Additional resources to help answer the most common Land Surveying questions
Compliance Stamps and Municipal Right of Ways
First of all: What is a Concrete Swale? Concrete Swales are a common sight in backyards across Alberta. These structures are an important part of the initial design of a subdivision and are put in place long before any houses [...]
Why RPR’s do not receive a Compliance Stamp.
Receiving a compliance stamp on your Real Property Report is an important step in any real estate transaction in Alberta, especially in Calgary. Over the years we have surveyed thousands of Real Property Reports and have compiled a list of [...]
Calgary Development Permits for Custom Homes
Calgary Development Permits for Custom Homes Development permits in Calgary are required for all new development projects, change in use, or additions to existing properties. Based on the Alberta Municipal Government Act and the Calgary Land Use Bylaw, development permits [...]
What Do Alberta Land Surveyors Actually Do?
What Do Alberta Land Surveyors Actually Do? Put simply, Alberta land surveyors plan, guide, and conduct legal land surveys. Using specialized equipment and the support of a crew, land surveyors determine and confirm the location of boundaries, natural features, buildings, [...]
Oops, My RPR Did Not Receive Compliance.
The number one reason why we see Real Property Reports rejected at the City of Calgary. Covered decks can be a great asset to your home. They increase the available outdoor living space, provide much-needed shade in the summer [...]
Land Surveying Tools and Equipment
Land Surveyors use a wide variety of tools and equipment in their day to day work; it will vary depending on the type of survey being done, here’s a few examples: ‘Drones’ are unpiloted aircraft or spacecraft. Surveyors use them [...]
How Land Surveyors Can Help Resolve Lot Line Disputes
How Land Surveyors Can Help Resolve Lot Line Disputes There are few things worse than an annoying neighbour, and one of those things is a lot line dispute. Also known as property line disputes, lot line disputes occur when there’s [...]
Do you know these Famous Land Surveyors from history?
Surveying is not just an old profession; it is also a highly-respected profession. With surveyors being so instrumental in the measurement and recording of the very ground that we walk upon, there have been many across the centuries that have [...]
How to Become an Alberta Land Surveyor
How to Become an Alberta Land Surveyor A land surveyor’s job is to direct and conduct legal surveys of boundaries, buildings, structures, and other features, whether on or below the surface of the earth or even in the air. They [...]
Backyard Sheds and City of Calgary Bylaws
Accessory buildings are a great addition to any property, but they can also be a point of frustration when completing your Real Property Report. If you have ever thought of adding a small shed or outdoor structure to your property, [...]
City Right-of-Ways
City of Calgary Right-of-Ways For most homeowner defining where their property begins, and ends, is a simple task. But did you know that the City of Calgary and certain utility companies have access to portions of your property also? These [...]
Privacy Walls and City of Calgary Compliance
Don’t let a Privacy Wall, or lack there of keep you from receiving a compliance stamp. Can a small, seemingly insignificant object such as a privacy wall, or lack there of keep you from receiving a compliance stamp on [...]
When Do You Need an RPR?
A Real Property Report, or RPR for short, is a legal document consisting of a survey of a property and structures relative to the property’s boundaries drafted by a professional land surveying company. It also shows other details such as [...]
Fences, To Build or Not to Build
Fences, To Build or Not to Build Fences and retaining walls are an essential part of property boundaries, security, and aesthetic appeal in any community. Understanding the whereabouts of your property lines before you build can save you a lot [...]
How is an RPR created?
Have you ever wondered what takes place behind the scenes to create a Real Property Report? If so, keep reading, we have outlined a few of those steps to help you along the way. Step 1 A homeowner orders [...]
Land Surveying is Ancient History!
Egypt and the early days Based on records at hand, historians believe that early precision land surveying originated in Egypt. Their skill in this area is manifested in one of the worlds most famous monuments, the Great Pyramid of Giza. [...]
RPR updates
RPR’s & Updates There can be a bit of confusion regarding if it's best to update your existing Real Property Report or complete an entirely new one. We hope to clear up any misunderstanding with this article. What is [...]
Calgary RPR Bylaws
City of Calgary Bylaws for Real Property Reports The City of Calgary uses the most current Land Use Bylaws when reviewing Real Property Reports for a Compliance Stamp. If the RPR under review does not meet the current Land Use [...]
Alberta Land Surveyors
Alberta is a Canadian province with a population of about four million, according to the census conducted in 2016. The province is ranked fourth in terms of population of provinces in Canada. An area of approximately 660,000-kilometer square provides a [...]
Real Property Reports for Condominiums
Real Property Reports for Condominiums When do I need a Real Property Report for my Condo? There are essentially two types of condominiums defined in the Condominium Property Act. The first type is a Conventional Condo: This is [...]