"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 Support Real Estate Development in Houston

Building Houston’s Future Starts with a Survey

As Houston continues to grow into one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the country, developers are transforming land into residential communities, commercial centers, and mixed-use hubs. But before any shovel hits the ground, every successful development starts with one thing: a professional land survey.

Whether you're investing in infill lots in Montrose, building multifamily housing in Katy, or developing industrial parks in Waller County, surveys lay the legal and structural foundation for everything to come. They support compliance, help secure financing, and ensure long-term success for any project.

The Role of Land Surveys in the Development Process

Land surveys are used at nearly every phase of development:

🧾 Due Diligence & Land Acquisition

• Confirm the property’s boundaries and legal description

• Identify encroachments, easements, and access points

• Support feasibility studies and investment analysis

📌 A boundary or ALTA survey can reveal red flags before you purchase—protecting your bottom line from the start.

📄 Zoning, Permitting & Site Planning

• Verify compliance with city or county zoning ordinances

• Determine buildable areas, setbacks, and right-of-way boundaries

• Support subdivision and platting applications

📌 In Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties, permits may be denied or delayed without a current land survey.

📐 Design & Engineering

• Map topography, drainage flow, tree locations, and elevation

• Help engineers design site grading, utilities, and road layouts

• Provide base maps for architects and project managers

📌 A topographic survey is key for planning retention ponds, ADA compliance, and utility trenching.

🛠️ Construction Phase

• Construction staking ensures accurate placement of structures, utilities, and access roads

• Helps contractors follow the approved site plan with precision

• Reduces costly mistakes and rework

📌 From foundation pour to final paving, staking surveys keep your project aligned and on time.

🧾 Final Compliance & Resale

• As-built surveys document exactly what was built

• Support inspections, occupancy approvals, and future resale

• Used for condo mapping, lease lines, or resale packages

📌 Investors and brokers in Houston, Pearland, Conroe, and Galveston rely on post-construction surveys to close deals faster.

What Type of Survey Do You Need for Development?

Survey TypePurposeBoundary SurveyConfirm legal limits before purchase or development beginsALTA/NSPS SurveyRequired for commercial financing and high-detail site dataTopographic SurveyMaps elevation and surface features for engineering designConstruction StakingLays out building corners, utilities, and roadways on-sitePlatting / Replat SurveyRequired to legally divide, combine, or record land parcelsAs-Built SurveyDocuments the final built condition of the project

Houston-Area Development and County-Specific Considerations

📍 Harris County

• Urban infill requires tight boundary and utility surveys

• Projects must meet strict drainage and floodplain regulations

📍 Fort Bend County

• Developers must often coordinate with MUDs and utility districts

• Platting and subdivision surveys are key to zoning and permitting

📍 Montgomery County

• Custom homes and large-acre developments rely on GPS boundary and topographic surveys

• ETJ rules affect development in unincorporated areas

📍 Brazoria & Galveston Counties

• Coastal areas may need elevation certificates and FEMA compliance

• Surveys are used to determine flood risk and permit eligibility

📍 Waller, Liberty & Chambers Counties

• Surveys help plan large-scale logistics, energy, and agricultural projects

• Easement and access surveys are essential for rural tracts

How South Texas Surveying Helps Developers Build with Confidence

With more than 40 years of experience, South Texas Surveying supports developers, engineers, architects, and investors throughout the Greater Houston area. We understand the survey requirements at every stage of the real estate development lifecycle.

We offer:

✔️ ALTA, boundary, topographic, staking, and platting surveys
✔️ County-specific compliance support
✔️ Fast turnaround to meet development schedules
✔️ Direct collaboration with engineers, title companies, and city officials

📞 Planning a new development? Let South Texas Surveying help you build it on solid ground.

Every Great Development Begins with a Clear Plan—and a Precise Survey

From land acquisition to final inspection, land surveys give developers the confidence to build legally, efficiently, and profitably. In Houston’s fast-moving market, accurate survey data isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

📍 Serving Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Liberty, Waller, and Chambers Counties, South Texas Surveying is your trusted partner in Houston real estate development.