What Makes Washington, D.C. ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys Different

Washington, D.C. has some unique considerations when it comes to ALTA/NSPS (American Land Title Association/National Society of Professional Surveyors) Land Title Surveys due to its status as the nation’s capital and the presence of various federal properties and jurisdictional boundaries.

Here are some key factors that make ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys in Washington, D.C. different:

• Federal Regulations and Security: Due to the presence of federal buildings, embassies, and other sensitive sites, there may be additional security measures, regulations, or restrictions that surveyors must follow when conducting ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys in certain areas of Washington, D.C.
• Jurisdictional Boundaries: Given that Washington, D.C. is not a state but a federal district, surveys often need to address federal and local jurisdictional issues. This can include navigating federal property regulations and understanding the interactions between federal and local land use rules.
• Easements and Rights of Way: Due to the density and historical development of D.C., there are often numerous easements, rights of way, and other encumbrances that must be precisely documented. These can include public access easements, utility easements, and historical preservation easements, all of which can be more prevalent and complicated in D.C. compared to other areas.
• Coordination with Multiple Agencies: Surveyors in Washington, D.C. often need to coordinate with a variety of agencies, including federal, local, and even neighborhood-specific organizations. This can include the National Park Service, the D.C. Department of Transportation, and various historical preservation societies.
• Boundary Stones: The District of Columbia has a well-established system of boundary stones that mark the original boundaries of the federal district. These stones, placed in the 1790s, are important historical monuments and may need to be located and documented in ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys.
• Horizontal and Vertical Control: The District of Columbia has its own horizontal and vertical control networks, which may differ slightly from the national systems used elsewhere in the United States. Surveyors must ensure they are referencing the correct control monuments and datum for surveys in the District.
• Unique Land Records: The District of Columbia has its own land records system, separate from the surrounding states of Maryland and Virginia. This may require familiarity with the District’s record-keeping practices and historical land ownership patterns.
• Unique Legal Requirements: D.C. has specific legal requirements for land surveys, such as certification standards and mandatory elements that must be included in the survey. These requirements can impact the format, content, and procedures for conducting and recording the survey.
• Street Rights-of-Way: Many streets in Washington, D.C. have complex rights-of-way and ownership patterns due to the city’s history and development. Surveyors need to carefully research and depict these rights-of-way on ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys.
• Historical and Urban Context: The historical nature of Washington, D.C. means there are numerous historical landmarks, conservation areas, and old infrastructure that may need to be accounted for in the survey. Additionally, the dense urban environment requires detailed attention to the placement and impact of utilities, roads, and neighboring buildings.
• Property Descriptions: Property descriptions in Washington, D.C. can be complex due to the city’s layout and history. The city’s lot descriptions often involve unique systems of measurement and historical divisions of land that require specialized knowledge to interpret correctly.