Georgia Survey Guide

Find a Land Surveyor in Cobb County, Georgia

Updated for 2026 · 4 min read · Find a Surveyor

Key takeaway

Find a licensed land surveyor in Cobb County, GA. PLS professionals serving Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Acworth, Powder Springs, and all of Cobb County.

Find a Licensed Land Surveyor in Cobb County, Georgia

Cobb County is one of metro Atlanta's most active real estate markets, with strong residential demand in Marietta, Kennesaw, Acworth, and Smyrna, and significant commercial activity around Cumberland, the I-75 corridor, and the Town Center area in Kennesaw. With approximately 15 surveying firms serving the county, there are solid options for both residential and commercial survey needs. Knowing what to look for makes the process faster.

Georgia PLS License Requirements

Georgia law requires all land surveyors to hold an active Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license from the Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. The PLS credential involves passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Surveying and Principles and Practice of Surveying exams and documenting supervised work experience. The PLS stamp and signature on a survey plat is what makes the document legally valid for lenders, title companies, permit offices, and courts.

Before hiring anyone, verify the PLS license at verify.sos.ga.gov. Search by name or license number to confirm active status.

Types of Surveys Common in Cobb County

Residential Boundary Surveys

The most common request from Cobb County homeowners. A boundary survey establishes the exact legal boundaries of a parcel, locates or sets corner monuments, and produces a signed, stamped plat. This is the starting point for fence installation, additions, permit applications, and property sales throughout Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Acworth, and Powder Springs.

ALTA/NSPS Surveys for Commercial Properties

Commercial real estate transactions in Cobb County, particularly around Cumberland, Smyrna, and the Town Center area in Kennesaw, regularly require ALTA/NSPS surveys. These comprehensive surveys document boundaries, easements, encroachments, and improvements in a format required by commercial lenders and title insurance underwriters. They cost significantly more than residential boundary surveys but are a required step in institutional commercial transactions.

Topographic Surveys

Development projects throughout Cobb County use topographic surveys to document existing grades, drainage patterns, and site features before design work begins. The rolling Piedmont terrain in Cobb County makes topographic surveys particularly relevant for anything other than flat, simple sites.

Elevation Certificates

Properties near the Chattahoochee River, Noonday Creek, Proctor Creek, and other waterways in Cobb County may fall in FEMA flood zones. An elevation certificate from a licensed PLS is required for flood insurance, mortgage compliance on affected properties, and building permits in flood zone areas.

Using the Cobb County GIS Portal

Before contacting a surveyor, visit the Cobb County GIS portal at maps.cobbcountyga.gov. The portal provides parcel maps, legal descriptions, zoning information, and ownership records. Having your parcel ID ready when you call a surveyor speeds up the quoting process and ensures you get an accurate price for your specific lot.

The Cobb County Tax Assessor at cobbtax.org also maintains property records and can provide additional context for older parcels with complex ownership histories.

Tips for Hiring a Surveyor in Cobb County

  • Verify the PLS license first: Use verify.sos.ga.gov. No exceptions.
  • Ask about local experience: A surveyor who regularly works in Cobb County will know the GIS system, the common issues in older Marietta neighborhoods, and the permit requirements across Cobb's incorporated cities.
  • Get a written proposal: Confirm scope, deliverables, monument setting, timeline, and cost in writing before fieldwork begins.
  • Get multiple quotes: Request two to three quotes from licensed PLS firms. Pricing for the same scope can vary meaningfully in the Atlanta metro market.

Find a Surveyor in Cobb County Today

Find a land surveyor in Cobb County using our directory of licensed Georgia PLS professionals. Whether you are in Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Acworth, or Powder Springs, our directory connects you with qualified firms serving all of Cobb County.

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Browse Cobb County Surveyors

Find licensed land surveyors serving Cobb County, Georgia. Compare firms, check specialties, and contact directly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify a surveyor's license in Georgia?

Visit verify.sos.ga.gov and search by name or company. All practicing land surveyors in Georgia must hold an active PLS license from the Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. This step takes under a minute and should be done before signing any agreement.

What projects in Cobb County commonly require a land survey?

Common survey triggers in Cobb County include fence installation, home additions, detached garage or pool construction, property sales, boundary disputes with neighbors, commercial real estate transactions, and new residential or commercial development. Many Cobb County permit applications require a certified survey or site plan showing property lines and setbacks.

How do I find my property information before calling a surveyor in Cobb County?

Use the Cobb County GIS portal at maps.cobbcountyga.gov to pull your parcel map, parcel ID, and legal description. The Cobb County Tax Assessor's site also has ownership and property records. Having this ready makes quoting faster and more accurate.

How many surveying firms serve Cobb County?

Approximately 15 surveying businesses serve Cobb County. That is a reasonable number for a county of Cobb's size, but demand in the Atlanta metro is high. Booking two to three weeks in advance is advisable, especially for spring and summer projects.