A residential subdivision is the act of dividing land into pieces that are easier to sell or otherwise develop, usually via a plat. The former single piece as a whole is then known in the United States as a subdivision. If it is used for housing it is typically known as a housing subdivision or housing development, although some developers tend to call these areas communities.

The SCPEA included the following definition:

“‘Subdivision’ means the division of a lot, tract, or parcel of land into two or more lots, plats, sites, or other divisions of land for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale or of building development. It includes resubdivision and, when appropriate to the context, relates to the process of subdividing or to the land or territory subdivided.”[2]:6

Attached to this definition was the following footnote:

“for the purpose of sale or of building development: Every division of a piece of land into two or more lots, parcels or parts is, of course, a subdivision. The intention is to cover all subdivision of land where the immediate or ultimate purpose is that of selling the lots or building on them. The object of inserting a definition in the text of the act is to avoid the inclusion, within the planning commission’s control, of such cases as a testator’s dividing his property amongst his children, partners’ dividing firm property amongst themselves on dissolution, or cases of that nature.”

This definition, and its clarifying footnote, serves to underscore some important points about the legal nature of subdivisions. Importantly, a subdivision does not need to be sold, in whole or in part, for its resulting pieces to be considered separate parcels of land. A subdivision plat approved by a local planning commission, once recorded in a registry of deeds, is generally deemed to have created the parcels of land identified on the plat itself.[1]

Ludlow Engineering designs and helps get approved residential subdivisions.  Residential subdivisions are subdivisions in the residential sector which includes single resident homes, multi-family residents and more. Call today 435-623-0897 for more information.

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What is structural engineering?

Structural engineering is the analysis of home plans or a building’s proposed structure [or even existing at times] to verify that the framing members and the method of construction is sufficient to withstand local weather patterns, soil types, earth movements, wind speeds, etc. For example, the areas where homes receive significant amounts of snow in the winter will require a roof structure strong enough to hold the weight, while homes in areas that receive no snow, will not need that much support. Parts of the country that get high windspeeds, or are prone to hurricanes or tornadoes will likely have different construction requirements than areas that do not have these types of issues. Another situation that would require structural engineering is a home that is built on a steep incline that may be prone to mud slides, more than normal run-off, etc. Engineering is a professional service performed by qualified individuals who keep abreast of current trends, codes and regulations to assure that homes and other structures are built with structural integrity and sufficient for local conditions.

Isn’t engineering part of home design?

No, engineering is not a part of home design. home design is the creation of a living space, wheras structural engineering is the analysis of the structure itself. home designers and architects are well versed in the local codes and regulations and plans are drawn according to the building code, but the engineering of the stucture is a seperate service. Think of it in different terms. You may have your real estate agent write up a purchase contract for a home purchase or business lease; but to protect yourself you will likely consult with a lawyer to make sure the contract is sound.

Why is my city or municipality requiring me to submit home plans that are stamped by an engineer?

In recent years I have noticed that engineering [in our local area] is becoming a requirement by more and more cities than it used to be. The city is concerned that your home will be built sufficiently to support local conditions (soil, weather, etc.)and they naturally want the neighborhood to be a safe place to live.

I plan on ordering some home plans, is an engineer’s stamp for my state included in the plans?

Engineering is not included in your home plans purchase. Structural engineering is a site specific service and needs to be done by a local professional who understands you area. After purchasing your plans, you can take them to a local engineer who will make any necessary drawings or adjustments to the home plan to assure that it meets the requirements of the city.[1]

Ludlow Engineering and Land Surveying engineers house plans for home owners.  Most plans that are either purchased online or deigned by a draftsman will require a structural review by a licensed engineer.

Our typical fee is 20 cents per square foot, however an actual estimate will be required at time of service.

Call today and speak with one of out Engineers today. Call (435) 623-0897.

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All foundation systems, new and existing, must meet the guidelines published in the Permanent Foundation Guide for Manufactured Housing (HUD-7584), dated September 1996.  A certification attesting to compliance with this handbook must be obtained from a licensed professional engineer.

It means that the foundation must meet the criteria as set forth in HUD manual Permanent Foundations Guide for Manufactured Housing, September 1996. This manual requires a site specific design for every manufactured home. Dead loads, snow loads, wind loads and seismic loads must all be taken into account. There must be a perimeter, frost line protected strip foundation as well as frost line protected piers under the chassis.

The stacked blocks that the unit actually sits on must not only be mortared, they must be attached with rebar to the footing and bolted and/or welded to the chassis frame, unless there is an alternate, site specific engineered design (which Hayman can provide).  The design must include protection against horizontal shearing forces and uplifting forces. This can require additional strapping between the stacked blocks. Finally, it means that this design must be stamped by a licensed professional engineer verifying that HUD requirements are met.

Ludlow Engineering provides these inspections and reports meeting the FHA and HUD requirements through their licensed Engineer.  Reports are ready immediately after inspection.

Some of the items that are inspected and verified are:

• Site layout, drainage and flood-prone area identification.
• Name, address and phone of home manufacturer.
• Date of manufacture.
• Date of foundation construction and type of foundation.
• Building permit and inspection record.
• Foundation size and tie down placement.
• Applicable loads on the foundations.[1]

Ludlow Engineering has been in the building business for over 35 years.  We specialize in residential and commercial projects.  Ludlow Engineering is known for quality housing at a competitive price.  Located in Nephi, Utah – Centrally located in the State of Utah, we are able to travel to all areas within the State of Utah. Call for a quote or schedule your inspection today, 435-623-0897.

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Flood Certificates report the relative vertical distance above or below a base flood elevation from a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The FIRMs were produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency of our federal government for use in the National Flood Insurance Program. The FIRMs were designed to help determine whether a property and building were in a special flood hazard area. The FIRM typically shows no buildings, and many minor or residential streets are not shown. Therefore, the surveyor is often called upon to measure the elevation of a building and report on an Elevation Certificate how far above or below the base flood elevation it is.

The Elevation Certificate is an important administrative tool of the National Flood Insurance Program. It is to be used to provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain management ordinances, to determine the proper insurance premium rate, and to support a request for a Letter of Map Amendment or Revision.

Use of this certificate does not provide a waiver of the flood insurance purchase requirement. Only a LOMA or LOMR-F from the Federal Emergency Management Agency can amend the FIRM and remove the Federal mandate for a lending institution to require the purchase of flood insurance. However, the lending institution has the option of requiring flood insurance even if a LOMA/LOMR-F has been issued by FEMA. The Elevation Certificate may be used to support a LOMA or LOMR-F request. Lowest floor and lowest adjacent grade elevations certified by a surveyor or engineer will be required if the certificate is used to support a LOMA or LOMR-F request. This certificate is used only to certify building elevations. [1]

Fema Flood Certificates are performed here by Ludlow Engineering. They offer fast turn around and competitive prices. Call for a quote 435-623-0897.

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Unlike many land surveys, done before buildings or other improvements are added to the land or after these additions are complete, as-built surveys are utilized during the middle of a construction project. Requested by many industries, as-built show improvements to the land, as they appeared in a particular point of time.

As-built surveys may be used for commercial or residential properties. As-built surveys are conducted several times throughout the duration of a construction project. The purpose of an as-built survey is to verify to local and state boards that the construction work authorized has been completed according to the same specifications set during the planning stage and shown in the site plan. The as-built survey is most often used to show the building inspector that a project under construction is conforming with zoning regulations. As-built surveys may be required for nearly every type of land project, from roads and trails to utility improvements and building construction.

Accurate as-builts are important not only as a bureaucratic measure. An as-built survey shows exactly what has been completed to date, a useful tool in adjusting the schedule of a large construction project. An as-built survey provides an important tool to manage the building as it is under construction and after it has been completed. As such, they may be requested by the project supervisor or others who are invested in the completion of this project. They may be used to document what has been completed by a specific date or work out payments to contractors. Often they are used to verify the floor plan and evacuation plans, utility and cabling plans, or other subsequent steps in the building process.[1]

Ludlow Engineering offers as-built surveying for clients. As a leading Engineering firm, Ludlow Engineering offers quick and concise work that meets each clients individual needs.

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ALTA Survey

 ALTA stands for American Land Title Association

Sometimes you see in conjunction with ACSM which is American Congress on Surveying and Mapping.

 Here’s an ALTA Survey explanation:

An ALTA survey is a boundary survey prepared to a set of minimum standards that have been jointly prepared and adopted by the ALTA/ACSM (and). Additionally, an ALTA survey shows improvements, easements, rights-of-way, and other elements impacting the ownership of land. An ALTA Survey is often prepared for commercial properties, as it will provide the title company with the information required to insure the title to the land and improvements to the high degree that a commercial development may require. In addition to the minimum standards set forth, a table of optional elements is included in the ALTA/ACSM standards. A careful review of the elements from the optional “Table A” is helpful in delineating a clear scope of the land surveyor’s services.

A current title commitment is required before an ALTA Survey can be completed. The surveyor will refer to the title commitment for the legal description of the property and for the legal description of any encumbrances (exceptions). Areas of ownership, improvements and encumbrances will be shown graphically. If the survey discovers any encroachments, they should be shown graphically, and a note indicating the nature of the encroachment may also be added.

The certification language of the ALTA Survey should include the names of the affected parties; including as appropriate the buyer, seller, Title Company, and lender. The surveyor must work in close association with the title insurance company, as the surveyor and the title company are relying on each others work to show the matters affecting the ownership of the land and improvements in a comprehensive manner.[1]

Ludlow Engineering offers ALTA surveys in Arizona, Idaho, and Utah. At competitive prices, Ludlow Engineering is the premier ALTA surveyor.

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Need a ALTA survey? – Look no further than Ludlow Engineering and Land Surveying.  Ludlow Engineering and Land Surveying has been providing ALTA land surveys and other types of land surveys: such as topography surveys, as-built surveys, property surveys and more since 1975.

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Boundary Surveys In Utah

Among the various different engineering options that Ludlow Engineering has to offer, the most popular would be a boundary survey.

A boundary survey is a survey that establishes boundaries of a parcel using its legal description, which typically involves the setting or restoration of monuments or markers at the corners or along the lines of the parcel, often in the form of iron rods, pipes, or concrete monuments in the ground, or nails set in concrete or asphalt. A boundary survey is more than just a set of accurate land measurements. Rather, it is a thorough retracing of the title, and analysis of the physical evidence of boundaries, completed according to state board requirements, established legal principles and local standard of care.[1]

Ludlow Engineering services the Western United States including: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. Ludlow Engineering employs a hands-on, personal relationship with each client in each area of the Western United States and will provide quality workmanship and service.

Ludlow Engineering offers the most competitive pricing for their services. The cost of a boundary survey depends on many variables, some of which can not be known until after the work has started. The size, terrain, vegetation, location and season affect the charges and can usually be estimated fairly accurately. However, the surveyor will not know if deeded monuments are missing or if they conflict with the description until well into the survey. However, on average, Ludlow Engineering offers the best prices for high quality survey work.

Ludlow Engineering marks boundaries with high quality 5/8 iron pin with cap, making the boundaries clear and concise to the client. However there are other options depending on the land owner or the clients request, larger aluminum caps placed in concrete can be set for a more permanent marker.

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A commercial ALTA survey is an ALTA Land Title Survey for a commercial entity and future possibilities.  Call today for your estimate on a Commercial ALTA survey.

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If you are needing house plan engineering and even house plan designs then you have come to the right place.  Here at Ludlow Engineering we can provide you house engineering for your residential design.  This can be done by our office in less than 72 hours and for a most affordable price.  Call today and speak to Brett for a house plan structural design service.

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