Tennessee
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
- Karst and sinkholes in Middle and East Tennessee
- New Madrid Seismic Zone exposure around Memphis
- Flash flooding (2010 Nashville flood)
- Landslides on steep slopes
Building code: 2021 IBC and 2018 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 Tennessee?
Engineers practicing in Tennessee are licensed by the Tennessee Board of Examiners for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors. 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 Tennessee?
2021 IBC and 2018 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 Tennessee?
Common issues include karst and sinkholes in Middle and East Tennessee, new Madrid Seismic Zone exposure around Memphis, flash flooding (2010 Nashville flood) and landslides on steep slopes.