When do I need a land survey in Arizona?

Question

Travis Thompson · Accepted Answer

You may need a land survey in Arizona whenever accurate property boundaries, elevations, or improvements must be verified for legal, design, or construction purposes.

In many cases, Arizona law requires a Registered Land Surveyor (RLS) to perform these measurements to ensure compliance with state standards.

Here are the most common situations when a land survey is recommended or required:

🏠 1. Buying or Selling Property

A Boundary or ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey verifies property lines, easements, and encroachments before closing.
It helps prevent costly disputes and gives buyers, sellers, and lenders confidence in the transaction.

🏗️ 2. Building a New Home or Structure

Local building departments and contractors often need a Site Plan or Topographic Survey to confirm setbacks, drainage, and grading prior to permitting or construction. Check with your city’s building department—such as City of Phoenix Planning & Development—for permit survey requirements.

🚧 3. Installing Fences, Walls, or Driveways

A Boundary Survey ensures new improvements stay within your property limits — avoiding conflicts with neighbors and zoning violations. Arizona’s Title 33 – Property Law governs property boundaries and encroachments.

📐 4. Subdividing or Combining Parcels

When splitting or merging lots, a Record of Survey or Subdivision Plat is required.
These must be prepared by an RLS in compliance with Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R4-30-301 through R4-30-312.

📏 5. Resolving Boundary Disputes

If monuments, fences, or legal descriptions don’t match, a Boundary Retracement Survey re-establishes the true property corners using public records and field evidence. Arizona’s Board of Technical Registration sets professional standards for survey accuracy and ethics.

🌎 6. Engineering, Development, or Drainage Projects

Civil engineers, architects, and planners rely on Topographic and Control Surveys to design grading, drainage, utilities, and structures with precise elevation data. These surveys are often tied to Arizona’s State Land Department GIS mapping for control points and benchmarks.

🌊 7. FEMA Floodplain & Elevation Certificates

If your property is near a flood zone, a surveyor can provide an Elevation Certificate to adjust insurance rates or support a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) through FEMA.

🛣️ 8. Easements & Right-of-Way

When creating or recording utility, access, or drainage easements, a Survey Plat or Exhibit defines the exact location and dimensions for legal documentation. These are typically recorded with your County Recorder’s Office.

🔩 9. Construction Layout or Staking

For contractors, surveyors provide Construction Staking to precisely mark where roads, foundations, and utilities are built according to engineering plans. This step is critical for municipal or ADOT-inspected projects (Arizona Department of Transportation).

In Summary

You need a land survey in Arizona any time property boundaries, ownership lines, or elevations could affect legal rights, design accuracy, or construction.

A Registered Land Surveyor (RLS) ensures those measurements meet state standards and protect your investment.

Not sure which survey type you need? AZGPS offers free online estimates at azgps.org/get-a-quote — simply describe your project and we’ll help you choose the right service.

If you’re unsure or prefer to speak directly, you can also reach out anytime using our Contact Form.