How Commercial Surveys Support Multi-Tenant Property Development

"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 Surveys Support Multi-Tenant Property Development

Multi-tenant commercial properties—shopping centers, office buildings, medical plazas, and retail strips—are expanding rapidly across Texas. These projects require careful planning because each tenant brings unique requirements for utilities, parking, drainage, signage, and access.

A commercial survey lays the foundation for designing a property that functions efficiently and complies with city regulations. Here’s how surveys support every stage of multi-tenant development.

1. Determining the Optimal Building Footprint

Before a multi-tenant building is designed, developers need accurate data on:

• Setbacks

• Property lines

• Existing improvements

• Right-of-ways

• Buildable areas

This ensures the site plan meets city zoning requirements from the start.

2. Planning Shared Parking Layouts

Texas cities enforce strict parking ratio requirements, especially for:

• Retail

• Medical

• Restaurant

• Office

A survey helps site planners design:

• ADA-compliant spaces

• Drive aisles

• Shared parking lots

• Fire lanes

This ensures smooth traffic flow for all tenants.

3. Designing Utility Capacity for Multiple Users

Multi-tenant sites often require:

• Increased water supply

• Multiple sewer connections

• Fire suppression tie-ins

• Upgraded electrical service

• Complex communication lines

A survey identifying utilities, elevations, and entry points allows engineers to size infrastructure accurately.

4. Mapping Drainage for Larger Impervious Areas

More tenants = more parking = more runoff.

Drainage plans rely heavily on topo survey data to determine:

• Retention/detention needs

• Flow direction

• Low points that need correction

• Compliance with city stormwater regulations

Texas cities like Houston and Austin are especially strict on this.

5. Creating Clear Signage and Access Placement

Tenants often request prominent signage and easy access. A survey helps determine:

• Sign easement locations

• Monument sign placement

• Driveway spacing

• Visibility zones near roads

This ensures each tenant gets the visibility they need.

6. Supporting Long-Term Expansion Plans

Many multi-tenant properties develop in phases. Surveys help developers:

• Plan future building pads

• Add parking before demand grows

• Prepare for additional utilities

• Avoid conflicts with earlier phases

This creates long-term flexibility for investors.

Final Thoughts

Multi-tenant development requires precision and planning. A commercial land survey gives developers the accurate information they need to design safe, compliant, and efficient sites that serve tenants for years. South Texas Surveying provides detailed surveys to support multi-tenant projects all across Texas.