ALTA Surveys in Ohio

ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys in Ohio

An ALTA survey (American Land Title Association survey) is the most comprehensive type of land survey available, providing detailed information required for commercial real estate transactions. Also known as an ALTA/NSPS survey (jointly developed with the National Society of Professional Surveyors), this survey type is the gold standard for commercial property purchases, refinancing, and development projects throughout Ohio.

At Compass360 Surveying, we provide professional ALTA surveys across Ohio—including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, and all surrounding areas—with our guaranteed 15-business day turnaround.

Commercial deals depend on clarity: where the lines are, what improvements exist, which easements affect the land, and how those facts line up with the title commitment. An ALTA survey is designed to answer those questions in a format lenders and title professionals recognize.

What Is an ALTA Survey?

An ALTA survey goes far beyond a standard boundary survey. It provides comprehensive documentation of the property that satisfies the requirements of lenders, title insurance companies, and attorneys involved in commercial transactions. Learn more about the differences between boundary surveys and ALTA surveys.

What's Included in an ALTA Survey?

Every ALTA survey we perform in Ohio includes:

ALTA Survey Table A Options

ALTA surveys include optional "Table A" items that can be selected based on your transaction requirements. Table A is how lenders and title companies customize the survey beyond the base ALTA/NSPS standard — for example asking for monuments, flood zone classification, parking counts, zoning information, or underground utility locations. Matching Table A to the commitment early prevents rework late in the closing timeline.

Common Table A items requested for Ohio commercial properties include:

Who Typically Orders an ALTA Survey?

ALTA surveys are ordered by the parties who need comprehensive, lender- and title-ready documentation of a commercial property. In practice that usually includes:

• Lenders — who often require an ALTA/NSPS survey before closing or refinancing commercial loans
• Title companies and title attorneys — who rely on the survey to address Schedule B exceptions and underwrite title insurance
• Real estate attorneys — who use the survey during due diligence for acquisitions and development deals
• Developers and commercial buyers — who need a clear picture of boundaries, improvements, easements, and encroachments before committing capital

If you are unsure whether your transaction needs an ALTA survey or a simpler boundary survey, we can help you sort that out when you request a quote — or start with our comparison guide linked below.

How an ALTA Survey Differs from a Boundary Survey

A boundary survey focuses on establishing property lines and corners. An ALTA survey includes boundary determination and goes further: improvements, easements, encroachments, and title-commitment review tied to ALTA/NSPS standards for commercial transactions. Rather than repeat the full comparison here, see our dedicated guide: Boundary Surveys vs ALTA Surveys: What Property Owners Need to Know.

Choosing the wrong product can slow a closing or leave lenders asking for more documentation. When a commercial purchase, refinance, or development is involved, ALTA is usually the expectation; residential fence and lot-line questions more often call for a boundary or lot survey.

What the ALTA Process Involves (High Level)

At a high level, an ALTA survey combines office research with detailed fieldwork and a certified drawing prepared to the standards your lender or title company requires:

• Scoping and Table A items — Confirm which optional Table A items your transaction needs so the survey matches lender and title expectations.
• Title commitment review — Identify Schedule B-II exceptions that must be shown or addressed on the survey.
• Deed, plat, and prior survey research — Build the record picture of the parcel before the crew mobilizes.
• Comprehensive fieldwork — Locate boundaries, improvements, and evidence of easements or encroachments on site.
• Drafting, certification, and delivery — Prepare the plat and certify it to the required parties.

Compass360 Surveying's published ALTA process on this page follows quote request, title review, research, fieldwork, drafting and review, then delivery. Contact us for a project-specific timeline and quote if your closing date or Table A list is still taking shape — we provide detailed quotes within 24 hours so you know what to expect before we begin.

Who Needs an ALTA Survey in Ohio?

ALTA surveys are typically required for:

• Commercial Property Purchases – Lenders and title companies require ALTA surveys for commercial transactions
• Commercial Refinancing – Many lenders require an updated ALTA survey for refinancing
• Development Projects – Comprehensive property documentation before breaking ground
• Multi-Family Properties – Apartment buildings and condominium projects
• Industrial Properties – Warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers
• Retail Properties – Shopping centers, standalone retail, and mixed-use developments

ALTA Survey Costs in Ohio

ALTA survey costs vary based on property size, complexity, and required Table A items. Typical ALTA surveys in Ohio range from $2,000 to $5,000+, though larger or more complex properties may cost more. Read our complete guide to land survey costs for more details.

We provide detailed quotes within 24 hours so you know exactly what to expect before we begin.

Our ALTA Survey Process

1. Quote Request – Provide us with property details and your required Table A items
2. Title Review – We review the title commitment to understand all exceptions
3. Research – We research deeds, plats, and previous surveys
4. Fieldwork – Our crew performs comprehensive on-site measurements
5. Drafting & Review – We prepare the survey and certify it to your required parties
6. Delivery – Your certified ALTA survey is delivered within 15 business days

Ohio ALTA Survey Coverage

We perform ALTA surveys throughout Ohio, with particular expertise in:

• Columbus & Central Ohio – Franklin, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, and Pickaway Counties
• Cleveland & Northeast Ohio – Cuyahoga, Summit, Lake, and Lorain Counties
• Cincinnati & Southwest Ohio – Hamilton, Butler, Warren, and Clermont Counties
• Dayton & Miami Valley – Montgomery, Greene, and Clark Counties

Working With Lenders, Title Companies, and Attorneys

Commercial closings move on documentation. An ALTA survey that addresses the title commitment and required Table A items helps lenders, title companies, and attorneys complete due diligence without last-minute survey surprises. Compass360 Surveying maintains title company relationships and prepares surveys certified to the parties your transaction requires.

When you request a quote, share the property details you have, any title commitment or Table A list from the lender, and your target closing window. We will scope the survey to those requirements and return a detailed quote within 24 hours. If Table A items are still being negotiated, say so — we can outline what is typically requested and adjust once the final list is set.

Why Clients Choose Compass360 for ALTA Work

Clients choose Compass360 Surveying for ALTA projects because we combine licensed Ohio experience with GPS/GNSS precision technology and a published 15-business day turnaround from accepted quote to delivered survey. Scott Grundei's background includes decades of Ohio surveying experience, including ALTA, boundary, builder services, and engineering support for commercial and residential work.

Whether your project is a commercial purchase, refinance, multi-family site, industrial facility, or retail development, the goal is the same: a clear, standards-based survey that supports the transaction. Request a quote online or call 614-205-0721 to get started.