What are land surveyors looking at?
Land surveying allows you to understand your land boundaries. A survey is performed in order to locate, describe, monument, and map the boundaries and corners of a parcel of land. It might also include the topography of the parcel, and the location of buildings and other improvements made to the parcel.
Can I remove survey stakes on my property?
Yes. Under Section 605 of the California Penal Code it is a misdemeanor to intentionally remove or destroy a permanent survey marker. Survey markers are sometimes destroyed during major construction projects if it is impossible to protect them in place because of the nature of the work.
How do land surveyors establish boundary lines?
Taking the details from the legal description and plat map, a surveyor carefully measures the legal boundaries of your property. The surveyor will bury survey pins if they’re not already there and often mark the spots with stakes or flags for easy use.
How accurate are GPS property lines?
What is the accuracy of the parcel data? The accuracy of the property lines varies depending on different factors. In general the newer a subdivision, the more accurate the mapped lines. In a newer subdivision, past 5 years or so, the lines are probably within 5 feet +/- of where they actually exist.
Can you survey your own property?
Not only is it possible to survey your own tract of land, it can become an interesting pastime for you as a homeowner. While you can rent, borrow or buy the necessary equipment for a DIY survey, you can get a better understanding of the lay of your land by deciding to hire a surveyor.
How much is a boundary survey?
The price of a boundary survey is $100 to $600 on average. It is the most basic type that people get when they’re buying a home or pursuing a project. The professional establishes the legal boundaries and provides a legal description of them.
How long do you have to use a piece of land before you can claim it?
Our adverse possession checklist provides some practical points to consider. Minimum time requirements – Before any adverse possession application can be considered you must have been using (or in possession of the land) for at least ten years.
Can a neighbor remove survey stakes?
Yes. Under Section 605 of the California Penal Code it is a misdemeanor to intentionally remove or destroy a permanent survey marker.
Is it illegal to move a survey stake?
One question we get asked frequently is: Is it illegal to move a survey marker? Generally, the answer to that question is YES, it is illegal. Only government officials with a permissible purpose, such as a cadastral land resurvey, should remove or alter permanent survey markers.