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When do I need a land survey?
You may need a survey if you plan to:
- Partition or subdivide property (required by law)
- Adjust property lines (required by law)
- Build near a property boundary
- Purchase real estate
- Resolve a boundary dispute
- Design new infrastructure or improvements
Lenders and attorneys often recommend surveys before closing on property.
What does a land surveyor do?
A licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS):
- Determine boundary locations using deeds, prior surveys, and physical evidence
- Set or verify property corners
- Prepare subdivision and partition plats
- Provide a full range of design and construction services for infrastructure projects
- Serve as an expert witness for property disputes
Surveyors provide a professional opinion of boundary location. Only a court can make a final legal determination of ownership.
Who is legally allowed to perform a land survey?
In Oregon, only an Oregon licensed Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) can legally perform and take responsibility for a land survey.
Engineers, contractors, and technicians may not establish land boundaries unless they are also licensed as a PLS.
How do I find a surveyor?
Surveyors are often found through:
- Referrals from friends, attorneys, real estate agents, or title companies
- Online listings under “Land Surveyors”
- State surveying associations
Surveyors should be able to provide references upon request.
How much will a survey cost?
Surveying costs depend on:
- Records research required
- Historic title or survey issues in the area
- Fieldwork complexity
- Property size and terrain
- Time needed for calculations and mapping
- Type of final survey to be filed with the County
Price alone should not determine your choice — experience and reliability matter.
Should I get a written contract?
Yes. A well written contract protects both you and the surveyor and will clarify:
- Scope of Services
- Assumptions associated with the Scope of Services
- Estimated costs
- Schedule
- Additional work contingencies
What information should I provide to the surveyor?
- A copy of your deed or legal description
- Title documents from purchase or refinance (if available)
- Any information about existing property markers, use of the property, property disputes, and any other property history
- The reason for the survey
Clear information avoids rework and helps reduce time and cost.
What will I receive when the survey is complete?
Depending on your contract terms, typically, you will receive:
- A signed and stamped survey map (plat)
- Marked or monumented property corners
By law, surveys setting property corners must be filed with the County Surveyor.
What if I disagree with a surveyor?
Start by discussing your concerns with the surveyor. If needed, you may:
- Provide additional legal evidence
- Hire another licensed surveyor for a second opinion
- Consult an attorney
What if the survey reveals a problem?
Surveys sometimes uncover:
- Overlapping deed descriptions
- Easement issues
- Fence or building encroachments
- Boundary conflicts
Many boundary disputes can be resolved through agreements, easements, or boundary adjustments. Court action is usually a last resort.
Your surveyor or attorney can help determine the best solution.
