CONSIDERATIONS

Surveys are unique to each project with no one being the same, and therefore, proposals are fitting to the size, scope, and scale of each. Some factors to consider are the history and records available, terrain of the land, vegetation upon it, and the detail requested of the survey. Surveying is never simply measuring from one point to another along existing fences or from supposed/assumed corners. It involves knowledge of city, county, state, and federal property laws and ordinances and each governing body’s process. It also involves research not only of the subject property, but of its adjoiners as well. Access, location of utilities, or easements among other things are also very often required aspects of consideration.

In the state of Tennessee, any parcel under 5 acres must go through the subdivision process within its associated jurisdiction (city or county). If city sewer is not available, the property will require soils approval from the county. The preliminary soils process should be started BEFORE the survey to avoid unnecessary surveying costs. This assures that a soils area actually exists or is preferable to the project plan before a survey is conducted saving the client a potential cost.