Frequently Asked Questions
Can my hand-held GPS unit locate my lot corners?
The short answer is "No". Land surveyors follow the laws, regulations and/or standards that govern surveying and use the legal descriptions maps and monuments called for on the same to retrace/create land boundaries. Coordinates and/or county parcel mapping data obtained via a GIS program and uploaded into a hand-held, or other, GPS unit are not a substitute for, and in no way constitute a replacement for, a property survey. Wisconsin statutes, national standards and/or local ordinances detail the specific requirements for the varying types of surveys.
Can the County surveyor find my lot lines?
The County Surveyor cannot survey for private parties and only does field work for county projects. Private surveyors registered and licensed by the State of Wisconsin must survey your property. Our office does not endorse any company and a list of qualified firms in the area can be found via an internet search or, in the yellow pages.
Does every lot have to be surveyed?
A great number of parcels in Rock County were created by written legal descriptions and not by field survey. Therefore, it is likely that there are no physical markers in the ground to show lot corners. Surveys are now required for certain new land divisions as determined by municipal or county ordinance.
How do I know if my property has been surveyed?
The County surveyor's office is the custodian of thousands of surveys performed by private sector surveyors. Contact 608-757-5658 with questions about potential surveys of and around your property or, to schedule a time to come in and view records. If calling or visiting, please have your address and legal description available to aid in the search. We cannot guarantee the office will be open during a regular "walk-in" as field work and other tasks may require staff to be out of the office.
What are the signs that state ‘SURVEY MARKER – DO NOT DISTURB’ on them?
Oftentimes, orange carsonite markers with a warning similar to the example are sent near ties to, and actual government section corners, (PLSS corners). The orange markers are not marking the location of the corner itself, but are placed near the corner to preserve its location. Please DO NOT disturb or remove these marker signs. Removal or damage to a corner is a violation of the law, which will be subject to $1,000.00 fine, citation and further litigation.
What marks the corner of my lot?
If your parcel has been surveyed, it is likely that the lot corners are marked with an iron rebar or metal pipe, (aka monuments). However, many other different objects have been used including, but not limited to axles, metal rods of varying dimensions, stones, etc. If available, the drawing on your survey map should indicate the type of monument set. Most often the monument will be set at or below the ground surface to help avoid disturbance.
Where can I purchase a plat book?
Register of Deeds office.
Why should a property survey be made? When should property be surveyed? What will a property survey cost?
Visit the Wisconsin Society of Land Surveyors website.
