Geodesy Journal

  A Flood Elevation Certificate , prepared by a licensed surveyor, is now a key requirement for any new development. It confirms whether a property meets FEMA and local flood standards—helping to avoid costly delays, design changes, and insurance issues. In places like Chattanooga, elevation reporting isn’t just a formality—it’s essential for safe, legal, and efficient construction. Pre-Development Challenges Without Elevation Verification Before construction begins, the land must be checked. If you don’t have certified elevation data: You may not know if the lot is in a flood zone Permits might be denied or delayed Teams may not agree on where or how to build Starting with verified data helps prevent these early problems. Certification and Compliance for Safe and Legal Construction In Chattanooga, floodplain rules apply to many parts of the city. Elevation certificates are required in these areas. They show that your building meets minimum height standards for safety. This certif...

  Buying land can feel like a dream come true — space, privacy, and the freedom to build the home you’ve imagined. But what many landowners discover after the purchase is that not all land is ready to be built on. One of the most common and costly surprises is failing to secure a perc test (percolation test) before buying. A perc test determines whether a piece of land can support a septic system — and without passing results, local authorities may deny building permits . This isn’t just a technical requirement; it’s a critical factor in deciding whether utilities can be installed and construction can move forward. In this article, we’ll break down why skipping a perc test can halt your plans, what a perc test actually involves, and how to avoid this common land‑buying regret. The Story Many Property Owners Wish They Knew Sooner Imagine this scenario: You purchase a beautiful rural lot or a large property on the edge of town. You’ve already planned the house layout, picked out fi...

When buying or owning property in Sacramento, CA, it's important to know exactly what you're getting and what others may have the right to use. One of the most overlooked but critical elements in property ownership is the easement . Easements can affect your rights, your property's value, and even what you’re allowed to build. The best way to uncover easements before making a big mistake? Get a property survey . In this guide, we’ll explain what easements are, how they appear on surveys, and what landowners and buyers in Sacramento need to watch out for. Why Easements Matter in Property Ownership? Sacramento’s Growing Real Estate Market With Sacramento’s steady growth and development, more homes and commercial properties are changing hands than ever before. This makes understanding land rights—including easements—crucial. Surveys Reveal Important Details A property survey doesn’t just show boundary lines. It can uncover legal access rights, utility zones, and shared spaces ...