The City Says You Need a Survey for Your Permit.

Did the building department — or your permit checklist — say a survey is required? We’ll pinpoint the right one (boundary, topographic, or setback) and get you permit-ready across Los Angeles County.

Tell us what the city, county, architect, or engineer requested — we’ll help determine whether you need boundary, topo, setback, hillside, or permit survey support. Call now to discuss your project.

Establishing the property data a building permit needs.

When Los Angeles requires a survey for a permit

Cities and the County ask for a survey when the permit depends on something only measurement can confirm: where your property lines are, what the existing grades look like, or how far structures sit from the lines. If your counter checklist, plan checker, or designer told you a survey is “required,” that’s the trigger — and we’ll help you get the right one the first time.

Boundary vs. topo vs. setback — which one?

Many permits need a combination. Not sure? We’ll tell you exactly what your project requires.

Surveys by project type

What “permit-ready” means

It means the survey answers the city’s question in the format plan check expects — a signed exhibit, located corners or existing conditions, and files your architect or engineer can use directly. No guesswork, no missing data that triggers a correction later.

Timeline & what we deliver

We quote fast and schedule fieldwork promptly. You receive a signed, survey-based deliverable suited to your permit, plus CAD or PDF files for your design team. Exact timing depends on lot size, terrain, access, and records research.

Related permit help

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need a survey for my permit?

If the city, county, or your designer said one is required, then yes — usually because the permit depends on property lines, existing grades, or setbacks. Tell us your project and we’ll confirm what’s actually needed.

Which survey does the city want?

Most building permits need a boundary, topographic, or setback survey — or a combination. We scope your specific project so you don’t over-buy.

How long does it take?

We quote quickly and schedule fieldwork promptly. Residential turnaround varies with lot size, terrain, access, and records, and we’ll give you a realistic timeline up front.

How much does it cost?

Cost depends on parcel size, terrain, available records, and access. Request a free estimate and we’ll scope your specific property.

Does a survey guarantee my permit?

No. A survey supports the city’s review; the building and planning departments make the final decision. We make sure the survey portion is solid and submittal-ready.

Can you coordinate with my contractor or architect?

Yes. We deliver files your team can use directly and can align scope with your contractor, architect, or engineer.

A survey supports plan check, design, and code review. It does not guarantee permit approval — the city or county building and planning departments make the final decision. Our job is to make your project survey-ready.

Licensed Surveyor Oversight

Survey work is completed by, or under the responsible charge of, California-licensed Professional Land Surveyors. When a stamped survey is required, the final deliverable will identify the responsible licensee for that project.

Need a survey to pull your permit?

Tell us your project and city — we’ll quote the exact survey your building permit needs and get you submittal-ready.

Call Now: (213) 787-3342 Free Quote