Hawaii
Boundary and ALTA/NSPS Survey
Property line, boundary and ALTA surveys by licensed land surveyors for purchases, fences, lenders and site plans.
What the work involves
Boundary surveys establish property lines and corners; ALTA/NSPS surveys add title-related detail required by commercial lenders and title insurers. Both are prepared by licensed land surveyors, not civil engineers. Civil engineers rely on them for setbacks and site design, and many firms provide surveying in house.
Local conditions we plan for
- Hurricanes and high wind
- Tsunami and coastal flooding
- Volcanic hazards and lava flows on the Big Island
- Seismic activity and steep terrain landslides
Building code: 2018 IBC/IRC adopted at the state level (ICC adoption chart, April 2026).
When you need it
- Commercial property purchase or refinance
- Building near a property line
- Fence or encroachment dispute
- Subdivision or lot split
- Lender or title company requires ALTA survey
Frequently asked questions
How much does boundary and ALTA/NSPS Survey cost?
Across the US, boundary and ALTA/NSPS Survey usually costs $375 to $3,000. HomeGuide reports $375 to $745 (about $525 average) for a standard residential boundary survey on a half acre or less; Fixr lists boundary surveys at $200 to $2,000 and ALTA surveys at $2,000 to $3,000. Large or complex commercial ALTA surveys can exceed this.
How long does boundary and ALTA/NSPS Survey take?
Plan on 1 to 4 weeks from signed proposal to stamped deliverables, longer if a site visit, soil testing or a permit review cycle is involved.
Is a permit required for boundary and ALTA/NSPS Survey?
Often not on its own, but the findings frequently lead to work that does need a permit. We tell you which parts of the follow-up work your local building department will review, and can prepare those drawings too.
How do I verify an engineer's license in Hawaii?
Engineers practicing in Hawaii are licensed by the Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects. You can confirm a license number and its status in the board's public license search before you sign a contract.
Which building code applies in Hawaii?
2018 IBC/IRC adopted at the state level (ICC adoption chart, April 2026). Cities and counties can add local amendments, which is one reason to hire an engineer who works in your area.
What site problems do engineers see most in Hawaii?
Common issues include hurricanes and high wind, tsunami and coastal flooding, volcanic hazards and lava flows on the Big Island and seismic activity and steep terrain landslides.