"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 Mixed-Use Developments Across Texas

Blending Residential, Retail, and Office Requires Solid Groundwork

Mixed-use developments are on the rise in Texas—from walkable town centers in The Woodlands to vertical live/work/play projects in Downtown Houston. But while these projects offer diverse revenue streams, they also come with complex site planning challenges. The first step toward success? A comprehensive commercial land survey.

At South Texas Surveying, we support developers with detailed boundary, topographic, ALTA, and platting surveys that ensure mixed-use developments are legally compliant, spatially optimized, and ready for fast-track approval.

Why Mixed-Use Projects Require Advanced Surveying

Unlike single-use builds, mixed-use projects have:

• Multiple zoning layers on one parcel

• Shared infrastructure like driveways, parking, and utilities

• Vertical stacking of residential, retail, and office

• Strict requirements for ADA access and fire lanes

• Open space allocations, signage limits, and stormwater needs

• The need to plat or replat multiple parcels into one legal tract

A precise land survey is the only way to ensure each component fits together—legally and structurally.

Survey Services for Mixed-Use Developments

✅ ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey

Lenders and title insurers require these to verify ownership, easements, access, zoning compliance, and existing improvements.

✅ Topographic Survey

Captures elevation and grading details vital for drainage, ADA ramp compliance, and utility infrastructure.

✅ Boundary Survey

Ensures all proposed elements stay within the legal parcel and don’t encroach on neighboring land.

✅ Platting & Replatting

Combines or modifies legal lots to match your development footprint—required for permitting and financing.

Where Mixed-Use is Growing in Texas

• Downtown & Midtown Houston – Vertical developments with retail below and residential or hotel above

• The Woodlands & Springwoods Village – Master-planned walkable communities

• Pearland & Manvel – Suburban centers with apartments over retail

• Katy & Fulshear – Mixed-use projects along I-10 expansion corridors

• Conroe, Tomball, and Montgomery – Blended-use centers serving growing suburban populations

Case Study: Live-Work-Retail Hub in Spring

A developer planned a new mixed-use community with townhomes, retail shops, and co-working space in Spring, TX. South Texas Surveying provided boundary, ALTA, and topographic surveys, then worked with the civil engineer to assist with platting and site planning. By delivering clean legal descriptions and accurate elevation data, we helped the project move smoothly through county and city review.

Why Developers Trust South Texas Surveying

• ✅ Decades of experience in large-scale, multi-phase developments

• ✅ Proven coordination with city planners and engineers

• ✅ Fast turnarounds that meet aggressive project timelines

• ✅ Fully licensed, title company–approved deliverables

• ✅ Local insight into zoning overlays and permitting requirements

Mixed-use projects combine the best of residential, retail, and office real estate—but without the right foundation, they can unravel fast. With South Texas Surveying, you get surveys built to support your vision from concept to construction.