"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 Streamline Development and Reduce Risk in Texas

In Development, Delays Are Expensive—Surveys Can Prevent Them

If you’re a developer in Houston, Conroe, Katy, or Pearland, you already know that speed and certainty are the name of the game. But what slows down deals, permits, and site work more than anything else?

Unverified site conditions and missing survey data.

At South Texas Surveying, we’ve helped hundreds of developers across Texas reduce permitting delays, avoid zoning headaches, and move forward with confidence—starting with a professionally executed land survey.

Why Surveys Are the First—and Most Important—Step in Development

Land surveys are not just a checkbox for permitting. They're the foundation of every phase of development, from land acquisition to project completion. A proper survey helps you:

• Confirm legal boundaries and title conditions

• Understand topography and drainage requirements

• Identify encroachments or easement conflicts

• Support permit applications and zoning changes

• Design efficient site plans based on accurate data

• Protect your investment from legal disputes or rework

Survey Types That Matter for Developers

✅ Boundary & Title Surveys (Category 1A / ALTA)

Used to define exact property lines, confirm access, and support title insurance and lender due diligence.

✅ Topographic Surveys

Map elevation changes, vegetation, and surface features for use in site grading, drainage, and engineering design.

✅ Platting/Subdivision Surveys

Required when dividing or reconfiguring parcels. Our plats meet city and county regulations across Texas.

✅ Construction Staking & As-Built Surveys

Ensure improvements are placed in accordance with plans, and document completed work for municipal compliance.

✅ Tree & Utility Surveys

Identify protected trees, utility locations, and service line access for environmental review and construction planning.

Real-World Example: Smoothing Permitting for a Developer in Tomball

A regional developer acquired 12 acres for a small industrial park in Tomball. By ordering a topographic and boundary survey before engineering began, they discovered that a drainage easement had shifted slightly in the county records. We updated the legal description, saving them 6–8 weeks in re-permitting and site redesign.

Without the survey, they would’ve broken ground only to hit a legal wall—and a major budget overrun.

Houston-Area Cities Are Tightening Requirements

With flood control, traffic congestion, and utility capacity under scrutiny, cities and counties around Houston—including League City, Spring, Friendswood, and Manvel—are applying more pressure on developers to submit complete, accurate site data upfront.

Getting your survey done right and early is no longer optional—it’s a competitive advantage.

Who We Work With

South Texas Surveying is trusted by:

• Residential and commercial developers

• Civil engineering firms

• Real estate attorneys and consultants

• Builders and general contractors

• Title companies and lenders

Whether you're planning a build-to-rent community in Magnolia, an office park in Conroe, or a retail development in Cypress, we deliver the insights and documentation to move quickly and stay compliant.

Why Developers Choose South Texas Surveying

• ✅ Fast, accurate data collection and turnaround

• ✅ In-house knowledge of Houston-area permitting processes

• ✅ Surveys tailored for development, not just compliance

• ✅ Responsive service and coordination with your design team

• ✅ Licensed, experienced crews covering Harris, Montgomery, Brazoria, Fort Bend, and surrounding counties

Every development project starts with questions: Where are the lines? What’s allowed? What’s buildable? A professional land survey gives you the answers you need to move forward without hesitation—and without risk.

Start smart. Survey first. Build faster.
Partner with South Texas Surveying today.