H. J. Burke, Inc.
Land Surveying in Southern California
What We Provide
01
Topographic Survey
A survey that locates natural and man-made surfaces and features on a property. It transfers the three-dimensional terrain into a two-dimensional product that can be used by architects and engineers for their design development. The most common items found on a topographic survey drawing include elevations on both the natural and man-made elements and, where applicable, structure footprints with finished floor and maximum roof height elevations, hardscape, walls, fences, visible utilities, trees of a minimum trunk size, streams, and contours where there is sufficient slope. In the case of very large land areas, an aerial topographic survey may need to be performed. This type of survey is flown and uses photogrammetry technology to identify the contours of the area.
02
Slope Analysis and Certification
An analysis of collected site elevation data to determine the maximum buildable square footage on a property.
03
Boundary Survey
A survey for the purpose of locating the corners, boundary lines and/or easements of a given parcel of land. This involves record and field research, measurements and computations to establish boundary lines in conformance with the Professional Land Surveyors Act.
04
A.L.T.A. Survey
A survey made for the purpose of supplying a title company and lender with survey and location data necessary for issuing American Land Title Association or Extended Coverage Title Insurance.
05
Plot Plan
A drawing that provides the location of structure footprints with dimensions to the site property lines. This drawing does not provide other site characteristics such as those found on a topographic survey.
06
Prevailing Setbacks
A survey performed with the purpose of locating the distances of main structures (if visible) to their front property lines along a stretch of the same side of the street as a client’s site. These distances are calculated and depicted in the required drawing format per the City of Los Angeles and result in one prevailing setback distance.
07
Legal Descriptions- Metes and Bounds
A description of an area using specialized technical language which indicates the precise location and measurement of a property or property portion for transfer or easement. The Metes and Bounds legal description starts from a Point-of-Beginning, then traces the outline of the land area in question until there is closure in the legal description.
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Why should I have a land survey performed?
New construction - Whether building a home on a vacant piece of land, or putting in an addition or ADU, the topographic land survey is the foundation required for the design and engineering work needed for construction.
Know where your boundaries are – from installing or replacing a perimeter fence or wall, knowing where to build a new structure within zoned property line setbacks, or resolve a boundary issue, the boundary survey establishes and clarifies this vital information.
When purchasing commercial property – The title company and lender involved often require an A.L.T.A. survey to know exactly what they are protecting with title insurance or using as collateral for lending purposes.
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Will I be shown if there are any encroachments on the property?
Yes, encroachments are shown in A.L.T.A. surveys. In the case of topographic surveys, the site features are located and shown on the resulting drawing with the property outline. Whether or not any items are considered encroachments would need to be determined with the assistance of a real estate attorney.
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Will I be shown if there are any easements on my property?
Easements may be shown on a property if requested by the client. The client would also be required to provide a current, hyperlinked preliminary title report for this purpose. The surveyor will analyze the documents attached to this report to prepare the map, plat or exhibit depicting the easements that are determined to be plottable.
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How will I know where my boundary is?
The corners of the property will be marked with stakes, pipes, nails or other industry-accepted monuments, depending on the nature of the terrain. If there are monuments already in place, they will be located and documented in the final drawing. If the actual corners are not accessible at the time of the survey, off-set markers may be placed. Where visibility is a challenge in a large or highly vegetated area, the surveyor may also add flagged lath next to the markers as visual guides for the client. The survey drawing provided after the markers/monuments are placed or located will depict the property outline, the types and locations of the monuments, the date of the survey and other relative data as required by the Land Surveyors Act.
FAQ's