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Subdivision Land Surveys in Texas | South Texas Surveying

July 16, 20253 min read

"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

Thinking About Subdividing Land in Texas? Here’s What You Need to Know First

Turning One Property into Many Starts with a Survey

As Texas continues to grow, more property owners are exploring the idea of subdividing land to create residential lots, commercial parcels, or even to split land among family members. Whether you're in Montgomery County, Harris County, or beyond, the first and most important step is a professional land survey.

At South Texas Surveying, we help landowners, developers, and real estate professionals navigate the subdivision process from the ground up—literally.


Why Subdivide Land in the First Place?

Land subdivision is common for:

  • Building new homes or commercial units

  • Selling off individual lots for profit

  • Creating a family land trust or estate plan

  • Preparing land for development under zoning changes

  • Increasing overall property value and marketability


What Kind of Survey Do You Need to Subdivide Land?

To legally subdivide a property in Texas, you’ll need a plat survey, also known as a subdivision plat. This includes:

  • Exact boundary measurements for each proposed lot

  • Lot lines and setbacks

  • Proposed easements and utility access

  • Street access or right-of-way

  • Drainage or detention pond layout (if applicable)

  • Any existing structures or encroachments

A licensed surveyor will map out the land and prepare a subdivision plat that can be submitted for city or county approval.


Where Is Subdivision Activity Booming Around Houston?

We're seeing high demand for subdivision surveys in:

  • Conroe – splitting land for single-family development

  • Magnolia & Tomball – rural estates being divided for resale

  • Katy & Cypress – turning large tracts into commercial pads

  • Pasadena & Deer Park – subdividing industrial land

  • Manvel & Alvin – new master-planned communities

Each city or county has its own subdivision rules, so working with a local surveyor is essential.


Common Subdivision Challenges—and How We Help

Here’s what can go wrong if you skip the survey or try to DIY the process:

  • Improper access to public roads or utilities

  • Violation of minimum lot size requirements

  • Overlapping easements or illegal encroachments

  • Drainage problems due to unapproved layouts

  • Delays or denials from the planning department

At South Texas Surveying, we provide:

  • Boundary and topographic surveys

  • Full platting packages for submission

  • Coordination with civil engineers and local officials

  • Fast turnarounds for investors on tight timelines


What to Do Before Subdividing Your Land

  1. Check your zoning – Does the local ordinance allow for your proposed lot sizes?

  2. Hire a licensed surveyor – We’ll determine if the land is physically and legally eligible.

  3. Plan infrastructure – You may need utilities, drainage, or shared access agreements.

  4. Submit your plat – We'll help prepare the required documents for city or county review.

  5. File your subdivision – Once approved, your property will be legally split and recorded.


Who Needs This Type of Survey?

  • Landowners looking to split or sell part of their acreage

  • Real estate developers and builders

  • Families managing inheritance or trust property

  • Investors acquiring large tracts for resale

  • Commercial property owners turning one parcel into multiple pads


Why Choose South Texas Surveying?

  • ✅ Trusted by developers, landowners, and real estate pros across Texas

  • ✅ Deep experience with Houston-area subdivision rules and zoning codes

  • ✅ Fast and accurate plat surveys that meet city and county requirements

  • ✅ Clear communication with your builder, title company, or attorney

  • ✅ Service areas include Houston, Spring, Pearland, Conroe, Tomball, and more

    If you're thinking about splitting your land, make sure you do it the right way. The subdivision process can be smooth—with the right surveyor on your side. Contact South Texas Surveying to get started on your subdivision survey today.

Christopher Evans

Christopher Evans is a dynamic digital marketer known for his meticulous research and ability to craft engaging content. His passion and thorough approach ensure that every marketing strategy is not only effective but also resonant with the intended audience.

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