If you’ve ever tried to develop a piece of land near a wetland, stream, or flood zone, you know that the permitting process can be full of hoops to jump through. But there’s one step that makes the whole process smoother—and it starts before any paperwork is submitted: land surveying. At BLAZE Design Inc., we’ve helped countless property owners in Vermont and New York get the data they need to move forward with wetland and environmental permits. Here’s why that first step is so important.
Surveying Helps You Understand the Land Before You Plan
Every project starts with the land. But when wetlands or sensitive areas are involved, you need more than just a general idea of where things are—you need precise measurements. That’s where we come in. A professional land survey helps identify the exact location of your boundaries, elevation levels, existing features, and any flagged wetland areas.
This information is key for:
- Knowing where you can and can’t build
- Making smart decisions about layout and design
- Avoiding violations that could delay or derail your plans
Without accurate surveying, even a well-intentioned project can run into unexpected issues down the road.
Wetland Boundaries: Marked by Scientists, Mapped by Surveyors
Wetland specialists typically visit your property and flag areas that meet the state’s definition of a wetland. Those flags are critical—but without a surveyor to map them, it’s hard to use that information in a meaningful way. That’s why we work side-by-side with wetland consultants.
Once the wetland area is flagged in the field, our job is to:
- Collect the coordinates of each flag
- Translate that into a digital map
- Overlay the wetland boundaries onto your full property survey
That map becomes a key part of your permit application and helps environmental agencies understand how your project fits into the landscape.
Permitting Requirements Demand Accurate Site Plans
Whether you’re dealing with Vermont’s ACT 250 process or local municipal regulations, one thing is consistent—your project needs a clear site plan. And that plan starts with surveying. We provide the data that planners, engineers, and regulatory boards rely on to evaluate your application.
Our surveys help show:
- Slope and grade of the land
- Distance from wetland or water features
- Drainage paths and potential environmental impact
- Buildable areas that comply with buffer rules
It’s not just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about showing regulators that your project is responsible and well-thought-out.
Elevation Matters—Especially Near Flood Zones
If your land is in or near a flood zone, getting an elevation certificate from a licensed surveyor is often necessary for permitting or insurance purposes. FEMA requires accurate elevation data to determine your flood risk and insurance rates.
At BLAZE Design Inc., we offer elevation surveys and FEMA elevation certificates that can:
- Help lower your flood insurance premiums
- Clarify your flood zone status
- Support map changes or exemptions (like a Letter of Map Amendment)
In many cases, having this documentation upfront can speed up permitting and reduce surprise costs later.
A Trusted Partner for the Whole Process
Surveying might not be the flashiest part of a project, but it’s one of the most important—especially when wetlands or environmental concerns are involved. We understand how much is riding on that permit, and we work hard to provide the kind of accurate, timely data that gets your application moving.
As a veteran-owned business with over 40 years of experience, BLAZE Design Inc. takes pride in supporting developers, homeowners, environmental consultants, and municipal planners across Vermont and New York. We don’t just measure land—we help you move forward with confidence.
Reach out to BLAZE Design Inc. today at 802-442-2892 and take the first step toward a smoother permitting process.