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SURVEYING FAQ AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Land surveying is
a profession that requires technical skills, legal knowledge, and specialized
equipment. You may employ a land surveyor only once or twice in a lifetime
and not be aware of the steps necessary to select a land surveyor.
The surveyor creates
maps for architects, engineers, landscapers, and urban planners for
use in designing houses, shopping centers, recreational areas, etc.
A licensed land
surveyor should be employed:
Prior to construction
of a structure
Prior to any
improvements on property
When subdividing
parcels of land
When purchasing
real estate
The services of
a land surveyor can prevent the worry and expense of moving a structure
or defending a lawsuit. The land surveyor and lawyer work as a team
in resolving property disputes.
1. Who
can perform a land survey?
All 50 states have
laws requiring a licensed land surveyor (LS) to assume the legal responsibility
of a land survey. The licensed surveyor is a highly specialized individual,
whose education, experience, and competence have been formally examined
and licensed by the state of Utah. Their conduct and the quality of their work are subject to a defined code of ethics.
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2. Can
an engineer do a land survey?
NO.
An engineer cannot perform boundary survey work unless he/she is also
licensed as a land surveyor
(LS).
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3. Can
a contractor do land survey work?
NO.
A contractor cannot perform land survey work unless he/she is licensed
as a land surveyor (LS).
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4. How
do I locate a licensed land surveyor?
Recommendations
by attorneys, real estate companies, and title companies are good sources.
You may contact the Utah Council of Land Surveyor's, or check the classified
section of the telephone directory under "surveyor-Land" (Land Surveyors
must be licensed according to Utah Law).
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5. Is
a survey required by State Law when property is sold?
NO.
Utah State Law does not require a survey to convey property.
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6. Should
I employ a surveyor on the basis of price?
NO.
Competency and responsibility are more important. Low cost and high
quality are frequently inconsistent. Uncertainties are involved in judging the amount of work
necessary to produce a quality product. It is not in your best interest
to have the surveyor "bid" on a project.
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7. How
does a surveyor prepare my bill? Is a written contract required?
Many surveys have
been requested over the phone. However, it is more effective for the
client to visit the surveyor's office, discuss requirements of the survey, and enter
into a written contract to assure a better understanding between the
client and the surveyor.
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8. Can
I determine in advance what the charge will be?
Not usually. The
final cost will depend on the work required to research records, survey
existing field evidence, perform the required office computations, generate
a plat, and monument your corners.
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9. Should
I employ a surveyor to subdivide my land?
YES.
A surveyor is qualified by law to prepare descriptions for newly created
parcels of land, and may also prepare individual lot descriptions. When
two or more lots are created, your surveyor will prepare a plat with
lot or parcel numbers for recording. Your surveyor will know the specific
platting rules and procedures for each county.
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10. Can
the surveyor layout streets, waterlines, and sewer systems for my subdivision?
YES.
A surveyor can layout streets, sanitary sewers and storm sewers within
a subdivision. The surveyor can recommend an engineer to design the
water supply system and perform all other engineering services
that will be required. A professional surveyor will not attempt any
aspects of engineering which he/she is not qualified to perform.
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11. Can
the surveyor provide proof of ownership?
NO.
Surveyors do not prove ownership, but make a professional judgement
of what the records and facts indicate your ownership to be. The surveyor
acts as a fact finder and assists the legal profession in making the
final judgement of ownership.
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12. What
other services does a surveyor provide?
They are equipped
to provide topographic surveys, supply control for aerial photography,
layout construction projects, and survey rights-of-way for power lines,
roadways, etc.
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13. What
information should I furnish the surveyor?
You should provide
an explanation of the purpose of the survey. Confidentiality will be
maintained if requested. You should supply a deed, mortgage description,
or abstract of title. If you are aware of a stone, iron pipe, fence
post, etc., assumed to be a property corner, supply that information
also. Your surveyor will make the professional judgement as to what
evidence should be used.
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14. Where
can I get a copy of my property description?
Your yearly tax
notice will provide you with the book and page number of your recorded
deed. A copy can be obtained from the County Recorder's Office. Your tax notice has
an abbreviated property description and must be compared to your record
document.
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15. What
will the surveyor furnish me?
The surveyors final
product may vary with each survey. Generally, you will be furnished
with a certified plat or map showing what the surveyor has done and the corners monumented
or otherwise identified. A description of the tract will be prepared and shown on the plat.
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16. Is
my survey on record?
Beginning in May
of 1987, Utah Law required that surveys be filed in the County Surveyor's
Office. Your survey should be on file if it was performed by a licensed
surveyor.
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17. Can
private property be surveyed by the County Surveyor?
NO.
State Statute prohibits the Salt Lake County Surveyor's Office from
performing private surveys, except
by court order.
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