Can You Trust GIS Viewers Over Professional Surveying?
These impressive tools reflect the local government's push for better tech. Yet, they aren't designed to nail down exact property boundaries.
Why Surveying Your Property Is the Smart Choice
It is not only a good idea but sometimes necessary to know all the details of what you’re purchasing, especially for the nature of the real estate purchases.
If You Need a Land Survey - Here’s How to Get Started
The first step in starting a new project with us is to request an estimate via the appropriate request form.
Survey Recording FAQs
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In Washington State, a land survey must be recorded in the following situations:
Boundary discrepancies: When there's a conflict between the legal description and the actual physical boundaries.
First-time monument placement: When permanent markers (monuments) are set to define property lines for the first time.
Boundary changes: When a property line is established or reestablished and differs from what's shown on existing deeds or plats.
Encroachments: If a structure or improvement is discovered to cross a boundary line.
Court or agency requirements: When a survey is ordered by a court or required by a public agency.
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A recorded survey is an official map, prepared by a licensed land surveyor, that becomes part of the public record. Governed by Chapter 58.09 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), recorded surveys:
Define exact property boundaries
Resolve inconsistencies in legal descriptions
Document boundary changes or new subdivisions
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Fieldwork: A licensed surveyor collects precise measurements and boundary data on-site.
Drafting: A detailed map is created, including scale, north arrow, legal descriptions, and monument locations.
Submission: The final survey is submitted to the County Auditor’s Office, where it is indexed and added to the public record.
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As of 2024, the standard recording fee for a survey in Washington State is $423.50. This flat rate applies statewide, as established by uniform legislation.
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Recording a survey helps:
Prevent boundary disputes
Support smooth property transactions
Ensure future development follows local codes and regulations
Contribute to orderly and transparent land use across the state
It’s a long-term investment in clarity, peace of mind, and responsible property ownership.