Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers! Why hire Our Firm?

It’s in your interest to contact a Land Surveyor if:

Selling Property?

You may have to provide your buyer with an up-to-date survey of your property in order to:

Give your buyer confidence in the purchase
Allow your buyer to register the transaction at the County Clerk’s office
Enable your buyer to make mortgage arrangements
Verify to your buyer the size and extent of the property
Avoid later legal disputes arising from inadequate or inaccurate property description.

You need to know what you’re getting. Only a map of the survey made by a licensed land surveyor can define what you’ve purchased. Your surveyor will undertake the necessary research, survey the property and prepare a survey map that will reveal:

Whether other people are entitled to partial use of your property through easements for utilities or rights-of-way.
Whether fences, trees, buildings, gardens, embankments, driveways, walkways, swimming pools, house additions are on the property
Whether your deed describes your property accurately
Your survey thus gives you a form of protection in addition to clarifying what you’ve bought, since it will reveal any encroachments or other irregularities that might be the cause of later legal disputes.

In addition, your surveyor can mark the exact corners of your site with survey monuments.

Building, Fencing, or Adding on?

You need to protect your investment by making sure you are building on your own property. A mislocated fence, driveway or carport can cause legal problems and extra construction costs. Before you build, let a licensed land surveyor determine your property boundaries, replacing missing stakes if necessary.

Allowing a surveyor to mark the location of your building on site before construction begins will also ensure that you meet setback requirements and other restrictions enforced by the municipality in their zoning laws. Failure to comply with zoning By-Laws could result in the loss of a future sale if the purchasers have an up-to-date survey done. Mortgage lenders generally do not advance money until zoning law infringements are cleared up.

Subdividing?

A licensed professional surveyor will:
Check and ensure extent of title, and note planning restrictions, easements and other legalities

Survey the site
Engage other consultants to carry out preliminary studies, Engineering, Planning & Environmental issues to submit with draft plan
Draft a proposed subdivision plan
Prepare final plans.

Refinancing or Obtaining a Mortgage?

A mortgage company, whether it be a bank, trust company or others, usually requires a survey before they will lend money. Why is this a necessity and why are you often asked for an up-to-date survey?

Do the lot size, building set backs, pool and fence locations meet with local Zoning Laws?

The mortgage company will require the survey to protect their investment. They want to be sure that the land and buildings on which they are lending money are as described in the documents which accompany the transaction. They also wish to know that if they have to foreclose there will be no problems in re-selling the property.

According to New York State law, only surveys made by licensed and registered New York Land Surveyors are legal. Only registered Land Surveyors have completed the academic requirements and practical training before licensing. Only registered Land Surveyors are required to maintain the necessary theoretical, practical and ethical standards set by legislation.

What will it cost?

Depending on the nature and extent of the work, anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Fees for surveys are determined on an individual basis, depending mainly on the amount of time required for the research and the survey. Prior to engaging your surveyor, you may wish to inquire of the likely estimate of the fees that the survey will entail, along with the expected completion date. Click here to get a quote

Your Assurance!

In cases of dispute, your surveyor is an expert witness in court and assumes full professional responsibility for the accuracy of your survey. The cost of the survey as a percentage of your total investment is small and a reasonable price to pay for peace of mind.

Protect Your Investment!

Typically your house and land represent your largest assets. If you are contemplating purchasing property, you should know as much as possible about the piece of land in which you are going to invest. Obtaining a survey may be the most important thing you do before you close the deal on any purchase. Without a survey, you do not know the extent of your property, as only a licensed surveyor can provide you with this information. Without the survey, there is too much you do not know and you are risking both friendly neighbors and your investment.

It pays to know the boundaries of your land. A small distance can make a big difference. The erection of a fence can be the source of expensive litigation and ill will between neighbors. Your licensed land surveyor can help you avoid disputes.

What does a survey involve?

What Does A Survey Involve?

What is the right of entry law?

Nassau-Suffolk Towns & Villages

Types of Surveys

ALTA Survey or Extended Title Insurance Coverage Survey

A survey made for the purpose of supplying a title company and lender with survey and location data necessary for the issuing of title and/or mortgage insurance. A detailed map is required to be done to “ALTA” specifications. The acronym “ALTA” stands for American Land Title Association. Specifications of this type of Survey include (but are not limited to) determining property lines, location of improvements, identifying all easements, utilities and other conditions affecting the property. ALTA surveys are very comprehensive surveys and typically cost thousands of dollars and take weeks to complete. Any ALTA Land Survey must meet the “Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys” as adopted by the American Land Title Association, the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, and the National Society of Professional Surveyors. The Alta Survey is most often performed on commercial properties.

Boundary or Title Survey

A boundary survey establishes the true property corners and property lines of a parcel of land. Boundary surveys are typically performed CONVEY LAND, to resolve property disputes, and for getting a mortgage.
When you are buying new property You need to know what you’re getting. Only the survey made by a licensed land surveyor can describe and clarify what you have purchased. When you hire a surveyor he will undertake the necessary research, perform measurements on the ground and prepare survey map that will reveal:

Location of fences, buildings, gardens, driveways, walkways, swimming pools, house additions in relation of the property lines
Survey will reveal any encroachments or other irregularities that might be the cause of later legal disputes.
Whether your deed describes your property accurately
Show if other people are entitled to partial use of your property through easements for utilities or rights-of-way.

TITLE SURVEY
Typically your house and land represent your largest assets. If you are contemplating purchasing property, you should know as much as possible about the piece of land in which you are going to invest. Obtaining a survey may be the most important thing you do before you close the deal on any purchase. Without a survey, you do not know the extent of your property, as only a licensed surveyor can provide you with this information. Without the survey, there is too much you do not know and you are risking both friendly neighbors and your investment

Construction Survey

Survey measurements made prior to or while construction is in progress to control elevation, horizontal position, dimensions, and configuration, i.e. stakeout of line and grade for buildings, fences, roads, etc. CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Preconstruction surveys (architectural surveys)
Proposed building layouts
Piles layouts and location
Axis lines layouts
Foundation location surveys
Final surveys for department of buildings and C.O.
CONSTRUCTION STAKE OUT Performed when a surveyor takes information from approved set of plans, typically provided by an engineer, planner or architect, and marks the information on the ground, usually with wooden stakes, nails to show contractors where to build or excavate. Vertical control points such as BENCHMARKS are also provided at the same time. We perform stake out surveys for new foundation, piles, utility and many others.

Control Survey

A Land Survey providing precise locations of horizontal and vertical positions of points for use in boundary determination, mapping for aerial photographs, construction staking, or other needs.

Court Exhibit or Judicial Survey

Analysis of various legal descriptions and survey maps; field locating of record, existing monuments, and physical features; and mapping showing this information for the purpose of presenting a visual exhibit to be used in a courtroom.

Elevation or Floodplain Survey

Elevation surveys determine the elevation of various sections of a building or land. Typically these are used to aid in building plans and to determine if a property is in a flood zone.

FLOOD ELEVATION CERTIFICATE
The Flood Elevation Certificate is an important tool of the National Flood Insurance Program .It is used to certify building elevations if the building is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area in order to determine the proper flood insurance premium rate for the building or support a request of a Letter of Map Amendment LOMA or Letter of Map Revision based on fill LOMR-F.

The elevation information must be submitted on the Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form 81-31) in effect at the time that the Elevation Certificate was completed and signed. Elevation Certificates can only be completed by a licensed land surveyor, engineer, or architect who is licensed by the State to perform such functions.
An Elevation Certificate is required by the National Flood Insurance Program to certify the reference level of a building for INSURANCE RATING PURPOSES. Without the data provided by an Elevation Certificate the property can not be properly rated for flood insurance purposes

You might benefit from a lower flood insurance premium by ordering ELEVATION CERTIFICATE.

Geodetic Survey

A Land Survey which is affected by and takes into account the curvature of the earth and astronomic observations.

GIS and LIS Surveying and Mapping

Geographic Information Systems and Land Information Systems.

Hydrographic and Underwater Surveys

Collect data relating to bodies of water, and may include the water depth, bottom contours and configuration, directions and velocity of current, heights and water stages, and the location of fixed objects for navigational purposes.

Lot Split Survey

Are needed when you may need to divide an existing parcel of land into two or more parcels. All surveys for lot splits include a plat of the new parcels and the required legal description to record the split. It is important to note the size of the original parcel as well as the size of the proposed new parcel(s) in the comments section of the request form in order to receive accurate quotes.

Individual Lot Survey, (aka Site Plan Survey or Plot Plan Survey)

A combination of boundary and topographic surveys for preparation of a site plan to be used for designing improvements or developments, and obtaining government building permits.

Mining and other Subsurface Surveys

A survey that determines the location and dimensions of underground parts of a mine, including the natural and artificial features of the mine, both above and below ground. These surveys are done with both vertical and horizontal control, locating the features in a three dimensional manner.

Mortgage Inspections: (Not necessarily a Land Survey!) NO GOOD WE DON’T DO

Are not used for consistent purposes in all States. They are often a product that is provided on residential loans. A drawing may or may not be provided. Be aware that many of these “Mortgage Inspection” surveys are NOT BOUNDARY SURVEYS. Often they are required by lending institutions. Fences and other improvements should not be constructed based on a mortgage inspection. This is because boundary lines are not determined on many “Mortgage Inspection” surveys. Look for the “Certification” of the Land Surveyor, which usually includes the signature with the Land Surveyor’s license number, and State of Practice.

Mortgage Location Survey: (Not a Land Survey!) NO GOOD WE DON’T DO

These surveys are typically used by title companies and mortgage lenders to obtain proof that the major improvements on the property are free of encroachments onto neighboring properties or into recorded easements. Mortgage surveys do not establish property corners or property lines and may not be used for building purposes.

Plot Plan Survey, (aka Site Plan Survey or Lot Survey)

A combination of boundary and topographic surveys for preparation of a site plan to be used for designing improvements or developments, and obtaining government building permits.

Quantity Surveys

Obtains measurements of quantities, usually in conjunction with a construction process, earthwork, etc. Often times the Land Surveyor works closely with a Civil Engineer, Architect, or Landscape Architect.

Record or As-Built Survey

A survey performed to obtain horizontal and or vertical dimensional data so that a constructed facility may be delineated, i.e. foundation survey, or as-built of improvements. Specifically, an As-Built Survey is a survey to physically locate structures and improvements on a parcel of land, generally for mortgage purposes. This does not always include boundary monumentation.

Subdivision Survey

Also known as a “Subdivision Plat”, it is the subdivision of a tract of land into smaller parcels, showing monumentation and mathematical survey data on a map, conforming to local municipality (usually County) ordinances.

SUBDIVISION SURVEYS
The subdivision process ensures that a project is on a legally subdivided lot that has proper space for certain kinds of development and the required utility easements and roadways.
Specific subdivision considerations include the shape of a site, lot and/or tract size, circulation, street layout, drainage and grading, and floodplain concerns.
In addition, subdivision projects are reviewed to address any environmental concerns that may arise. These include water quality, tree, vegetation and habitat maintenance and the protection of critical environmental features.
Also utilities are planned for in the subdivision process. These considerations include the extension of transmission lines, distribution of water and wastewater lines or on-site service

Route Survey

Reconnaissance, preliminary survey and location survey for an alignment or linear type feature such as a road, railroad, canal, pipeline or utility line.

Topographic Survey

A Land Survey locating natural and man made features such as buildings, improvements, fences, elevations, land contours, trees, streams, etc. This type of survey may be required by a town or village , or may be used by Engineers and/or Architects for the design of improvements or developments on a site.
ARCHITECTURAL a/k/a TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY
PROPERTY LINES with dimensions, angles with the distance to nearest intersection (as per legal description if submitted) included area in square feet and acres, tax block, lots and buildings numbers. Recorded easements and right of ways will be shown if descriptions submitted by the client or his representative before delivering finished drawings.

SITE ELEMENTS: existing buildings with dimensions to the 0.01 foot, sheds, steps, curbs, retaining walls, fences, drains and other appurtenances on the subject property with all encroachments across property line (if any) with dimensions to the 0.1 of foot. Spot elevations on a 50 feet grid covering the property and first floor elevation of the building with accuracy to the 0.01 foot All trees of 4” and more caliper will be located and depicted on the survey as to location and size only. Adjacent properties in 10’ radius will be shown.
STREET ELEMENTS: sidewalks (incl. width), streets (incl. width) and surface elements (street lights, traffic lights, hydrants, utility poles, parking meters, etc.). Indicate centerline of street, opposite curb and legal width of streets. Adjacent 50 feet of street and sidewalks on both sides of subject property. Spot elevation at top and bottom of curb, sidewalk, center line of the street and lot line at 50 feet intervals will be shown. Existing legal grades will be depicted (if available from City Agencies).
STREET INFORMATION: as to names, width, type and condition of pavement, and existing widening lines.
FLOOD INFORMATION: based on FEMA Federal Flood Insurance Rate Maps for community in question.
UTILITY INFORMATION: location of all utility hardware in the street and sidewalks such as water, gas, electric and sewer manholes and valves, fire hydrants with dimensions to the property lines, show rim and invert elevation of sewer manholes. Utility lines will be shown based on record maps received from utility companies.

Site Plan Survey, (aka Lot Survey or Plot Plan Survey)

A combination of boundary and topographic surveys for preparation of a site plan to be used for designing improvements or developments, and obtaining government building permits.

Types of Plans

CIVIL-SITE DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE

SHALL INCLUDE

SITE ALIGNMENT PLAN:
1. PROVIDING GENERAL NOTES, GUIDELINES,SIGNAGE , COMPLIANCE WITH ZONING, WASTE, GENERAL LAYOUT, PARKING AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.

DRAINAGE-SANITARY-GRADING PLAN:
1. PROVIDING DRAINAGE CALCULATIONS , DESIGN AND LAYOUT REQUIREMENTS INCLUDING INSPECTION
2. PROVIDE SANITARY SYSTEM CALCULATIONS , DESIGN AND LAYOUT REQUIREMENTS INCLUDING INSPECTION
3. PROVIDE EXISTING AND PROPOSED GRADING AND FLOW FOR ONSITE RAINFALL RUNOFF INTO DRAINS, BASINS , INVERTS AND DIFFUSION DRYWELLS

UTILITY PLAN :
1. PROVIDE LAYOUT AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS OF ONSITE UTILITIES AND ACCOMPANIED MANHOLES AND VALVES TO MAIN CONNECTION.

PARKING -PAVEMENT PLAN:
1. PROVIDE DESIGN , CALCULATION AND COMPLIANCE TO TOWN OF HUNTINGTON AND D.A PARKING,ACCESS AND SPACING REQUIREMENTS.
2. PROVIDE TOWN OF HUNTINGTON DETAILS FOR ONSITE CURBING ,SIDEWALKS, PARKING BUMPER OVERHANG, STRIPING AND SIGNAGE.

LIGHTING (PHOTOMETRIC) PLAN:
1. PROVIDE LIGHTING FIXTURE AND POST DETAILS, POSITION, AND LAYOUT .
2. COORDINATE PHOTOMETRIC CALCULATIONS FROM MANUFACTURER IN ACCORDANCE WITH TOWN OF HUNTINGTON LIGHTING CODE AND LIGHT TRESPASS REGULATIONS.

LANDSCAPE PLAN:
1. PROVIDE LANDSCAPE PLAN SIGNED AND SEALED FROM REGISTERED LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT ALONG WITH PLANTING SCHEDULE AND DETAILS.

EROSION CONTROL MITIGATION PLAN:
1. PROVIDE DESIGN AND DETAILS OF EROSION AND DRAINAGE PROTECTION DEVICES, CONSTRUCTION ENTRANCE , SILT FENCE.

MPT PLAN:
1. PROVIDE MAINTENCE AND PROTECTION TRAFFIC PLAN DURING WORKING AND NON-WORKING
2. PROVIDE NECESSARY DOT SIGN ,ENTRANCE ,CURBING AND SIDEWALK DETAILS
3. REVIEW OF NECESSARY APPROACH SPEEDS FOR DETERMING ENTRANCE SIZE AND TYP

Building Permits

What Kind of Projects Require Building Permits?

All houses and building
All additions to house and buildings
Any interior alternations
Change or rearrangement in the structural parts or in the exit facilities of any building
Any above or below ground swimming pool of a depth or 18″ or great
Swimming pool cabanas
Swimming Pool heaters
Hot tubs
Any fence more than four feet in heights
Demolition of nay structure
Any raised deck more than eight inches in height above grade
All patio roofs except canvas
Vestibule covers and enclosures
Any shed more than 100 square feet in area
All fireplaces and chimneys, including prefabricated
Freestanding air condition units
Retaining walls two feet high or higher
Sewers, drywells and cesspools
Plumbing fixtures
Oil and gas tanks
Oil and gas heating units
Tennis courts
Garages and accessory structures
Tents
Trailers
Greenhouse and passive solar structures
solar collectors and systems
Conversion of garage to habitable space
Fire damage repair
Cellar entrances
RPZ Valves
Signs

Miscellaneous

Nassau/Suffolk Towns & Villages

Babylon Town	100	Huntington Town	400	Smithtown Town	800
Amityville	101	ASHAROKEN	401	Head of the Harbor	801
Babylon Village	102	Huntington Bay	402	Nissequogue	802
Lindenhurst	103	Lloyd Harbor	403	The Branch	803
		Northport	404

Brookhaven Town	200	Islip Town	500	Southampton Town	900
Belle Terre	201	Brightwaters	501	North Haven	901
Bellport	202	Ocean Beach	502	Quogue	902
Old Field	203	Saltaire	503	Sag Harbor	903
Patchogue	204	Islandia	504	Southampton	904
Poquott	205			Westhampton Beach	905
Port Jefferson	206			Westhampton Dunes	907
Shoreham	207	Riverhead Town	600
Lake Grove	208

East Hampton Town	300	Shelter Is Town	700	Southold Town	1000
East Hampton Village	301	Dering Harbor	701	Greenport	1001
Sag Harbor	302

SUFFOLK COUNTY DISTRICTS

TOWNS & CITIES IN NASSAU COUNTY

Town of Oyster Bay:

Unincorporated Communities within the Town of Oyster Bay include: Bethpage; East Norwich; Glen Head; Hicksville; Jericho; Locust Grove; Locust Valley; Massapequa; Old Bethpage; Oyster Bay; Plainedge; Plainview; South Farmingdale; Syosset and Woodbury.

Incorporated Villages using Town of Oyster Bay Registrar: Brookville; Centre Island; Cove Neck; Lattingtown; Laurel Hollow; Matinecock; Mill Neck; Muttontown; Old Brookville; Oyster Bay Cove and Upper Brookville.

Town of Hempstead (516)489-5000

Unincorporated Communities within the Town of Hempstead include: Baldwin; Barnum Island; Bay Park; Bellmore; East Meadow; Elmont; Franklin Square; Garden City Park; Garden City South; Gibson; Green Acres; Harbor Island; Hewlett; Inwood; Lakeview; Levittown; Lido Beach; Meadowmere Park; Merrick; North Bellmore; North Lynbrook; North Merrick, North Valley Stream; North Woodmere; Oceanside; Point Lookout; Roosevelt; Salisbury; Seaford; South Hempstead; South Valley Stream; Uniondale; Wantagh; West Hempstead and Woodmere.

Incorporated Villages using Town of Hempstead Registrar: Hewlett Harbor.

Town of North Hempstead (516)627-0590

Unincorporated Communities within the Town of North Hempstead include: Albertson; Carle Place; Glenwood Landing; Great Neck Gardens; Greenvale; Harbor Hills; Herricks; Manhasset; Manhasset Hills; New Cassel; North New Hyde Park; Port Washington; Roslyn Heights; Saddle Rock Estates; Searington; Strathmore; University Gardens and Williston Park.

Incorporated Villages using Town of North Hempstead Registrar: Baxter Estates; Great Neck; Great Neck Estates; Kensington; Kings Point; Manorhaven; North Hills; Port Washington North; Roslyn Estates; Russell Gardens; Saddle Rock;

Glen Cove, City of (516) 676-2000

Glen Cove City Hall

9 Glen Street, Glen Cove, NY 11542

Long Beach, City of (516) 431-1000

1 West Chester Street City Hall, Room 304

Long Beach, NY 11561

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Hempstead, Town of (516) 489-5000

Atlantic Beach, Village of (516) 371-4600

Bellerose, Village of (516) 354-1000

Cedarhurst, Village of (516) 295-5770

East Rockaway, Village of (516) 887-6300