Process of Obtaining a Survey Plan and Necessary Documents

Before starting any construction project on a property, having a Survey Plan is practically essential. Without this document, it is impossible to accurately determine property boundaries, which can lead to serious issues during construction. For instance, if you have purchased a plot or a house with a plot and the accompanying documents do not include a Survey Plan , this service can clarify many important details. One possible situation is that a neighbor’s fence or other structures may encroach on your property. While this may seem insignificant, you may find that a project requires just a few extra inches to meet government setback requirements. Additionally, a land survey plan can identify the number of parking spaces and other details that are crucial for successful planning and execution of a construction project.

1. Process of Obtaining a Survey Plan:

1. Request for Services:

   • Who to Contact: Reach out to a licensed land surveyor registered with the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors (AOLS). Choose a professional with experience in your region and familiarity with local regulations and requirements.
   • What to Provide: You will need to provide the surveyor with information about your property, including proof of ownership documents (e.g., a certificate of title or a purchase agreement). This information is vital for the accurate execution of the plan surveying process.

2. Site Survey:

   • What Happens: The surveyor visits the site and conducts the necessary measurements. This process includes determining the exact boundaries, topography, existing structures, and infrastructure. The surveyor may need access to all parts of the property to complete these tasks.
   • Additional Data: If required, the surveyor may also collect data on vegetation, water bodies, and other natural features that could impact the project. This data is integral to the land survey plan.

3. Preparation of the Survey Plan:

   • What It Includes: After completing the survey, the surveyor compiles the Survey Plan . This document will include all the collected data presented as drawings and maps, along with relevant explanatory notes.
   • Review and Approval: The surveyor conducts a final review of the document to ensure that all data is accurate and meets the AOLS standards. This ensures that the plan survey is comprehensive and reliable.

2. Necessary Documents to Order a Survey Plan:

1. Proof of Land Ownership:

   This could be a certificate of title, purchase agreement, or lease agreement if the property is leased. These documents confirm your right to manage the land and conduct the plan survey .

2. Cadastral Plan (if available):

   If you already have a cadastral plan for the property, provide it to the surveyor. This can expedite the process of determining boundaries and other parameters necessary for the plan surveying .

3. Contact Information:

   Provide contact details so the surveyor can reach you with any questions during the work process, ensuring smooth communication throughout the land survey plan process.

3. What You Will Receive After Completion:

1. Survey Plan:

   You will receive a complete Survey Plan of the property, which may be provided in both printed and digital formats. This document will include all the information on boundaries, topography, existing structures, utilities, and natural features gathered during the plan surveying process.

2. Surveyor’s Report:

   In some cases, the plan may be accompanied by a surveyor’s report with recommendations on land use or notes on features to consider during design and construction.

3. Originals or Copies of Ownership Documents:

   All original ownership documents you provided for the preparation of the land survey plan will be returned to you along with the final document.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Survey Plan is an essential and preliminary step in any construction project. This document provides an accurate representation of the property’s characteristics and serves as the foundation for further design and permit acquisition. It is crucial to have all necessary documents on hand to simplify and expedite the process and to choose a qualified surveyor to ensure the accuracy and quality of the plan survey .

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