Land survey costs in Hennepin County range from $500 to $2,200 depending on the survey type, property size, and location. The county encompasses Minneapolis plus 44 suburban cities including Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, and Edina. Its dense urban core and well-developed record systems keep survey costs competitive compared to rural Minnesota counties.
Survey Cost Breakdown for Hennepin County
| Survey Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Residential Boundary Survey | $600 to $1,400 |
| Lake Property Boundary Survey | $900 to $2,200 |
| Elevation Certificate | $300 to $600 |
| ALTA/NSPS Survey | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Topographic Survey | $1,200 to $3,000 |
| Construction Staking | $500 to $1,800 |
What Affects Survey Costs in Hennepin County
Urban Lots vs. Lake Properties
A standard city lot in Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, or Richfield is typically small and rectangular, with well-documented plat records at the Hennepin County Recorder. These surveys are straightforward and cost $600 to $1,000 for most properties. Lake properties on Lake Minnetonka, Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun), Lake Harriet, or the smaller lakes in Plymouth, Maple Grove, and Minnetonka require additional shoreline measurements and take more field time. Expect $900 to $2,200 for lake-front work.
Lot Age and Record Quality
Hennepin County has one of the most complete and accessible property record systems in Minnesota. The county recorder's online search allows surveyors to pull plat documents before heading into the field, which reduces research time. Older Minneapolis neighborhoods platted before 1930 sometimes have irregular lot geometries and older recorded monuments that require more careful field verification.
Flood Zone Properties
Parts of Hennepin County near Bassett Creek, Nine Mile Creek, Minnehaha Creek, and the Mississippi River fall in FEMA-designated flood zones. Properties in these areas may need an elevation certificate for flood insurance. An elevation certificate in Hennepin County typically costs $300 to $600.
Common Survey Needs in Hennepin County
- Fence placement in Minneapolis, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, or suburban cities with tight lot lines
- Building permit surveys for garage additions, accessory dwelling units, and decks near setback lines
- Elevation certificates for properties near Minnehaha Creek, Bassett Creek, and the Minnesota River corridor in Eden Prairie and Bloomington
- ALTA surveys for commercial properties along I-494, Highway 169, and downtown Minneapolis corridors
- Lot splits for infill development in inner Minneapolis neighborhoods
Find a Land Surveyor in Hennepin County
Our Hennepin County surveyor directory lists licensed Professional Land Surveyors sourced from Minnesota state licensing records. Every surveyor in the directory holds an active PLS license issued by the Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID.