Arizona Land Surveying Law: When a Record of Survey Is Required

Quick answer

Arizona requires a Record of Survey when boundary work reveals a qualifying material discrepancy or evidence that could support alternate line or point positions. Ask whether A.R.S. 33-105 may apply and whether the estimate includes preparing and recording the map within the statutory 90-day period.

The evidence determines whether filing is required

A.R.S. 33-105 requires a land surveyor to file a Record of Survey when the completed boundary work discloses a material discrepancy not shown on an existing filed record or evidence that could reasonably produce alternate boundary positions.

The filing triggers in A.R.S. 33-105 can turn a routine-sounding fence or acreage assignment into a larger records project because qualifying discrepancies or alternate boundary evidence must be documented in the county record.

The required map has defined content

The same Arizona statute requires the map to show monuments found, set, removed, reset, or replaced; bearings and line lengths; the survey date; scale and orientation; tract and political-subdivision references; and other information needed to interpret the survey. It sets a filing deadline of no later than 90 days after completion.

Ask whether the price includes the final map, explanatory notes, county recording charges, and any corrections requested by the recorder. When A.R.S. 33-105 requires filing, verbal corner information or field stakes alone do not supply the required Record of Survey.

Protect existing monuments

A.R.S. 33-103 addresses removal or disturbance of survey monuments and the duty to preserve or restore them in covered circumstances. If excavation, fencing, grading, or utility work may disturb a marker, have the surveyor document it before construction and advise on appropriate reference or restoration work.

Questions for an Arizona estimate

Is this a boundary survey, and which corners or lines will be monumented or staked?
Could the known evidence trigger A.R.S. 33-105?
Are record research, map preparation, and county filing included?
Will construction threaten an existing survey monument?

Verify the registrant

The Arizona Board of Technical Registration search is the official license check. Verify the professional in responsible charge, then find firms in the Arizona land surveyor directory.

This guide explains survey procedure and does not decide title, ownership, or a boundary dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Arizona boundary survey have to be recorded?

No. A.R.S. 33-105 requires a Record of Survey when boundary work discloses a qualifying material discrepancy or evidence that could produce alternate positions of lines or points.

How soon is a required Arizona Record of Survey filed?

A.R.S. 33-105 sets a deadline of no later than 90 days after completion of the qualifying survey.

What does an Arizona Record of Survey show?

The statute requires monument information, bearings and distances, survey date, scale, orientation, tract and location references, and other data needed to interpret the points, lines, and areas shown.