Land Surveyors: North Carolina Insurance Requirements

Land surveyors in North Carolina are required to be licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCBELS). To obtain a license, applicants must satisfy education requirements, pass the Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) and Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) or Mapping Sciences (MS) exams, and have a specific record of progressive surveying experience. They must also submit an acceptable map and pass the North Carolina State-specific exam. This exam tests the applicant's knowledge of the laws, procedures, and practices pertaining to land surveying in North Carolina.

The cost of applying for a Professional Land Surveyor license in North Carolina is $100. Licenses must be renewed annually, and the renewal fee is $75 or less.

Do land surveyors in North Carolina need insurance?

Land surveyors in North Carolina are required to have a license to practice. The North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors (NCBELS) is responsible for licensing land surveyors in the state. To obtain a license, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass the required exams, and submit an acceptable map.

The North Carolina Engineering and Land Surveying Act states that it is unlawful for any person to practice or offer to practice land surveying in the state without a license. The Act also outlines the requirements for obtaining a license, including the necessary education, experience, and examinations.

In addition to the licensing requirements, land surveyors in North Carolina may also need to carry insurance. While there is no specific mention of insurance requirements for land surveyors in North Carolina, it is always a good idea for professionals in any field to have appropriate insurance coverage. This can help protect them from financial losses in the event of an accident, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances.

It is recommended that land surveyors in North Carolina consult with a reputable insurance provider to discuss their specific needs and ensure they have adequate coverage. This may include general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and other types of coverage depending on their individual circumstances.

By having the appropriate insurance coverage, land surveyors can protect themselves and their business from potential financial risks and have peace of mind while carrying out their important work.

What are the requirements to become a land surveyor in North Carolina?

To become a land surveyor in North Carolina, you must obtain a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license from the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. Here are the requirements you need to meet:

Education:

You must satisfy the education requirements per G. S. 89C-13. This typically involves obtaining a degree in a relevant field such as:

• Bachelor of Science in Surveying or equivalent: Requires a minimum of two years of progressive practical experience, including one year under a practicing professional land surveyor.
• Associate Degree in Surveying Technology: Requires a minimum of four years of progressive practical experience, including three years under a practicing licensed land surveyor.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent: Requires a minimum of seven years of progressive practical experience, including six years under a practicing licensed land surveyor.

Examinations:

You must pass the following examinations:

• Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam: The first examination to assess your foundational knowledge.
• Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam or Mapping Sciences (MS) Exam: You must choose one of these exams, which build on the FS and focus on specific aspects of surveying.
• North Carolina State-Specific Exam: This exam tests your knowledge of the laws, procedures, and practices pertaining to land surveying in North Carolina. It is an open-book exam administered at the Board office.

Experience:

In addition to the educational requirements, you must demonstrate progressive surveying experience after graduation. This experience should be of a grade and character that indicates your competence to practice surveying. The specific number of years of experience required varies depending on your educational qualifications.

Map Submission:

You must submit an acceptable map, which should be a simple black and white 18" x 24" single-page plat. The map must be from actual surveys and comply with the North Carolina Standards of Practice for Land Surveying and the state's Mapping Requirements for Recordable Maps. It must include a statement that the fieldwork, calculations, and drawing were done by you and signed by a Professional Land Surveyor.

Application:

Once you have met all the requirements, you can submit your application to the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. The application fee is $100. Along with your application, you must provide five references, two of which should be professional land surveyors with knowledge of your land surveying experience. The Board may also review your qualifications through an interview if deemed necessary.

How much does land surveying cost in North Carolina?

The cost of land surveying in North Carolina varies depending on several factors, including the type of survey, the size and terrain of the property, the complexity of the job, and the experience of the surveyor. Here is an overview of the costs you can expect for different types of land surveys in North Carolina:

• Boundary or Property Line Survey: This type of survey typically costs between $300 and $900 for up to half an acre. For one acre, the cost ranges from $500 to $1,000, and for sites spanning 50 to 100 acres, the cost per acre drops to between $70 and $140.
• Topographic Survey: The cost of a topographic survey in North Carolina is usually between $400 and $1,500. This type of survey is necessary for contractors, architects, and engineers to map property features like elevation, trees, water bodies, and ground measurements before starting a new construction project.
• Fence Survey: A land survey for installing a fence costs between $200 and $1,200. This type of survey is important to prevent disputes with neighbours by determining the property boundaries.
• American Land Title Association (ALTA) Survey: An ALTA survey in North Carolina typically costs between $1,200 and $4,000. It is a comprehensive survey that includes details such as boundaries, topography, utilities, zoning restrictions, and ownership elements.
• Mortgage Survey: A mortgage survey is often required by lenders in real estate transactions and costs around $200 to $700 on average in North Carolina.
• New Construction Survey: Depending on the complexity of the property and the number of stakes needed, a new construction survey can range from $400 to $1,800.
• As-Built Survey: An as-built survey in North Carolina costs between $400 and $1,500 on average. This type of survey is done after construction to verify that the new building complies with the intended design.
• Plat Survey: A plat survey, which is a legal document that maps property lines, roads, easements, and other land features, typically costs between $400 and $800.
• Plot Plan: A plot plan is a less detailed document than a plat survey and usually costs between $100 and $250.
• Subdivision Survey: If you want to divide a large parcel of land into smaller lots, a subdivision survey is necessary. This type of survey typically costs between $300 and $1,000.

It is important to note that the cost of land surveying in North Carolina can also be affected by factors such as the time of year, expedited service, state laws, research requirements, travel time, and special services requested by the client.

How long does land surveying take in North Carolina?

The time taken for land surveying in North Carolina varies based on several factors. These include the type of survey, the size of the property, the complexity of the land, and the number of structures on the property. For larger properties, land surveying can take up to two weeks.

Other factors that can affect the time taken for a land survey include the time of year, terrain, and weather conditions. For example, leaves on trees can reduce visibility, while snow or frozen ground can make locating old markings more difficult.

It is important to carefully choose a land surveyor based on their experience and ability to discuss potential complicating factors surrounding your property and plans. A good land surveyor will take the time to understand your specific needs and explain what is required to complete the survey.

Additionally, it is worth noting that there is significant office time spent researching deeds and plats of your property and surrounding properties before the actual survey takes place.

How often do you need land surveys in North Carolina?

While there is no legal requirement to have a land survey in North Carolina, there are several situations in which it is strongly recommended. For example, if you are selling a property, the buyer will likely request a land survey, and they usually pay for it too. Similarly, if you are obtaining a mortgage, the lender will almost always require a survey. Insurers will also often require a survey before issuing a title commitment, and a FEMA elevation certificate—which can be obtained from a land surveyor—is typically needed for flood insurance.

Even if no other party is involved in a transaction or project, there are still instances when you should get a land survey. For example, if you are starting a construction or landscaping project, it is helpful to know where your boundary lines are, and knowing the contour lines of your land is necessary for figuring out drainage. A land survey can also help you avoid legal issues and insurance trouble in the future.

The average survey tends to reflect the lay of the land for several decades. Unless your land undergoes a dramatic change, you are unlikely to need another survey within ten years. However, if you re-landscape a property, add new structures, or otherwise significantly alter your lot, you can schedule a land reassessment to determine the updated value of your property.

The cost of a land survey in North Carolina depends on several factors, including the size of the land, the details that need to be evaluated, the difficulty of traversing the property, the type of survey, and how long it takes to complete the job. The average land survey costs approximately $500, but it is not uncommon for a survey of a large piece of property to cost upwards of $1,000.

Frequently asked questions