Land Surveys for Vacant Lots in Texas | South Texas Surveying
"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
Why Every Vacant Lot in Texas Needs a Land Survey Before Development
Raw Land Holds Potential—But Also Hidden Risks
Buying vacant land may seem straightforward—no buildings, no tenants, no problems. Right?
Not quite. Whether you’re planning to build a custom home in Magnolia, develop a new subdivision in Conroe, or invest in a commercial lot in Katy, one step is critical before breaking ground: a professional land survey.
At South Texas Surveying, we help clients unlock the full potential of undeveloped land while avoiding costly surprises and delays.
Why Survey Vacant Land?
Even when there’s nothing built on it, raw land can be full of legal, physical, and environmental complications. A survey ensures you understand:
Exact property boundaries
Zoning and setback requirements
Drainage patterns and elevation changes
Easements or rights-of-way (utility, access, oil & gas)
Whether it lies in a flood zone
Encroachments from neighboring properties (yes, even on vacant land!)
Common Types of Surveys for Undeveloped Property
✅ Boundary Survey
Defines exact lot lines, helps prevent disputes, and supports permit applications.
✅ Topographic Survey
Maps the natural elevation and surface features, crucial for site planning, grading, and drainage.
✅ ALTA/NSPS Survey
Recommended for high-value commercial properties or when a national lender is involved.
✅ Platting/Subdivision Survey
Required if you’re dividing the land into multiple lots or creating a new development.
✅ Flood Elevation Certificate
Needed if your land falls within a FEMA-designated flood zone, common in many parts of Houston.
Don’t Rely on the Legal Description Alone
A deed or tax map only provides a general outline—not the full picture. You need a licensed surveyor to physically inspect and map the land with precision. This is especially important for:
Heavily wooded or sloped properties
Tracts with unclear fences or monuments
Areas where previous developments were started and abandoned
Vacant land in growing areas like Tomball, Cypress, and Manvel
Real-World Example: A Costly Oversight in Pearland
A land investor purchased a 4-acre lot in Pearland without a recent survey. When the builder began planning utilities, we were called in and discovered a major pipeline easement running through the center of the lot—rendering half of it unbuildable. A $500 survey up front could have saved months of design changes and thousands in sunk costs.
When to Order the Survey
Before closing on a land purchase
Before designing site plans or engineering
Before applying for permits
Before subdividing or selling part of your land
Before grading or clearing the lot
Who Should Order a Survey on Vacant Land?
Real estate investors and developers
Homebuilders and contractors
Title companies and lenders
Landowners planning to sell or split acreage
Anyone dealing with raw, unplatted property
Why Choose South Texas Surveying?
✅ Fast turnaround and responsive communication
✅ In-depth knowledge of local flood zones, zoning, and permitting
✅ Trusted by builders, real estate pros, and developers across Texas
✅ Licensed surveyors familiar with rural and suburban land challenges
✅ Serving Houston, Conroe, Spring, Cypress, Pearland, and surrounding areas
Vacant land may look like a blank canvas, but without a proper land survey, it can turn into a costly puzzle. Start smart—get a professional survey from South Texas Surveying and build with confidence.
