Are Property Surveys Public Record?

Property surveys are confusing for many of us, and these land records are typically kept on file between the county, the company that was hired to perform the survey, and the individual who hired someone to perform a survey. If you are confused about your property lines, you may want to figure out if a survey has been conducted on your property and how to review it. Our article will tell you everything you need to know about property surveys and the public record.

What Is a Property Survey?

A property survey is a survey conducted by an official company that works to identify property lines on certain pieces of land. Property surveys are typically conducted when someone wants to expand or build on their property and wants to make sure the land they are building is actually theirs, or they may be conducted as part of a dispute over a piece of land. Sometimes, the county or town you live in will conduct property surveys to identify public land or identify specific areas of the town for certain purposes, like a community park.

Individuals who wish for a property survey must go through a reputable and legitimate company in order for their property survey to be valid. You can research organizations in your state or county if you find yourself in this situation.

When Do I Need a Property Survey?

There are a few different circumstances where you might need a property survey. We give you an overview of the most common reasons for obtaining a property survey below:

• There is a dispute between you and your neighbor about where a property line is located

• You are purchasing a property or selling a property, and a request has been made for a property survey

• You are building or expanding your property and need a clear idea of where property boundary lines are

• You have tax concerns and want to be sure of the exact boundaries of your property

Are Property Surveys Public Record?

Property surveys are not part of the public record, as these records are typically kept between the individual requesting the property survey and the company that conducts the property survey. Sometimes, the town or county may keep a copy of a property survey on file, but this does not mean just anyone can see it.

That being said, it is possible to determine if a property survey has been conducted. Town records or property survey companies may be able to confirm or deny whether or not a property survey has been conducted in a specific area.

Additionally, if you have serious legal concerns and need a property survey, you may be able to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for a property survey, though this is typically only viable in very specific circumstances.

Can I See Someone Else’s Property Survey?

You cannot see someone’s property survey, though you may be able to see whether or not someone has had a property survey conducted. This does depend on state laws and specific disclosures, so you should search the exact rules in your town to see what kind of information you can access about property surveys.

How Do I Obtain Property Land Records?

Property land records refer to records about a specific piece of property in your county, such as whether or not a survey has been conducted, property tax records, and the history of the property. Generally, these records are available to the public.

In most states, there will be a Recorder of Deeds or a Planning and Zoning office that can give you the information you need about a certain piece of property. You can also typically find these records through a public records’ search engine.

Gathering Pertinent Property Information

Accessing property information is important, especially if you are expanding on your property, purchasing a new property, or looking to sell property. If you are confused about the boundaries of your property, you will need to obtain an official property survey, as property surveys are not public record and you cannot access any previous surveys. To learn more about this, you can speak to a legal professional who specializes in property lines, or you can reach out to a local property survey company.