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

Go to verify.sos.ga.gov and search by name or license number. Georgia requires all practicing land surveyors to hold an active PLS license from the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Confirming the license is active takes under a minute and should be done before you sign anything.

How many surveying firms operate in DeKalb County?

Approximately 34 surveying businesses serve DeKalb County, making it one of the better-served counties in Georgia. That said, metro Atlanta demand is high and schedules fill quickly, especially during spring and summer real estate season. Book at least two to three weeks ahead.

What should I bring when getting a survey quote in DeKalb County?

Have your property address, parcel ID from the DeKalb County GIS portal, any existing surveys or plat maps, the legal description from your deed, and a clear description of what you need the survey for. The more information you provide upfront, the more accurate the quote will be.

Do I need a survey to get a building permit in DeKalb County?

Many permit types in DeKalb County require a site plan showing property lines, structures, and setbacks. A certified boundary survey is often the clearest way to provide that information. Check with the DeKalb County Building and Development department for specific requirements for your project type.

Find a Land Surveyor in DeKalb County, Georgia

Key takeaway

Find a licensed land surveyor in DeKalb County, GA. PLS professionals serving Decatur, Tucker, Stone Mountain, Chamblee, and Dunwoody.

Find a Licensed Land Surveyor in DeKalb County, Georgia

DeKalb County is one of the most densely populated counties in Georgia, anchoring the east side of the Atlanta metro. From the historic streets of Decatur and the international community of Clarkston to the commercial activity in Chamblee, Tucker, and Dunwoody, DeKalb has a constant need for licensed land surveying professionals. Whether you own a 1950s bungalow in Avondale Estates or a commercial parcel near the Perimeter, knowing how to find the right surveyor is the first step.

Georgia Licensing Requirements

Georgia law requires all land surveyors to hold a Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) license issued by the Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. The PLS credential requires education, supervised experience, and passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) exam series. The PLS seal and signature on a survey plat is what makes the document legally valid for lenders, title companies, and DeKalb County permit offices.

Always verify a license before hiring. Use the Georgia Secretary of State license verification tool at verify.sos.ga.gov. Search by the surveyor's name or company name to confirm the license is current and in good standing.

Common Survey Types in DeKalb County

Boundary Surveys

The most common request from homeowners in Decatur, Tucker, Stone Mountain, and Clarkston is a boundary survey to establish exact property lines. This is needed before fence installation, additions, permit applications, and property sales. The PLS locates or sets corner monuments and produces a signed, stamped plat showing dimensions, encroachments, and improvements.

ALTA/NSPS Surveys

Commercial real estate transactions in Chamblee, Dunwoody, and along the Buford Highway corridor frequently require ALTA/NSPS surveys. These comprehensive surveys meet national standards required by commercial lenders and title insurance underwriters. They document boundaries, easements, encroachments, and site improvements in detail.

Topographic Surveys

Developers and engineers working on infill sites and redevelopment projects throughout DeKalb County use topographic surveys to document existing grades, drainage patterns, and site features. The Piedmont terrain means significant grade changes are common even on smaller urban lots.

Elevation Certificates

Properties near Yellow River, South Fork Peachtree Creek, and other waterways in DeKalb County may fall in FEMA flood zones. An elevation certificate, completed by a licensed PLS, documents your building's elevation relative to the Base Flood Elevation for insurance and permit purposes.

Using DeKalb County GIS Resources

Before contacting a surveyor, look up your property at the DeKalb County GIS portal at gis.dekalbcountyga.gov. The portal provides parcel maps, legal descriptions, ownership records, and aerial imagery for every parcel in the county. Having your parcel ID and a printed or saved map of your property ready makes quoting faster and more accurate.

The DeKalb County Tax Assessor's office at dekalbcountyga.gov also maintains property records and ownership history that can be useful context when commissioning a survey on an older parcel.

Tips for Hiring in DeKalb County

Verify the PLS license: Use verify.sos.ga.gov before committing to any firm.
Ask about local experience: A surveyor who regularly works in DeKalb County will know the county GIS system, the common plat issues in older neighborhoods, and the permit requirements for DeKalb and its incorporated cities.
Get the scope in writing: Make sure deliverables, timeline, monument setting, and final cost are confirmed in writing before fieldwork starts.
Request at least two quotes: Prices for the same job can vary 20 to 40 percent between firms in a competitive metro market.

Find a Surveyor in DeKalb County Today

Our directory connects property owners and businesses with licensed PLS professionals across DeKalb County. Find a land surveyor in DeKalb County and get connected with firms serving Decatur, Tucker, Stone Mountain, Clarkston, Chamblee, Dunwoody, and every part of the county.