What is ALTA Table A?

ALTA Table A is a list of optional items that can be included in an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey beyond the standard surveyor obligations. The current version, under the 2026 ALTA/NSPS Minimum Standard Detail Requirements (effective February 23, 2026), contains 21 items covering boundary monuments, address documentation, flood zone classification, gross land area, vertical relief, zoning data, building dimensions, parking, underground utility location, multi-parcel lot lines, easements, encroachment summaries, and more. These items provide additional information beyond the standard survey requirements set by NSPS. Different lenders require different combinations of Table A items based on their due-diligence requirements, and each selected item adds to the survey cost (typically $500-$3,000 per item depending on complexity, with Item 11 utility location often the most expensive).

For a deeper explanation of how Table A items affect survey scope and cost, see What is ALTA Table A? The ALTA Survey Calculator uses your Table A selections to produce a price range, and our ALTA Survey Cost by State guide shows how state factors affect Table A pricing across the U.S.

All Table A Items (2026 Standard)

#1
Monuments

Monuments placed (or reference monuments) at all major corners of the boundary

#2
Address

Address(es) of the surveyed property if disclosed in documents or observed

#3
Flood Zone

Flood zone classification depicted by scaled map location and graphic plotting

#4
Gross Land Area

Gross land area and other areas if specified by the client

#5
Vertical Relief

Vertical relief with source of information, contour interval, datum, with originating benchmark

#6a
Zoning Classification

Zoning classification, setback requirements, height/floor space restrictions, and parking requirements listed on plat (client provides zoning report)

#6b
Zoning Setbacks Depicted

Zoning setback requirements graphically depicted on the plat (client provides zoning report)

#7a
Building Exterior Dimensions

Exterior dimensions of all buildings at ground level

#7b1
Building Square Footage

Square footage of exterior footprint of all buildings at ground level

#7b2
Additional Square Footage

Square footage of additional areas as specified by the client

#7c
Building Height

Height of all buildings above grade at a location specified by the client

#8
Substantial Features

Substantial features observed (parking structures, signs, swimming pools, landscaped areas, etc.)

#9
Parking Spaces

Number and type of clearly identifiable parking spaces on surface parking areas

#10
Party Walls

Determination of the location of certain party/division walls with respect to adjoining properties

#11a
Underground Utilities (Client Plans)

Location of underground utilities from plans provided by the client

#11b
Underground Utilities (Locate Service)

Location of underground utilities from markings by private utility locating company

#12
Multi-Parcel Lot Lines

Location of interior lot lines of a site composed of multiple parcels

#13
Adjoining Owners

Names of adjoining owners according to current tax records

#14
Distance to Intersection

Distance to the nearest intersecting street as specified by the client

#15
Orthophotography/Remote Sensing

Rectified orthophotography, photogrammetric mapping, remote sensing, airborne/mobile laser scanning, or other aerial imagery as basis for features. Under 2026 standards: requires written agreement on imagery source/date, disclosure of accuracy limitations, and a note on the face of the survey

#16
Evidence of Recent Work

Evidence of recent earth moving work, building construction, or building additions

#17
Street Changes

Proposed changes in street right of way lines and evidence of recent street/sidewalk work

#18
Offsite Easements

Plottable offsite (appurtenant) easements disclosed in documents

#19
Professional Liability Insurance

Surveyor maintains professional liability insurance in minimum amount specified

#20
Encroachment Summary Table (2026)

Standardized table on the face of the survey summarizing potential encroachments observed: (a) boundary crossings to/from adjoining properties, (b) encroachments into documented rights-of-way and easements, (c) setback violations (when setbacks were provided), (d) physical access between parcels without documented easement, (e) use of adjoining parcels by occupants without documented easement. NEW in the 2026 ALTA/NSPS standards.

#21
Additional Items (Write-In)

Custom additional items negotiated between the client and surveyor (formerly Item 20 in the 2021 standards; renumbered to Item 21 under the 2026 standards to accommodate the new encroachment summary table).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do ALTA Table A items cost?

Each Table A item adds to the survey cost. Simple items like addresses (#2) add minimal cost, while complex items like underground utility location (#11b) can add $500-$2,000 or more. Most commercial lenders require 10-15 Table A items, which typically adds $500-$1,500 to the base survey cost.

Which Table A items does Fannie Mae require?

Fannie Mae requires Table A items 1, 2, 3, 4, 6(a), 6(b), 7(a), 8, 9, 10, 13, 16, and 18 for multifamily loans. Item 1 may be omitted for properties with lot and block descriptions, and Item 10 may be omitted if there are no party walls.

What is the difference between Table A items 11a and 11b?

Item 11a shows underground utilities based on plans provided by the client, while Item 11b requires the surveyor to coordinate with a private utility locating service. Item 11b is significantly more expensive but provides more accurate utility location data, which is especially important for gas stations and industrial properties.