The filing trigger can change a simple project
Under RCW 58.09.040, a land surveyor must file a Record of Survey after specified work, including establishing, reestablishing, or restoring certain ownership or General Land Office corners. Filing is also required when the survey discloses a material discrepancy, evidence that could produce alternate positions, or another qualifying condition in the statute.
The same section generally sets a 90-day deadline. A fence-line assignment can therefore become a records and filing project if the field evidence does not agree with the recorded picture. Ask the surveyor to identify any likely trigger and to separate the boundary work, additional research, and filing costs in the estimate.
The county auditor holds the public survey record
Washington's Survey Recording Act places required filing with the county auditor in the county or counties where the land lies, and RCW 58.09.030 limits who may sign, stamp, or seal documents filed under the chapter. Search the auditor's recorded maps before assuming an old corner or survey is absent.
For land described by section, township, and range, also ask whether state or federal corner records matter. The Washington State Public Land Survey Office maintains official survey and corner resources that may support that research.
What to put in the written scope
Because RCW 58.09.040 ties filing to the surveyor's findings and can require filing in each affected county, the written scope should address both field work and the public record.
- The exact line, corner, parcel, or improvement that must be located.
- Whether monuments will be recovered, reset, or newly established.
- Whether intermediate line stakes are needed for construction.
- Whether a Record of Survey or corner record is expected and who pays the filing charges.
- Whether the survey crosses a county line and therefore involves more than one auditor.
License verification is a separate check
Use the Washington Department of Licensing lookup to verify the responsible land surveyor. License status does not tell you whether the firm handles residential boundaries, waterfront work, or your county, so confirm both legal authority and project fit.
Find firms in the Washington land surveyor directory. This is practical project guidance, not a boundary opinion or legal advice.