"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 Role of Land Surveys in Houston’s Growing Multi-Family Housing Market

Houston’s Multi-Family Boom Starts with a Survey

Houston’s demand for multi-family housing is on the rise. With population growth, urban infill, and changing renter preferences, developers are seizing the opportunity to build everything from garden-style apartments to high-density mixed-use communities.

But no matter the scale of the project, every multi-family development starts with a land survey. From site selection to final plat approval, land surveys provide the legal clarity and physical data needed to build safely, legally, and profitably.

Why Land Surveys Matter in Multi-Family Development

Multi-family projects require precise coordination of multiple elements—zoning, drainage, setbacks, utility access, and more. A land survey gives developers, architects, engineers, and lenders the verified information they need to:

• ✅ Understand exact property boundaries and acreage

• ✅ Confirm buildable area vs. restricted zones

• ✅ Ensure compliance with zoning, setbacks, and parking minimums

• ✅ Identify easements, rights-of-way, and utility corridors

• ✅ Support financing, permitting, and platting processes

📌 Without a survey, development risk increases—often leading to redesigns, permit delays, and legal disputes.

Surveys Used in Multi-Family Housing Projects

📐 ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey

• Required by lenders and investors in most multi-family deals

• Includes boundary lines, easements, improvements, access, utilities, and zoning classifications

• Helps underwriters assess legal and physical encumbrances on the property

🧭 Topographic Survey

• Maps the slope, elevation, and surface features of the land

• Used by engineers to design drainage systems, site grading, and road alignment

📏 Boundary Survey

• Confirms legal property lines and corner markers

• Important during land acquisition, especially for older or unplatted parcels

📄 Platting & Replat Surveys

• Required to divide or reconfigure lots

• Supports compliance with city and county subdivision ordinances

• Filed with local planning commissions before permitting

🛠️ Construction Staking

• Physically marks building footprints, roads, utilities, and parking areas on the ground

• Ensures accurate execution of site plans during the build

Challenges Unique to Multi-Family Surveying in Houston

🏙️ Zoning Variations

• Different zoning codes across Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties

• Setbacks, unit density limits, parking ratios, and open space requirements vary

🌊 Floodplain Management

• Many areas in Brazoria, Galveston, and Chambers counties require elevation certificates or flood mitigation strategies

• Topographic and floodplain surveys are often required before permits are issued

🛣️ Infrastructure Coordination

• Easement verification is critical for utility planning and drainage

• Surveys often support civil design for retention ponds, fire lanes, and city infrastructure tie-ins

Houston Neighborhoods Seeing Multi-Family Growth

• EaDo & Eastwood – Popular for mixed-use, mid-rise apartments

• The Heights – Infill projects with townhomes and small apartment complexes

• Spring Branch & Sharpstown – Redevelopment opportunities for larger properties

• Katy & Richmond – Suburban expansion with new apartment communities

• Conroe & Magnolia – Rural-to-suburban transitions with room for large developments

📍 Developers targeting these areas need surveys that comply with both city ordinances and county ETJ (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) regulations.

Why Developers Choose South Texas Surveying

South Texas Surveying has been working with builders and developers across Greater Houston for more than 40 years. We understand what’s at stake in a multi-family development, and we tailor our survey services to your project’s timeline, scope, and jurisdiction.

We provide:

✔️ ALTA/NSPS, boundary, topographic, platting, and staking surveys
✔️ Detailed coordination with engineers, architects, and title professionals
✔️ Fast turnaround and site access flexibility
✔️ County-specific compliance across Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Liberty, Waller, and Chambers counties

📞 Planning a multi-family project in Houston? Let South Texas Surveying be your first call.

Multi-Family Projects Are Built on Accurate Data

When units, utilities, drainage, and access all converge on one site, accuracy isn’t optional—it’s essential. A land survey lays the groundwork for smart site planning, fast permitting, and long-term investment success.

📍 Partner with South Texas Surveying for surveys that help your project stay on schedule, under budget, and fully compliant with Houston’s evolving development landscape.