"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 Commercial Land Surveys Streamline the Permitting Process in Houston

Permits First, Problems Later—Unless You Survey Early

In Houston’s fast-moving commercial real estate market, developers often move quickly to secure land and finalize financing. But getting a project permitted—whether for a retail center, warehouse, or medical office—is where deals either accelerate or stall.

The difference? A professional land survey.

At South Texas Surveying, we provide accurate, permit-ready commercial surveys that help developers meet city requirements, resolve red flags early, and stay on schedule from site acquisition to certificate of occupancy.

Permitting in Houston: Why Surveys Are Essential

Houston may be known for having no formal zoning, but the development process is anything but unregulated. The City of Houston and surrounding counties enforce:

• 🧾 Minimum lot size and width requirements

• 🛣️ Access and right-of-way setbacks

• 🌊 Floodplain management and elevation standards

• 🧱 Building lines and easement restrictions

• 🚧 Drainage and grading rules for impervious surfaces

• 🅿️ Parking, driveway spacing, and curb cut guidelines

📎 Without a survey, your application can be rejected—wasting time, triggering redesigns, or losing your construction window.

Survey Types That Support Permitting

Survey TypePermitting Use CaseBoundary SurveyConfirms legal lot dimensions, corners, and encroachmentsTopographic SurveyRequired for site grading, drainage planning, and elevation dataALTA/NSPS SurveyNeeded for title/legal approvals before site plan submittalsImprovement SurveyMaps buildings, fences, curbs, utilities, and signage placementConstruction StakingEnsures build-out aligns with approved permit drawings

📌 These are especially necessary in flood-prone and redevelopment-heavy areas like Houston Heights, EaDo, Westchase, and Alief.

How Surveys Help Developers Get Permits Faster

✅ Clean Site Plans

• Accurate surveys reduce back-and-forth with engineers and plan reviewers

• Ensures buildings meet setback and coverage limits the first time

✅ Drainage and Grading Compliance

• Topo data supports required stormwater and flood control documentation

• Helps calculate runoff and impervious cover ratios

✅ Access and Traffic Flow

• Confirms legal access from public roads

• Helps position driveways and parking to meet local codes

✅ Utility and Easement Validation

• Documents sewer, water, gas, and utility corridors before permitting

• Prevents delays due to construction across public easements

Permitting Bodies in Houston That Require Survey Data

• City of Houston Planning & Development Department

• Houston Public Works – Infrastructure & Development Services

• Harris County Engineering Department

• Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Brazoria County Drainage Districts

• Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) and Local Management Districts

📎 Submittals without accurate land survey data are frequently rejected, causing weeks (or months) of delay.

Why Permitting Delays Cost More Than a Survey

Every day you’re waiting on a permit costs money:

• 🏗️ Contractor rescheduling

• 🛑 Missed ground-breaking deadlines

• 📉 Lost investor confidence

• 💸 Holding costs, taxes, and insurance pile up

• 🏢 Leasing delays push back income

A single boundary error or missed elevation issue can derail even the best-laid development plan.

Why Developers Across Houston Choose South Texas Surveying

With over 40 years serving Greater Houston, South Texas Surveying is trusted by developers, engineers, and general contractors to deliver:

✔️ Fast, accurate commercial survey packages
✔️ Permit-ready topo and boundary data for site plan submittals
✔️ ALTA/NSPS surveys accepted by title companies and city officials
✔️ Service across Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Chambers, Liberty, and Waller counties

📞 Need a survey to move your project forward? Let South Texas Surveying be your first call before permitting becomes a problem.

Permitting Success Starts with a Survey

Commercial permits in Houston aren’t just paperwork—they’re project lifelines. A survey provides the clarity, accuracy, and compliance you need to move from plan review to construction fast.

📍 Trust South Texas Surveying to get your site—and your permits—across the finish line.