When Should You Get an ALTA Survey for Your Commercial Property in Knoxville, TN?

At Abbie Jones Consulting (AJC), we know purchasing, expanding, or managing a commercial property in Knoxville, TN is a major investment—and getting the right survey at the right time is essential to your success. With Knoxville’s steady commercial growth, ever-evolving zoning ordinances, and the unique challenges posed by East Tennessee’s hilly terrain, a precise survey is more important than ever.

Why Are Surveys Important for Knoxville Commercial Properties?

A proper land survey forms the backbone of any successful commercial real estate deal or project in Knoxville. Unlike residential lots, commercial properties are subject to stricter city codes, ADA standards, and more complex utility considerations. AJC specializes in detail-oriented surveys that accurately document setbacks, ADA areas, adjoiners buildings close to boundaries, and every easement affecting your property.

Key Times to Get Your Knoxville Commercial Property Surveyed

1. When Buying or Selling Your Property

Whether in the heart of downtown or along Kingston Pike, a professional survey should be part of every commercial transaction:

• Local Compliance: Knoxville’s codes can be nuanced; a survey ensures you’re meeting all legal requirements and local zoning.

• Title and Lender Requirements: Most lenders and title companies in Tennessee require current surveys before closing. Lending Deals over $1M will likely require an ALTA certification for your survey. This requires a Title Opinion Packet by the closing attorney or title company as well as a Table A to be given to the Surveyor. Table A's list which specific items must be shown on the survey and what specific endorsements the surveyor certifies (rather than the general certification by state law).

• Avoid Surprises: Discover property line disputes, encroachments, or unpermitted improvements before they lead to costly delays.

2. Before Planning Additions or Renovations

If you’re expanding your business, adding a deck overlooking the Tennessee River, or making your site ADA compliant, start with a fresh survey:

• Confirm Setbacks: Knoxville zoning may require special setbacks, especially in historic districts or flood-prone areas.

• ADA Upgrades: AJC surveys and engineering highlight ADA compliance, helping Knoxville business owners meet federal, state, and city accessibility standards.

• Locate Utilities & Easements: Knoxville’s utility corridors and rights-of-way can impact site planning. Our surveys map out what’s below and around your lot.

3. When Neighboring Construction Gets Close

With ongoing development in neighborhoods like Bearden or revitalization near Central Avenue, property boundaries are regularly pushed to their limits:

• Protect Your Investment: Ensure neither you nor a neighbor builds too close (or over) a property line.

• Avoid Legal Disputes: Accurate surveys provide clear facts for communication with adjoining property owners.

4. For Site Improvements or Leasing

Whether re-striping a downtown lot, subdividing a building for new tenants, or planning an ADA-accessible entrance, an updated survey pays off:

• Make Every Square Foot Count: Clearly see your available space and potential for improvements.

• Stay Compliant: Avoid project delays and fines by making sure all local Knoxville ordinances and codes are followed.

What Sets AJC’s Knoxville Commercial Surveys Apart

At Abbie Jones Consulting, our surveys offer:

• Custom Detail: Including setbacks, city-mandated easements, ADA features, and floodplain overlays specific to the Knoxville area.

• Recordable Results: Our surveys meet Knox County and City of Knoxville requirements, making them ready for recording and legal review.

• Proactive Communication: We don’t just deliver a map—we partner with you and anticipate challenges before they become problems.

Move Your Knoxville Project Forward With Confidence

Don’t risk your Knoxville investment with incomplete or outdated information. Whether you’re developing near UT, investing along Broadway, or revitalizing a property in the Old City, let AJC set you up for success with a thorough, professional survey.

Contact Abbie Jones Consulting today for all your Knoxville, TN commercial survey needs—and see how local expertise makes the difference!