Land Surveying

CERTIFIED SURVEY MAP (CSM)  A special type of document used to create one to four new parcels of land. A Certified Survey Map is subject to municipal subdivision and zoning ordinances along with review and approval by the City/Village, County or both, depending on the location of the property. Once approved, Certified Survey Maps are recorded in the Register of Deeds Office. The legal description for the new parcel simply refers to the Lot of the recorded Certified Survey Map.

SUBDIVISION PLAT  A document used to create four or more new parcels under 1.5 acres of land. Depending on the property location, a Subdivision Plat is subject to municipal subdivision and zoning ordinances along with review and approval by the City/Village, County and State. Once approved, a Subdivision Plat is recorded in the Register of Deeds Office. The legal description for the new parcels simply refers to the individual Lot of the recorded Plat.

ALTA/ACSM LAND TITLE SURVEY  A standardized type of survey that conforms to the standards and requirements of the American Land Title Association (ALTA) and the American Congress of Surveying and Mapping (ACSM). An ALTA is typically used in the sale of commercial property or when a title company requires a survey for insurance purposes to disclose potential problems that would affect the value of the property being mortgaged. Since survey standards are not the same in every state, an ALTA survey provides a nationally recognized standard.

CONDOMINIUM PLAT (CONDO PLAT)  A special document used to define areas within an existing parcel of land called Units. This allows a developer to sell title to multiple parts of a single parcel of land. A Condominium Declaration is prepared by an attorney, which defines the interest in the Units of the Condo Plat. A Condo Plat can be as small as a duplex having two Units or an apartment type having numerous buildings and Units. This type of survey does not allow you create a new parcel of land.

SITE PLAN SURVEY  Prepare a site map from an existing topographic map to show the location and elevation of proposed buildings, driveways, parking areas, drainage, easements, walkways and signage all in accordance with local and state codes for submittal and approval.

BUILDING PERMIT SURVEY  Used for obtaining a permit for new home construction. The survey will show the property lines and easements, new home location within required setback dimensions, foundation height and final lot grades to ensure proper drainage of the property. A soil erosion control plan will also be provided to meet Wisconsin DNR construction management requirements.

TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY (TOPO SURVEY)  A survey used to show existing horizontal and vertical features on a parcel of land. Typically these features include buildings, roadways, utility lines and facilities, vegetation and contour characteristics of the land such as ditch lines, hills or ponds. Most Topo Surveys will also include the boundary lines of the parcel. The map is most often used by Architects, Engineers or Surveyors for future development of the property.

ELEVATION CERTIFICATE  A form that is filled out stating the elevation of a structure in or near a Flood Hazard Area. This information is usually required by an insurance or mortgage company in order to obtain a mortgage.

LOMA (LETTER OF MAP AMENDMENT)  A survey for elevation to more accurately locate the 100-year Flood Hazard Area of a home or property shown to be in the Hazard Area but actually may not be. The survey, along with an application form is sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review and final determination. If FEMA agrees with the findings they will respond with a letter approving the LOMA and amend the FIRM map.

SMI's Land Surveying projects include: 
    Silveridge Subdivision
    Woodridge Subdivision
    Royal Oaks Subdivision
    Point Beach Nuclear Plant spent fuel storage alignment
    Topography for Felician Village project

For information on Land Surveying services contact Ken Meneau:
ken@smimanitowoc.com or 920-684-5583 ext. 104

SMI's Land Surveying Staff: