Survey Costs in Salt Lake County
A standard boundary survey on a residential lot in Salt Lake City, Sandy, South Jordan, or Midvale typically costs $500 to $900. Larger lots, hillside properties on the east bench of Salt Lake City, or canyon-adjacent parcels in Cottonwood Heights and Holladay run $1,200 to $2,000. Commercial work and ALTA surveys for development sites start at $2,500 and scale with site complexity.
Salt Lake County has the highest concentration of licensed surveyors in Utah, which keeps pricing competitive. That said, demand is high. The county's residential market has grown significantly in recent years, and construction activity creates steady survey work. Lead times of three to five weeks are common at active firms.
What Affects Your Cost in Salt Lake County
Valley Floor vs. East Bench
The flat valley floor covering much of Taylorsville, West Valley City, Murray, and West Jordan is straightforward terrain for surveyors. GPS equipment works without obstruction, and most lots in these areas have clean subdivision plats on file at the Salt Lake County Recorder. Prices are lower here.
The east bench and foothills from Salt Lake City through Draper are different. Lots in Sugar House, Millcreek, Holladay, and upper Cottonwood Heights often have steeper grades, older deeds, and more monument recovery work. Expect 20 to 40 percent higher costs for these properties.
Jordan River and Flood Zone Properties
Properties near the Jordan River corridor in West Jordan, Riverton, South Jordan, and Herriman may need elevation certificates for flood insurance in addition to boundary work. If you are in or near a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, ask whether your surveyor can bundle an elevation certificate with the boundary survey. Doing both together is more efficient and typically less expensive than two separate trips.
Lot Size and Number of Corners
Standard suburban lots in South Jordan, Draper, or Sandy subdivisions are typically 0.2 to 0.3 acres and take less time than larger custom lots. Irregular shapes, corner lots, or parcels with multiple access easements add to corner count and cost.
Survey Types Common in Salt Lake County
- Boundary survey: Most common for residential use, fence disputes, pre-construction confirmation.
- ALTA/NSPS survey: Required for commercial transactions and development financing.
- Topographic survey: Common for hillside building permits and grading plans.
- Elevation certificate: Required for properties in flood zones along the Jordan River and Wasatch Front drainages.
- Construction staking: Widely used for new home and addition construction across the county.
Find Surveyors in Salt Lake County
Browse licensed Professional Land Surveyors in our Salt Lake County directory. All listings are sourced from Utah Division of Professional Licensing records. Contact two to three firms with your parcel number and project details to get accurate quotes.