Easements & Legal Descriptions | SoCal Land Surveyors

What are easements and legal descriptions?

A legal description is the written definition of a parcel or easement area — most often expressed as a metes-and-bounds description that walks the boundary course by course. An easement description defines the specific area where one party holds a right to use another's land, such as for access or utilities. Together with a plat or exhibit map, these documents give attorneys, owners, and title companies a clear, recordable picture of exactly what land is affected.

When do you need one?

Granting or defining an access easement across a neighboring parcel
Establishing a utility easement for power, water, sewer, or drainage
Preparing or correcting a deed that requires a precise written description
Adjusting a lot line and documenting the resulting parcels
Resolving a title issue, gap, or overlap that needs a clean description of record — if the question comes from a purchase or refinance, see when a transaction needs an ALTA survey

What's included in your deliverables

Exact deliverables depend on your project's scope and what the city, lender, or agency requires. Typical items can include:

Research of your deed, recorded maps, and surrounding records
Field location of monuments and improvements as needed to tie the description to the ground
A written metes-and-bounds legal description of the parcel or easement area
A plat or exhibit map illustrating the described area for review and recording

Our process

QuoteTell us about the parcel, easement, or matter; we scope the work and send an estimate.
ResearchWe pull deeds, recorded maps, and title information relevant to the affected land.
Field locationWhen needed, our crew locates monuments and improvements to anchor the description.
DraftWe prepare the written legal description and matching plat or exhibit map.
DeliverYou receive recordable documents ready to support your deed, easement, or title work.

What to have ready before requesting a quote

A little information up front helps us scope the right survey and quote it accurately:

Property address
APN (Assessor Parcel Number) if available
The reason for the survey (permit, fence, ADU, purchase, dispute, design)
A title report, if you have one
Plans or permit / plan-check comments, if available
Any deadlines you are working toward
Access instructions (gates, codes, tenants, animals)

Related services

Easements & legal descriptions across Southern California

We prepare descriptions and exhibits throughout the region. Explore service by county:

Frequently asked questions

What is a legal description?

A legal description is the written definition of a parcel or easement area, often as a metes-and-bounds description, that identifies its boundaries precisely enough to be recorded and referenced in deeds and title documents.

When do I need an easement description prepared?

You typically need one when granting or defining access or utility easements, preparing deeds, adjusting lot lines, or resolving title issues that require a clear written and graphic definition of the affected area.

Do you provide a plat or exhibit map with the description?

Yes. We pair each written legal description with a plat or exhibit map that illustrates the described area so attorneys, owners, and title companies can review and record matching documents.

Is field work always required?

Not always. Some descriptions can be prepared from recorded records, while others require field location to tie the easement or boundary to existing monuments. We scope the field work to what your matter needs.

Can you coordinate with our attorney or title company?

Yes. We routinely work alongside attorneys and title companies, delivering descriptions and exhibits in a format that supports your deed, easement, or title resolution documents.

Easements & Legal Descriptions in Southern California