What to look for in a site planning surveyor? Mixed Use Property

Question

Should I just google local surveyors and look for the best reviews or is this one of those things where, assuming that they are properly qualified, I can select the lowest price? If so, is it enough that they are certified with the state (Oregon) or are there other qualifications that I should require? Will the surveyor know what to include in the survey or is it my responsibility to consult with the county and inform the surveyor?

Thanks in advance!

Details that may or may not be relevant: missing pins, corners are not 90 degrees, ground is slightly sloped, original existing structures predate planning dept records and likely infringe on neighboring lot. For now I'm developing an unused portion of one of two adjacent lots but I will eventually want to add density to the developed portions of both lots so I'm thinking that it makes sense to survey both of them at once.

Account Closed · Answer

Referrals are the best way to find any kind of professional in my opinion. Do you know anyone else doing development work you could ask? If you've ever worked with a Civil Engineer or Architect before they may be able to give you a referral as well. Realtors might be another avenue.The details you mentioned are things surveyors deal with regularly and they should know what you'll ultimately need if you tell them your plans.

• Utility Locations
• Depth of Sewer
• Meter Locations
• Stormwater Drainage & Flow
• Top of Gutter & Flow Line Elevations
• P/L to P/L across the street
• Street Radius
• Paper Street dimensions
• ROW dimensions 
• Sidewalks, curb cuts, aprons along property and neighboring properties
• Existing structures and improvements. 
• Existing trees
• Distance from transit stops

Nik Moushon · Answer

Theres different level of how in depth the survey gets. Theres your boundary survey, which is JUST figuring out the boundary of your lot. Then theres a topographical survey, which includes the previous plus gives you the topography of your site. Then there is a ALTA survey, which does pretty much everything. This includes the previous two plus a long list of things, two of those are easements and right-of-way research. Every office is going to be a little different in what they offer but thats the basics of it.

You will want the state certified btw. Other than that its really just reputation based. Call a couple local architect or civil engineering offices and ask for references. They wont be shy about telling you who the good and bad ones are.

Faye R. · Answer

Thanks for your thoughts but I'm still confused. What kind of trouble might I get into by hiring the least expensive state-certified surveyor?  Would my risk be as minimal as having to nag him to get the job done or ask for changes based on the designer or city's feedback? Or is it the sort of mistake that could put me at risk for having to backtrack the entire project?