What is ALTA Table A?
ALTA Table A is a list of optional survey items that can be added to a standard ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey. Lenders specify which Table A items they require based on their underwriting guidelines and the property type.
Why Table A Matters
Every commercial lender has specific Table A requirements. Ordering the wrong items wastes money; missing required items delays closing. Common scenarios:
Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac
Multifamily loans require specific Table A items including flood zone, setbacks, and parking counts.
See requirements →SBA 7(a) & 504
SBA loans have comprehensive requirements including utility locations and adjoining owner names.
See requirements →CMBS Loans
Securitized loans often have the most stringent Table A requirements for investor protection.
See requirements →All Table A Items
The 2026 ALTA/NSPS standards (effective February 23, 2026) include 22 optional Table A items. The introductory paragraph now reminds all parties that "the law must be followed" and that the selection, wording, and fee for every Table A item are negotiable. Here are the most commonly requested items and their typical costs:
| Item | Description | Est. Cost | Common |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monuments placed (or a reference to an existing monument) | $50-150 | ✓ |
| 2 | Address(es) | $25-50 | ✓ |
| 3 | Flood zone classification | $75-150 | ✓ |
| 4 | Gross land area | $50-100 | ✓ |
| 5 | Vertical relief with spot elevations | $200-500 | — |
| 6(a) | Setback, height & floor area restrictions | $100-200 | ✓ |
| 6(b) | Building envelope depicted | $150-300 | ✓ |
| 7(a) | Exterior dimensions of buildings | $100-200 | ✓ |
| 7(b)(1) | Square footage of exterior footprint | $75-125 | — |
| 7(c) | Height of buildings | $100-200 | — |
| 8 | Substantial features observed | $100-200 | ✓ |
| 9 | Parking spaces & striping | $150-300 | ✓ |
| 10 | Governmental agency survey reference | $50-100 | ✓ |
| 11(a) | Utilities observed | $75-150 | — |
| 11(b) | Utility company information | $200-400 | — |
| 13 | Names of adjoining owners | $100-250 | ✓ |
| 15 | Aerial/drone imagery use (revised 2026: written agreement required) | $100-300 | — |
| 16 | Evidence of access to public way | $75-150 | ✓ |
| 17 | Significant observations | $50-100 | — |
| 18 | Plottable offsite easements | $150-350 | ✓ |
| 19 | Professional liability insurance | Varies | — |
| 20 | Potential encroachments summary table (5 categories) | $150-350 | ✓ |
| 21 | Additional requirements (write-in, formerly Item 20) | Varies | — |
Costs are estimates and vary by surveyor and region. Items marked "Common" are frequently required by major lenders.
Key 2026 Table A Changes
The 2026 ALTA/NSPS standards took effect on February 23, 2026, replacing the 2021 standards. Here are the most significant Table A changes:
Item 15 Revised: Aerial Imagery Requirements
Item 15 now formalizes the use of aerial imagery, drones, and LiDAR as alternatives to ground surveying for certain features. Surveyors must (a) agree with the client in writing on the imagery to use, including source, date, and licensing costs, (b) discuss accuracy and completeness limitations with the insurer, lender, and client before performing the survey, and (c) place a note on the plat disclosing the imagery source, date, and precision. Boundary features and features near boundary or setback lines are excluded from imagery-based methods.
Item 20 (New): Encroachment Summary Table
This brand-new item requires surveyors to provide a structured summary table of potential encroachments on the face of the plat. It replaces the generic disclaimer "No encroachments were found unless shown hereon" with itemized reporting across five categories: (1) encroachments over boundary lines from or onto adjoining property, (2) encroachments into rights of way and easements, (3) setback encroachments, (4) physical access between parcels without documented easement, and (5) use of adjoining parcels by apparent occupants without documented easement. Item 20 is expected to be universally selected by lenders.
Item 21: Renumbered Write-In
The former Item 20 (custom write-in option for additional requirements) has been renumbered to Item 21 to accommodate the new encroachment table item. No functional change.
Contracts executed on or after February 23, 2026 must use the 2026 standards. For surveys contracted before that date but completed afterward, surveyors may use the 2021 standards with written consent from all parties. For more details, see the official ALTA summary of 2026 changes.
How Table A Affects Survey Cost
Table A items typically add $500 to $2,000 to a base ALTA survey cost, depending on which items are required:
Using the Table A Configurator
Our ALTA Table A Configurator shows exactly which items your lender requires. Select your lender type to see:
- Required Table A items with descriptions
- Estimated additional cost for those items
- Comparison with other lender requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ALTA Table A?
ALTA Table A is a standardized list of optional items that can be added to an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey. Lenders specify which items they require based on their underwriting guidelines. These items provide additional property information beyond the standard survey.
How do I know which Table A items my lender needs?
Ask your lender for their specific survey requirements, or use our Table A Configurator to see standard requirements for major lender types including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, SBA, CMBS, and conventional lenders.
How much do Table A items add to survey cost?
Table A items typically add $500 to $2,000 to a base ALTA survey cost. Individual items range from $25 to $500 depending on complexity. The total depends on how many items your lender requires and the specific surveyor's pricing.
What changed in the 2026 ALTA Table A?
The 2026 ALTA/NSPS standards (effective February 23, 2026) added a new Item 20 requiring a structured encroachment summary table with five categories, revised Item 15 to formalize aerial imagery use with written agreements and disclosure requirements, and renumbered the former Item 20 (write-in) to Item 21. The Table A introduction now also reminds parties that "the law must be followed" and all items are negotiable.
Can I order extra Table A items not required by my lender?
Yes, you can request any Table A items you want. Some buyers add extra items for due diligence purposes even when not required by the lender. However, stick to required items if budget is a concern.