Table A Items Explained

Complete guide to ALTA survey optional Table A items - what they include, when you need them, and how they affect your survey cost and timeline.

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What Are Table A Items?

Understanding the optional enhancements to your ALTA survey

Table A items are optional elements that can be added to a standard ALTA survey to meet specific requirements of lenders, title companies, or property owners. These items provide additional information beyond the minimum ALTA survey standards.

While a standard ALTA survey covers the essential elements required by ALTA/NSPS standards, Table A items allow you to customize your survey for your specific transaction needs, property type, and risk management requirements.

20+ Optional Items

Choose from over 20 different optional items to customize your survey

Industry Standards

Standardized items recognized by lenders and title companies nationwide

Risk Management

Additional protection and information for complex transactions

Most Requested Table A Items

The items most commonly required by lenders and property owners

1

Utilities Location

Show location, size, and direction of utilities crossing or serving the property

Includes:

  • • Water lines and meters
  • • Sewer lines and connections
  • • Gas lines and meters
  • • Electric lines and transformers
  • • Telecommunications cables
Cost: +$800-$2,000
2

Flood Zone Certification

FEMA flood zone determination and elevation certificate

Includes:

  • • FEMA flood zone designation
  • • Base flood elevation (BFE)
  • • Lowest floor elevation
  • • Flood insurance requirements
  • • LOMR information if applicable
Cost: +$500-$1,200
3

Wetlands Delineation

Identify and map wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas

Includes:

  • • Wetland boundary delineation
  • • Environmental sensitive areas
  • • Regulatory jurisdiction areas
  • • Stream/water body identification
  • • Conservation easements
Cost: +$1,500-$4,000
6

Parking Analysis

Comprehensive parking space count and dimensional analysis

Includes:

  • • Total parking space count
  • • Handicap-accessible spaces
  • • Compact vs. standard spaces
  • • Drive aisles and circulation
  • • Zoning compliance check
Cost: +$600-$1,500
7

Zoning Classification

Current zoning classification and compliance verification

Includes:

  • • Current zoning designation
  • • Setback requirements
  • • Height restrictions
  • • Use restrictions
  • • Building coverage limits
Cost: +$400-$800
11

Topographic Survey

Elevation contours and topographic mapping of the property

Includes:

  • • Elevation contour lines
  • • Spot elevations
  • • Natural features mapping
  • • Drainage patterns
  • • Critical elevation points
Cost: +$1,200-$3,500

Complete Table A Items List

All available optional items with descriptions and typical use cases

Item # Description Common Use Typical Cost
1 Utilities: Water, sewer, electric, gas, telecommunications Most commercial $800-$2,000
2 FEMA flood zone determination and elevation certificate Lender requirement $500-$1,200
3 Wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas Development land $1,500-$4,000
4 Adjoining property owners information Title work $300-$600
5 Addressing and postal information Rare $200-$400
6 Parking space count and analysis Retail/office $600-$1,500
7 Current zoning classification and setbacks Development $400-$800
8 Plottable offsite easements affecting property Complex sites $500-$1,200
9 Building floor area calculations Zoning compliance $400-$1,000
10 Observe use and occupancy of property Investment analysis $300-$600
11 Topographic survey with contours Development $1,200-$3,500
12 Graveyards, cemeteries, and burial sites Rural properties $400-$1,000
13 Improvements on adjoining properties Encroachment risk $500-$1,200
14 Water features and drainage patterns Environmental $600-$1,500
15 Location of documents not of record Title issues $300-$800
16 Archeological survey information Historical sites $800-$2,500
17 Gross land area calculation Valuation $200-$500
18 Coordinate system and/or state plane coordinates GIS integration $300-$600
19 Substantial features observed in aerial photos Historical analysis $400-$800
20 Underground utility marking and investigation Construction $1,000-$3,000

How to Choose Table A Items

Decision framework for selecting the right optional items

1. Check Lender Requirements

Start with your lender's specific requirements, which typically include:

  • • Item 1 (Utilities): Almost always required for commercial loans
  • • Item 2 (Flood Zone): Required in flood-prone areas
  • • Item 6 (Parking): Common for retail and office properties
  • • Item 7 (Zoning): Often required for development projects

2. Consider Property Type

Different property types benefit from specific Table A items:

Development Land:

  • • Item 3 (Wetlands)
  • • Item 7 (Zoning)
  • • Item 11 (Topography)
  • • Item 14 (Water features)

Retail Properties:

  • • Item 1 (Utilities)
  • • Item 6 (Parking)
  • • Item 9 (Floor area)
  • • Item 10 (Occupancy)

3. Evaluate Risk Factors

Add items to address specific risks and concerns:

  • • Environmental concerns: Items 3, 12, 14, 16
  • • Development potential: Items 7, 9, 11, 17
  • • Infrastructure planning: Items 1, 18, 20
  • • Compliance verification: Items 6, 7, 9, 10

4. Budget and Priority

Balance cost with value for your specific situation:

Essential ($0-$1,000)

  • • Items 1, 2, 7
  • • Usually required
  • • High value

Important ($1,000-$2,500)

  • • Items 3, 6, 11
  • • Often valuable
  • • Consider benefits

Specialized ($2,500+)

  • • Items 16, 20
  • • Specific use cases
  • • Evaluate carefully

Table A Items FAQ

Common questions about ALTA survey optional items

Can I add Table A items after ordering my survey?

Yes, but it's more cost-effective to specify all needed items upfront. Adding items later may require additional field work and extend your timeline.

How do Table A items affect the survey timeline?

Most Table A items add 3-7 days to the survey timeline. Complex items like wetlands delineation or topographic surveys may add 1-2 weeks.

Are Table A items required by law?

No, Table A items are optional enhancements. However, lenders, title companies, or local regulations may require specific items for your transaction.

Who decides which Table A items to include?

Typically your lender specifies required items, but property owners can add additional items for their own due diligence and risk management.

Need Help Choosing Table A Items?

Our survey experts will review your requirements and recommend the right Table A items for your property and transaction type.

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