Flatirons, Inc.

Monumented Land Survey

A monumented land survey (sometimes called a pin survey) is a land survey in which monuments are either found or set to mark the boundaries of a specified parcel of land. A current title commitment is useful because it includes the legal description and exceptions (such as easements) for the subject property.

The first step in performing a monumented land survey is a search for evidence such as existing property corner monuments (both on the subject property and on adjacent properties), block corners, subdivision corners, and section corners. Once a sufficient amount of monumentation and other evidence (fences and other lines of occupation) are located, a series of measurements is performed. These measurements are then compared to the legal descriptions for the subject parcel and adjoining parcels. A determination of the property boundary is made, giving consideration to the accuracy of found monuments, seniority of the subject parcel, and any other evidence discovered.

After the determination of the boundary location, property monuments are placed at each angle point or change of direction, such as the beginning or end of a curve. The monument will usually be a steel pin driven flush with or beneath the surface of the ground. A cap identifying the registration number of the surveyor responsible for setting the monument should be placed atop the steel pin. If it is more practical, monuments may be placed on an extension of the line. These types of monuments are called offsets, and are usually found on sidewalks or curbheads. Offset monuments are easier to find and to protect from damage, but may be mistaken as the actual property corner.

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When a Monumented Land Survey is performed on a parcel located within a platted subdivision filed before July 1, 1975, or in unplatted parcels of land, Colorado Revised Statutes 38-51-107 usually require the preparation of a in conjunction with a monumented land survey. The land survey plat is a map of the monumented land survey, which is deposited in the public office designated by the county commissioners. One of the purposes of recording this information is to provide survey data for subsequent land surveys. It also makes the results of the monumented land survey a matter of public record, which may help to protect your interests in the property.