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ALTA/NSPS Survey Table A Items 1–21 (2026)

The optional “Table A” items are the menu a client checks on top of the baseline ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey. Below is every item from the Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys (effective February 23, 2026) explained in plain English — filter them, see what changed from 2021, and build a checklist for your survey order.

What is Table A?

An ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey has a fixed baseline that every survey must meet. Table A is the separate, negotiated list of optional responsibilities a client can add — flood zone, gross area, zoning, building dimensions, underground utilities, and more. The client selects the items they need, those items are listed in the survey certification, and the surveyor performs only what was requested.

The current schedule is the 2026 standard, effective February 23, 2026, which replaced the 2021 version. It adds two new items — a summary table of potential encroachments (Item 20) and a blank negotiated slot (Item 21). All 21 items are below.

All 21 Table A items

Filter by topic, search, or show only the items lenders commonly require. Check the items you need to build a copy-ready checklist for your survey order.

Monuments placed at boundary corners

Often required by lendersBoundary & Area

The surveyor physically sets (or witnesses) markers at the major corners of the property unless adequate monuments already exist. Clients request it so the legal boundary is identifiable on the ground for future construction, fencing, or dispute resolution.

Official wording

Monuments placed (or a reference monument or witness to the corner) at all major corners of the boundary of the surveyed property, unless already marked or referenced by existing monuments or witnesses in close proximity to the corner.

Address(es) of the surveyed property

Often required by lendersAdministrative

The street address(es) of the property are shown on the survey. Title companies and lenders use it to tie the survey to the title commitment and the insured property.

Official wording

Address(es) of the surveyed property if disclosed in documents provided to or obtained by the surveyor, or observed while conducting the fieldwork.

Flood zone classification

Often required by lendersFlood & Environment

The surveyor notes the FEMA flood zone(s) and graphically plots the flood boundary by scaling from the FIRM. Lenders require it to assess flood-insurance obligations before closing.

Official wording

Flood zone classification (with proper annotation based on federal Flood Insurance Rate Maps or the state or local equivalent) depicted by scaled map location and graphic plotting only.

Gross land area

Often required by lendersBoundary & Area

The total area of the parcel (and any additional areas the client names) is computed and stated. It is foundational for valuation, development density, and price-per-acre/SF.

Official wording

Gross land area (and other areas if specified by the client).

Vertical relief / topography

Improvements

The surveyor depicts elevation/contours with the data source, contour interval, datum, and benchmark. Clients planning construction or grading request it; it is topographic data not otherwise included.

Official wording

Vertical relief with the source of information (e.g., ground survey, aerial map), contour interval, datum, with originating benchmark, when appropriate.

Zoning classification & setbacks

Often required by lendersZoning

Using a zoning report supplied by the client, the surveyor lists zoning facts — classification, setbacks, height/FAR, parking — (6a) and/or graphically draws the setback lines (6b). The surveyor does not interpret the ordinance. Lenders and buyers use it to confirm the improvements comply with zoning.

  • 6(a) If the current zoning classification, setback requirements, height and floor space area restrictions, and parking requirements specific to the surveyed property are set forth in a zoning report or letter provided to the surveyor by the client or the client's designated representative, list the above items on the plat or map and identify the date and source of the report or letter.
  • 6(b) If the zoning setback requirements specific to the surveyed property are set forth in a zoning report or letter provided to the surveyor by the client or the client's designated representative, and if those requirements do not require an interpretation by the surveyor, graphically depict those requirements on the plat or map and identify the date and source of the report or letter.
Official wording

Zoning information set out in a zoning report or letter provided to the surveyor by the client, shown and/or graphically depicted on the plat or map.

Building dimensions, square footage & height

Often required by lendersImprovements

The surveyor measures building footprints (7a), computes square footage (7b), and/or measures building height (7c). Buyers and lenders use these to verify rentable area, coverage ratios, and height-limit compliance.

  • 7(a) Exterior dimensions of all buildings at ground level.
  • 7(b)(1) Square footage of exterior footprint of all buildings at ground level.
  • 7(b)(2) Square footage of other areas as specified by the client.
  • 7(c) Measured height of all buildings above grade at a location specified by the client. If no location is specified, the point of measurement shall be identified.
Official wording

(a) Exterior dimensions of all buildings at ground level. (b) Square footage of (1) exterior footprint at ground level and/or (2) other areas specified by the client. (c) Measured height of all buildings above grade at a client-specified location.

Substantial site features observed

Improvements

Beyond the baseline improvements, the surveyor maps notable site features actually observed. It gives lenders/buyers a fuller picture of what physically exists on the property.

Official wording

Substantial features observed in the process of conducting the fieldwork (in addition to improvements required by Section 5) (e.g., parking lots, billboards, signs, swimming pools, landscaped areas, substantial areas of refuse).

Parking count & striping

Improvements

The surveyor counts and classifies parking spaces and shows striping. It is requested to confirm parking-ratio and ADA compliance for commercial/retail properties.

Official wording

Number and type (e.g., disabled, motorcycle, regular, and other marked specialized types) of clearly identifiable parking spaces on surface parking areas, lots, and in parking structures. Striping of clearly identifiable parking spaces on surface parking areas and lots.

Division / party walls

Access & Adjoiners

Where the client designates them, the surveyor locates shared/party walls relative to the boundary. It matters for attached buildings and condominium or commercial-row properties.

Official wording

As designated by the client, a determination of the relationship and location of certain division or party walls with respect to adjoining properties.

Underground utilities

Often required by lendersUtilities

The surveyor depicts underground utilities using client-provided plans (11a) and/or private utility-locate markings (11b), combined with observed surface evidence. Lenders/buyers request it to understand subsurface infrastructure — though exact locations cannot be guaranteed without excavation.

  • 11(a) Plans and/or reports provided by client (with reference as to the sources of information).
  • 11(b) Markings coordinated by the surveyor or client pursuant to a private utility locate request.
Official wording

Evidence of underground utilities existing on or serving the surveyed property (in addition to observed evidence required by Section 5.E.iv.), as determined by the selected source(s).

Governmental agency survey requirements

Administrative

When the deal involves a government program (HUD, BLM leases, etc.), the surveyor satisfies that agency's extra requirements, which the client supplies. Required when financing or leasing runs through that agency.

Official wording

As specified by the client, Governmental Agency survey-related requirements (e.g., HUD surveys, surveys for leases on Bureau of Land Management managed lands). The relevant survey requirements are to be provided by the client or client's designated representative.

Names of adjoining owners

Access & Adjoiners

The surveyor labels neighboring parcels with their owners per tax records. It helps reviewers cross-check boundaries and identify parties to any boundary or encroachment issue.

Official wording

Names of owners of adjoining properties according to current tax records. If more than one owner, identify the first owner's name listed in the tax records followed by "et al."

Distance to nearest intersecting street

Access & Adjoiners

The surveyor dimensions the distance from the property to the nearest cross street. It supports legal-access analysis and helps locate the property in context.

Official wording

Distance to the nearest intersecting street.

Features shown using imagery

Improvements

For non-boundary features, the surveyor may rely on aerial/satellite imagery instead of field-locating everything — but only with a written imagery agreement and full disclosure of accuracy limits on the plat. Clients use it to lower cost/time on large or low-risk areas.

Official wording

Features, other than the boundary survey portion and features in close proximity to a boundary/title/setback line, may be shown using imagery; the surveyor must agree in writing with the client on the imagery source, date/version, and licensing; discuss accuracy/precision/completeness ramifications with insurer, lender, and client before the survey; and place a note on the face of the survey explaining source, date, precision, and qualifications.

Evidence of recent earth-moving / construction

Risk & Disclosure

The surveyor notes signs of recent grading, new construction, or additions seen in the field. It flags potential unpermitted work, mechanic's-lien exposure, or as-built discrepancies.

Official wording

Evidence of recent earth moving work, building construction, or building additions observed in the process of conducting the fieldwork.

Proposed ROW changes & recent street work

Access & Adjoiners

The surveyor shows any planned right-of-way changes the jurisdiction discloses, plus observed recent street/sidewalk work. It warns of future takings or access changes that affect value.

Official wording

Proposed changes in street right of way lines, if such information is made available to the surveyor by the controlling jurisdiction. Evidence of recent street or sidewalk construction or repairs observed in the process of conducting the fieldwork.

Plottable offsite (appurtenant) easements

Access & Adjoiners

The surveyor plots easements that benefit the property but lie outside its boundary (e.g., an access or utility easement over a neighbor's land). Lenders require it when the property's value depends on such offsite rights.

Official wording

Pursuant to Sections 5 and 6 (and applicable selected Table A items, excluding Table A item 1), include as part of the survey any plottable offsite (i.e., appurtenant) easements disclosed in documents provided to or obtained by the surveyor.

Professional liability insurance

Risk & Disclosure

The surveyor carries professional liability (E&O) insurance at a client-specified minimum for the engagement. Lenders and institutional clients require it to backstop survey errors. Not shown on the plat.

Official wording

Professional liability insurance policy obtained by the surveyor in the minimum amount specified by the client, to be in effect throughout the contract term. Certificate of insurance to be furnished upon request, but this item shall not be addressed on the face of the plat or map, unless required by the jurisdiction.

Summary table of conditions & potential encroachments

New in 2026Risk & Disclosure

The surveyor compiles a single summary table on the face of the survey listing observed potential encroachments and similar conditions, keyed so a reviewer can find each on the map. It gives lenders and title underwriters a one-glance risk list without legal opinions.

Official wording

When observed in the fieldwork or otherwise identified in preparing the survey, the following conditions and potential encroachments must be summarized in a table and indicated on the face of the plat or map (without expressing a legal opinion or opinion as to ownership): potential encroachments over boundary lines (both directions); potential encroachments into documented rights of way/easements; potential setback encroachments (only where setbacks were provided per item 6(a)/6(b) or recorded documents); physical access between parcels without a documented easement; and use of adjoining parcels by apparent occupants of the surveyed property without a documented easement.

Negotiated additional item (blank)

New in 2026Administrative

An intentionally blank slot for anything the client and surveyor agree to add that is not covered by Items 1–20 (e.g., engineering design survey work). Each addition is labeled 21(a), 21(b), and explained in the certification.

Official wording

A blank optional item for additional responsibilities negotiated between the surveyor and client, identified as 21(a), 21(b), etc., and explained per the certification requirements. Engineering design survey services (notwithstanding Items 5 and 11) should be negotiated here.

What changed in Table A

2021 → 2026

New Item 20 — a mandatory summary table of observed conditions and potential encroachments on the face of the survey (encroachments in both directions, into documented ROW/easements, setback encroachments where setbacks were provided, undocumented physical access between parcels, and undocumented use of adjoining parcels). New blank Item 21 for negotiated additions (21(a), 21(b)…), where engineering-design-survey work is now directed. Item 15 was clarified to allow non-boundary features via imagery under a written imagery agreement with accuracy disclosure on the plat. Item 11(b) was adjusted so the client may coordinate the private utility locate. Outside Table A, the Relative Positional Precision definition was revised and surveyors now independently obtain adjoiner record descriptions.

2016 → 2021

Item 11 (utilities) was substantially rewritten: 'underground' was written into the definition and reliance was reduced to two sources — (a) client-provided plans and (b) private utility-locate markings — removing reliance on the public 811 locate. Items 6(a)/6(b) (zoning) were clarified to require a zoning report 'specific to the surveyed property,' so clients cannot hand the surveyor an entire ordinance to interpret.

Reference only — the published ALTA/NSPS standard governs. Confirm the current requirements with your title company and lender for each transaction.

ALTA Table A FAQ

Is there a 2026 ALTA/NSPS Table A?

Yes. The 2026 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys took effect February 23, 2026 (adopted by ALTA in October 2025 and by NSPS in October 2025), replacing the 2021 standard. The 2026 Table A is the current optional-item schedule and the one lenders and title companies should reference.

What changed in Table A between 2021 and 2026?

The 2026 standard adds Item 20 (a mandatory summary table of observed conditions and potential encroachments on the face of the survey) and Item 21 (a blank, negotiated catch-all where engineering-design-survey work is now directed). Item 15 was clarified for the use of imagery, and Item 11(b) now lets the client coordinate the private utility locate.

What is ALTA Table A?

Table A is the menu of optional survey responsibilities a client can request on top of the baseline ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey. The base standard fixes what every ALTA survey must show; Table A items (1–21) are negotiated case-by-case — the client checks the boxes they need, such as flood zone (Item 3), gross area (Item 4), zoning (Item 6), or building dimensions (Item 7).

Which Table A items do lenders usually require?

It varies by deal, but lenders and title underwriters most commonly request Items 1 (monuments), 2 (address), 3 (flood zone), 4 (gross area), 6 (zoning/setbacks), 7 (building dimensions/area), and 11 (underground utilities). The exact set is negotiated and listed in the survey order and certification — confirm requirements with your lender and title company.

Is Table A mandatory?

No. The Table A items are optional and selected by the client. Only the items the client requests (and the surveyor agrees to) become part of the survey scope, and they must be listed in the survey certification. The baseline ALTA/NSPS survey requirements apply regardless of which Table A items are chosen.

What is Table A Item 11?

Item 11 covers evidence of underground utilities serving the property, drawn from selected sources: 11(a) client-provided plans/reports and 11(b) markings from a private utility-locate request. It supplements the surveyor's observed surface evidence. Exact underground locations cannot be guaranteed without excavation, and the survey notes the source(s) relied on.

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