Get matched with top land surveyors in Rochester, IL

Soil testers and licensed excavators are often the professionals you hire if you need a perc test. In some cases, structural engineers will also be able to conduct the test for you. In many municipalities, you’ll need your professional on-site to dig and fill the holes with water, as well as a representative from your local building department or health department. That representative is the individual who will determine whether your test passes or fails.

Permit requirements to clear land vary by municipality, so whether or not you need permits depends on where you live and what you’re removing from the land. Some building departments will require permits for any underground work or excavation, meaning grinding down tree stumps on your property would require permits. Others mandate individual permits for each tree you remove. You can contact your local building department or a land-clearing specialist near you to see if permits are necessary for your job.

Property lines, building locations, and potential encroachments are mapped.

A few different types of land surveys can help determine certain features and boundaries of your property. These include:

• Boundary surveys describe the actual borders of a property. These are generally required when trying to get construction permits issued. 

• Location surveys provide much of the same information as a boundary survey but also include in-depth information about any improvements made to your property. 

• Mortgage location surveys are usually required by lenders and title companies before financing or offering an insurance policy. 

• Site-planning surveys are done before applying for building permits and can be issued before any major home improvements. 

• Topographic surveys provide a formal map of land elevations. It can also describe the location and size of natural features and any land improvements.