"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 ALTA Land Surveys Are Essential Around Houston’s Expanding Commercial Zones

In the ever-evolving landscape of Houston’s real estate and commercial development, precision and trust matter more than ever. Whether it’s a high-rise in Downtown Houston, a retail build in The Woodlands, or an industrial facility in Baytown, every commercial transaction hinges on the clarity of what’s being bought, sold, or financed. That’s where ALTA land surveys come into play.

ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys provide the gold standard of surveying for commercial real estate, especially in and around the Houston area. At South Texas Surveying, we’ve been performing these surveys for over 40 years—serving Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, and surrounding counties with accuracy, speed, and reliability.

What Is an ALTA Survey?

An ALTA survey is a detailed boundary survey required for most commercial real estate transactions involving title insurance. ALTA stands for the American Land Title Association, and these surveys adhere to a strict set of standards developed in partnership with the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS).

These surveys provide information far beyond the basics:

• Boundary lines

• Easements and rights-of-way

• Encroachments

• Access points and improvements

• Zoning and flood zone classification

• Legal descriptions suitable for title insurance

Because lenders, title companies, attorneys, and developers all depend on the accuracy of ALTA surveys, they’re often a non-negotiable part of any commercial deal.

Why ALTA Surveys Matter Around Houston

Houston’s rapid commercial growth means land usage is changing faster than ever. Between mixed-use developments, office parks, and industrial expansion zones, understanding exactly what a property contains—and what rights come with it—is essential.

Here’s why an ALTA survey is critical in the Houston metro:

• Complex Zoning and Development Overlap: Many Houston-area properties span zones or districts with varied restrictions. An ALTA survey helps all stakeholders understand what is and isn’t permitted on the land.

• Utility and Easement Mapping: Houston’s older districts, like Midtown and East End, often have undocumented or complicated utility layouts. ALTA surveys help identify potential encumbrances.

• Environmental Considerations: Properties near the Houston Ship Channel or along flood-prone zones in Harris and Brazoria counties may come with additional compliance and insurance obligations—ALTA surveys help flag these early.

The South Texas Surveying Difference

With over four decades of experience, South Texas Surveying has helped clients avoid costly errors by delivering ALTA surveys that hold up to legal, financial, and development scrutiny. Our in-house team of licensed surveyors understands the unique challenges of surveying land across Houston's urban and suburban terrain, including:

• Navigating the bureaucratic processes of the City of Houston and surrounding counties

• Working with title companies and attorneys to customize Table A requirements

• Delivering surveys quickly—without sacrificing detail

Whether your property is in Katy, Sugar Land, Cypress, Conroe, or League City, we’ve surveyed it—and we know the local ordinances that go with it.

Who Needs an ALTA Survey?

You should consider an ALTA/NSPS survey if you’re:

• A developer buying commercial land in Houston or the surrounding counties

• A title company issuing insurance on a complex deal

• A lender underwriting a large commercial loan

• A real estate investor interested in long-term stability and protection

• A lawyer reviewing property rights or land-use cases

It’s not just about checking a box. An ALTA survey reduces future liability and ensures you know exactly what you’re acquiring.

What Counties Around Houston Do We Serve?

We provide ALTA surveys in:

• Harris County – Including Downtown, Montrose, Heights, and Midtown

• Montgomery County – The Woodlands, Magnolia, Conroe

• Fort Bend County – Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond

• Brazoria County – Pearland, Alvin, Lake Jackson

• Galveston County – League City, Dickinson, Texas City

• Liberty and Chambers Counties – For industrial, energy, and large-acre commercial sites

If it’s part of Greater Houston—we’ve got it covered.

Get an ALTA Survey Done Right

At South Texas Surveying, we don’t just meet minimum standards—we exceed them. From site visits to final legal documentation, our team prioritizes communication, timeliness, and total accuracy.

Whether you're closing on your next project or planning long-term investments in Houston’s growing commercial corridors, make sure you're protected with a professionally executed ALTA survey.

Request a Quote Today

Need an ALTA survey in or around Houston? Call South Texas Surveying today or request a quote directly on our website. We’ll walk you through what you need, how long it will take, and how to keep your deal moving forward without delays.