When purchasing or developing land, particularly for commercial use, an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey is an essential tool for understanding the property. One of the most powerful features of this survey is Table A items—optional add-ons that allow for tailored, detailed property analysis.

This guide will explore the significance of ALTA Survey Table A Items, how to choose the right ones, and their role in making your project a success.

What Is an ALTA Survey?

An ALTA survey (American Land Title Association survey) provides an in-depth assessment of a property. These surveys are primarily used in commercial real estate transactions to identify property boundaries, improvements, easements, and risks.

Title companies, lenders, and developers rely on ALTA surveys to make informed decisions and prevent costly issues. They help uncover potential encroachments or title concerns before moving forward with a purchase, sale, or development.

What Are ALTA Survey Table A Items?

Table A items are optional enhancements to an ALTA survey. They serve as a customizable checklist to provide additional, project-specific information about a property. While the standard ALTA survey offers a comprehensive overview, Table A items allow you to dive deeper into key areas, such as:

• Utility locations
• Flood zone classifications
• Topographic data

By selecting the right items, you can tailor the survey to meet the unique requirements of your project, whether it’s financing, new construction, or redevelopment.

Why Are Table A Items Important?

Every property presents unique challenges, and Table A items allow you to address these with precision. Their importance lies in the value they bring to a project by:

• Reducing Risk: Identify potential problems, such as flood zones or encroachments, before they escalate.
• Ensuring Compliance: Satisfy local, state, or federal regulations with accurate, detailed data.
• Streamlining Development: Provide essential information for planning, design, or construction phases.
• Satisfying Lender Requirements: Meet the demands of title companies and lenders for more detailed property insights.

Common ALTA Survey Table A Items

Table A includes 20 items that you can choose from to customize your survey. Below are some of the most commonly requested:

1. Boundary Monumentation

Survey markers are placed or located at all property corners. These physical monuments clearly define boundaries, helping resolve disputes and supporting fencing or landscaping projects.

2. Property Address

The address is confirmed against legal documents and verified with any visible signage or observed details from fieldwork. This ensures consistency and accuracy for legal and planning purposes.

3. Flood Zone Classification

This item determines if the property is in a flood zone, using scaled maps and graphic plotting. Flood zone data is essential for compliance, insurance, and risk mitigation.

4. Property Area Calculation

The total area of the property is measured in square feet or acres. This information is critical for zoning compliance, development planning, and land valuation.

5. Topographic Survey

Vertical contour data, including the location of a site benchmark, maps the property’s elevation and slopes. This information is indispensable for projects involving grading, drainage, or land modifications.

6. Zoning Classification and Setbacks

This item includes zoning details like setback requirements, building height restrictions, and parking regulations. Zoning compliance ensures the property can be used as planned.

7. Building Dimensions and Heights

The survey records the exterior dimensions and heights of all buildings. This data is valuable for renovations, redevelopment, or confirming compliance with local regulations.

8. Substantial Features

The survey documents notable features, such as parking lots, signage, billboards, swimming pools, or landscaped areas. This information provides a clear picture of the property’s current state.

9. Parking Spaces and Structures

The survey identifies the number, type, and layout of parking spaces, including striping and special designations like handicap-accessible spaces. This data supports compliance with parking regulations and helps with development planning.

How to Choose the Right Table A Items

Selecting the appropriate Table A items is essential to maximizing the value of your ALTA survey. Here’s how to make the right choice:

1. Understand Your Project Needs: Define your goals. For example, if you’re planning new construction, items like topographic surveys and utility mapping may be essential. If you’re securing financing, zoning and flood zone data might suffice.
2. Consult Your Team: Speak with your surveyor, attorney, and lender to understand which items are necessary for your project or transaction.
3. Evaluate Property Risks: Consider the property’s unique challenges, such as steep terrain, wetlands, or proximity to flood zones. Tailor your survey to address these concerns.
4. Stick to Essentials: While it’s tempting to request every item, focus on those that add the most value to your project. Limiting unnecessary add-ons can help manage costs effectively.

The Role of Your Surveyor

A professional surveyor is your most valuable ally when customizing your ALTA survey. Their expertise ensures that your survey includes the right Table A items to meet your project’s goals and comply with regulations.

Look for a surveyor with experience in ALTA surveys and knowledge of local laws. Their insights can save time, reduce costs, and prevent complications during development or transactions.

The 20th Line: Custom Requests

In addition to the 19 standard Table A items, there is a 20th line for custom requests. This allows you to include specialized services not covered in the standard list. Examples might include locating underground utilities, documenting historical features, or environmental assessments.

This flexibility makes ALTA surveys even more versatile, ensuring that unique project needs are addressed.

An ALTA survey helps you make smart decisions about your property. Adding the right ALTA Survey Table A Items makes it even more valuable by focusing on what matters most for your project.

Work with an experienced surveyor to get clear, accurate insights and keep your project on track.