Commercial Land Surveying in Utah | ALTA Surveys, Topographic Maps & Zoning Compliance

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Brandon Anderson
Principal
Brandon Anderson is the Principal of Anderson Engineering where he manages engineering and land surveying projects.
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Key Takeaways

Commercial land surveys in Utah protect property investments, support zoning and permitting, and ensure title insurance compliance for real estate transactions.

ALTA, topographic, and boundary surveys are essential for financing, permitting, and construction in Utah's commercial real estate market.

Licensed Utah surveyors use advanced tools like GIS, 3D scanning, and aerial mapping to meet strict legal and zoning requirements.

Accurate surveys help developers, attorneys, and agents reduce risk, manage property tax boundaries, and streamline site development.

Common Questions. Expert Answers.

Quick Answers

What type of land survey do I need for a commercial real estate purchase in Utah?
You’ll likely need an ALTA/NSPS land title survey to meet lender and title insurance requirements, especially for properties over $1 million or with complex title issues.
How long does it take to complete a commercial survey in Utah?
Most surveys take 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the type (boundary, topographic, ALTA), parcel size, terrain, and permitting deadlines.
What does a commercial survey cost in Utah?
Costs typically range from $2,000 to $15,000+ depending on parcel complexity, survey scope, and required deliverables like 3D models or staking.

Go Deeper

Commercial Land Surveying in Utah | ALTA Surveys, Topographic Maps & Zoning Compliance

Table of Contents

What Is Commercial Land Surveying in Utah?

Commercial land surveying in Utah involves defining legal property boundaries, determining elevations, and supporting real estate development, zoning compliance, and permitting. Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or building on commercial property, an accurate survey protects your investment and reduces legal risks.

Anderson Engineering offers Utah land surveying services tailored to local regulations, including those in Salt Lake, Weber, and Davis counties, as well as throughout the State of Utah and the Intermountain West.



Why Are Commercial Surveys Essential in Utah Real Estate?

Utah’s rapid growth and evolving zoning requirements make surveys critical to the success of any real estate transaction. From understanding ownership lines to mapping utility locations, a licensed commercial surveyor ensures compliance and clarity across your project lifecycle.

Use cases include:

  • Meeting title insurance requirements
  • Validating legal descriptions
  • Identifying property tax boundaries
  • Preparing for construction or land subdivision
  • Supporting due diligence for developers and lenders

What Types of Commercial Surveys Are Offered in Utah?

Anderson Engineering provides a full range of land surveys for Utah’s commercial sector:

  • ALTA Surveys – Compliant with American Land Title Association standards, required for high-value property closings
  • Topographic Maps – Show elevation, terrain, and natural features for design and grading plans
  • Boundary Surveys – Resolve ownership and title issues
  • Construction Staking – Transfers design data to the field using 3D modeling and total station tools
  • Aerial Surveys – Fast site assessments using drones and laser scanning

Each survey complies with the legal standards set by the Utah State Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors.


What Technologies Enhance Utah Land Survey Accuracy?

Utah surveyors use advanced technologies to deliver precise, efficient data:

  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – Overlay zoning and utility data with physical terrain
  • Laser scanning and 3D scanning – Capture high-resolution site data for planning and architecture
  • GPS and RTK – Real-time positioning tools for sub-inch accuracy
  • Topographic mapping – Combines drone data with field measurements to create elevation models

These tools enable civil engineers and architects to effectively integrate survey results into project plans, floor plans, and procurement schedules.


Why Licensing and Accreditation Matter

Only a licensed surveyor can legally prepare, sign, and seal land surveys in the state of Utah. Anderson Engineering maintains active licensure with the state and adheres to all professional standards for risk management, accreditation, and data integrity.

Our team also collaborates closely with county surveyors to ensure your records align with public databases and legal frameworks.


Financial Impacts of Accurate Surveys

Investing in accurate surveys can influence:

  • Cost of capital by reducing lender uncertainty
  • Interest rates during refinancing or acquisition
  • Project budgeting through efficient site layout and grading
  • Property insurance and title insurance policies can resolve boundary ambiguities

A proper survey also supports strategic planning for long-term site development.


Key Elements in a Utah Commercial Survey Report

Every commercial real estate survey includes:

  • Certified topographic maps
  • Title exception notations
  • Boundary monumentation
  • Elevation data and grading profiles
  • Reference to zoning districts and ownership records

Optional items:

  • 3D modeling for engineering and site visualization
  • Aerial survey overlays for drainage and natural feature analysis

Survey Prep Checklist for Utah Real Estate Projects

  • Title commitment and legal description
  • Parcel address and site access
  • Requested deliverables (ALTA, topo, boundary)
  • Known easements or site conflicts
  • Deadline for permitting or closing
  • Stakeholders: engineer, developer, real estate agent

Next Steps for a Commercial Survey

Do you need a licensed, local surveyor for your Utah commercial project?
Request a quote from Anderson Engineering—trusted by developers, title companies, and real estate attorneys statewide. From commercial land surveys to topographic mapping, we deliver precise results with local insight.


Go Even Deeper

ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys – 2021 Standards
Official ALTA guidelines
Utah GIS Portal
Elevation, zoning, and parcel data
FEMA Flood Map Service
Floodplain status by parcel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a commercial land survey in Utah?
A commercial land survey in Utah is a legal map of a commercial property that defines boundaries, identifies easements, and supports title insurance and zoning compliance. It’s often required during real estate transactions, financing, or development permitting.
Do I need an ALTA survey when buying commercial property in Utah?
Yes, most commercial real estate transactions in Utah require an ALTA/NSPS land title survey. This survey satisfies lender and title company requirements by verifying boundary lines, easements, improvements, and zoning restrictions.
How much does a commercial survey cost in Utah?
Commercial survey pricing in Utah ranges from $3,000 to $15,000+, depending on parcel size, title complexity, required technology (like 3D modeling or aerial scanning), and deliverables.
How long does it take to get a land survey for a commercial project?
Most commercial land surveys in Utah take 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the scope (e.g., ALTA, topo, boundary), property location, and availability of title documents and site access.
What documents are needed to start a commercial land survey in Utah?
To begin, you’ll need the property deed, a title commitment or report, and any site plans or CAD data. Providing zoning or easement information helps speed up the process.
What does a topographic survey include in Utah?
A topographic survey includes elevation data, terrain features, utilities, structures, and vegetation. It helps engineers and developers plan grading, drainage, and infrastructure layout.
Why is a licensed surveyor required in Utah?
Only a licensed Utah surveyor can legally certify commercial land surveys. This ensures compliance with state laws, zoning codes, and professional standards, especially for ALTA surveys and permitting.
What is the difference between a boundary survey and an ALTA survey?
A boundary survey defines property lines using deeds and plats. An ALTA survey includes boundary data plus title exceptions, easements, zoning info, and improvements—meeting lender and title insurer requirements.
Can a land survey help resolve a boundary dispute in Utah?
Yes, a professional land survey can identify accurate property lines, clarify easements, and support legal resolution of boundary or fence line disputes under Utah law.
How does a land survey support real estate development in Utah?
Land surveys provide data for site design, grading plans, zoning compliance, and construction staking. They reduce project delays and help align civil engineering and architectural plans with actual site conditions.

Disclaimer
This content, partially generated by LLM technology, is provided by Anderson Engineering for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. Each project is unique, and this material is not intended for design or construction purposes. For accurate, project-specific guidance, contact Anderson Engineering directly.