Survey Questions

🧭 How do I find the boundaries on a large rural tract?

A boundary survey with GPS mapping and physical markers is recommended. It’s also helpful for future fencing or subdivision.

🧾 Can I subdivide family land to give to relatives?

Yes, but a subdivision plat or replat survey will be required, along with local approval depending on where the land is located.

Waller County Survey FAQs

🏢 I’m building commercial space near I-10—what survey do I need?

An ALTA/NSPS land title survey will meet lender, title, and zoning requirements for commercial development.

🛤️ How do I confirm utility easements?

Ask for an easement and utility survey that overlays your title commitment with visible field features like power lines and meters.

How South Texas Surveying Helps Across All Counties

No matter where your property is located in the Houston region, South Texas Surveying is ready to answer your questions and provide:

✔️ ALTA, boundary, topographic, floodplain, and platting surveys
✔️ Fast turnarounds in Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Liberty, Chambers, and Waller counties
✔️ Support for homeowners, investors, real estate agents, and developers
✔️ Accurate documentation for permits, loans, title insurance, and construction

📞 Have a land survey question? Contact South Texas Surveying today—we’ve helped property owners across Houston and beyond for over 40 years.