An ALTA survey is a boundary survey prepared to a set of minimum standards that have been jointly prepared and adopted by the ALTA/ACSM. The survey shows improvements, easements, rights-of-way and other elements impacting land ownership. An ALTA Survey is often prepared for commercial properties, as it will provide the title company with the information required to insure the title and improvements to the high degree that a commercial development can require. A table of optional elements is included in the ALTA/ACSM standards. A careful review of the elements from the optional "Table A" is helpful in delineating a clear scope of the land surveyor's services.

A current title commitment is required before an ALTA survey can be completed. The surveyor will refer to the title commitment for the legal description of the property and for the legal description of any encumbrances (exceptions). Areas of ownership, improvements and encumbrances will be shown graphically. If the survey discovers any encroachments, they should be shown graphically, and a note indicating the nature of the encroachment may also be added.

The certification language of the ALTA Survey should include the names of the affected parties, including as appropriate the buyer, seller, title company and lender. The surveyor must work in close association with the title insurance company, as the surveyor and the title company are relying on each other's work to create a comprehensive survey.

 

Please click and view on the 2016 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements and please print "TABLE A"  fill out and email to linda@portergps.com.