Surveying FAQs

Do I have to get a survey to install a fence?

In most towns and cities a survey is not required to install a fence. Still, you should check with your local planning and/or zoning official to be sure. You will be making a significant investment to have a fence installed, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Fences do make good neighbors, but if the fence is not put on your property line, that mistake could cost you much more than the a survey.

Can’t you just survey one line?

No. There is no way for a surveyor to survey just one line of a property. In order to meet the requirements of a survey, and know the full boundary of your property, we need to be able to connect all the points.

Do you have to access other properties surrounding mine?

Yes, we need to consider and review the properties surrounding your property.  Based on the completeness of the local land records, we may need evidence from nearby properties. 

How long does it take to complete a survey?

In general, a survey takes two to four weeks. A number of factors affect the timeline, like the size of the property, accuracy and availability of local records, and whether we find local monuments on the property. 

What types of surveys are there?

There are several different types of surveys.  One of the most common is a Property or Boundary Survey.   The purpose of this survey is to locate the corners, boundary lines and/or easements on the land.  The survey involves local land records research, field measurements, and analysis to establish the boundary lines. 

building survey would include all existing buildings on the property and their relation to the boundary of the property. 

A topographic survey locates all surface features of a property and depicts all natural features and elevation. 

“Where can I get more surveying information?”

For more information, please visit the Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors.