ALTA survey and Topographic Survey

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Manisha Shrestha

July 27, 2021 16:32

If I need to find information about easement, should I be looking into ALTA Survey or Topographic Survey?. ALTA would not show topography but shows easement and I believe Topographic survey also shows easement. Can I put parking on easement or plant trees on the easement? I would appreciate, if someone can chime in. Thanks

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  Rebekka O'Melia July 27, 2021 16:54

  An easement allows access to a utility typically.  Or access to a beach or lake or something. You couldn't block the access with parking or trees.

  An easement should be both on the site plan and in the written deed, I think.

  Hope this helps!

  Rebekka O'Melia, B.Arch, M. Ed, Registered Architect, NCARB, Step UP ARE 5.0

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  Manisha Shrestha July 27, 2021 17:22

  Thanks Rebekka! Am I allowed to make any surface improvement on easement?
  Also, should I be looking into ALTA survey or Topographic survey for easement?

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  Rebekka O'Melia July 28, 2021 00:06 (Edited July 28, 2021 22:37)

  Here's a pic of an easement in a residential neighborhood.  They can drive a truck down it if they need to.  Someone mows it once a year or 2.  It looks like a path in the woods.  Paving it may be possible (some easements cut across parking lots or are beside a road), but it needs to be clear for access.

  Hope this helps!

  Rebekka O'Melia, B.Arch, M. Ed, Registered Architect, NCARB, Step UP ARE 5.0

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  Tony Young July 28, 2021 17:20

  Take a look at site planning and design, from my knowledge building on top of an easement is discouraged, i would say even plantings unless you have no choice. As far as ALTA and topographic surveys one is used for boundaries and the other you can find information about the land.

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  Francesca Fontana December 16, 2023 21:41 (Edited December 16, 2023 22:55)

  If we are looking for information about easements, I think we have to look at an ALTA Survey or at a BOUNDARY Survey or at a PLAT Survey. In my understanding a TOPOGRAPHIC Survey does not provide easements information.

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