Surveying and Land Development in Bannock County
Surveying and Land Development in Bannock County
A practical, beginner-friendly guide to subdivision readiness in Pocatello, Chubbuck, and Bannock County.
If you’re new to land development, the approval process can feel complicated. This page explains how surveying supports feasibility and subdivision approval, what reviewers look for, and how to avoid costly surprises.
Download the Guide (PDF)
Download the Checklist
Who this is for
This resource is for:
- First-time land developers
- Property owners considering subdivision
- Anyone new to the local approval process
If you are an experienced land developer, Click Here
Why surveying is the first technical step
Surveying establishes the legal and physical reality of a property-what you own, what constraints exist, and what can realistically be built.
Before lot layout, drainage planning, or infrastructure design begins, accurate survey data helps you:
- Confirm legal property boundaries
- Identify easements and rights-of-way (areas reserved for access or utilities)
- Confirm legal access to the property
- Understand slopes, elevations, and drainage patterns
- Locate existing utilities and physical site features
- Align early plans with local subdivision regulations
When early survey information is incomplete, projects often face redesign, resubmittals, and delays later.
Local factors that affect feasibility in Bannock County
Some conditions can shape cost, schedule, and even how many lots are possible, especially if discovered late. Common local considerations include:
- Steep or irregular terrain
- Basalt rock and subsurface conditions
- Drainage patterns and stormwater requirements
- Zoning standards and subdivision ordinances
- Road access and public infrastructure requirements
Different agencies may review different parts of a project, so coordination is often required.
How survey data is used during review
Planning departments, engineering staff, and other agencies rely on survey data to evaluate:
- Lot dimensions and setbacks
- Road alignments and access points
- Utility corridors and easements
- Drainage and grading concepts
- Consistency with zoning and subdivision regulations
Surveys prepared specifically for development review (not just record drawings) can reduce review comments and revisions.
Constraint identification (the big value)
A major benefit of early surveying is identifying constraints before design advances too far, such as:
- Boundary conflicts or overlaps
- Easements that limit buildable area
- Access challenges
- Topographic or drainage limitations
- Regulatory setbacks or minimum lot size requirements
Catching these early helps you adjust layouts and evaluate feasibility before expensive redesigns.
Typical surveying steps in a development project
Most projects follow a sequence like this:
- Records review (plats, prior surveys, public records)
- Boundary survey (verify property limits + recorded constraints)
- Topographic survey (elevations, slopes, utilities, surface features)
- Layout support (base data for lots, roads, infrastructure planning)
- Agency coordination (survey materials used in review packages)
Planning a Land Development Project?
Understanding the role of surveying in the approval process helps landowners and developers make informed decisions, reduce risk and move forward with greater certainty.
Want a clearer starting point before you spend time or money on design?
Download the Guide (PDF)
Download the Checklist
FAQ
How long does subdivision approval typically take?
Timelines vary by jurisdiction and complexity. Many residential developments require a minimum of 6–9 months for final approval.
Which agencies are typically involved?
City/county planning plus, depending on the project, Idaho DEQ, public health districts, irrigation entities, highway departments and utility providers.
When should surveying be completed?
Ideally before engineering design begins, so constraints can be identified early and incorporated into planning.
For additional guidance, download:
“10 Things to know when Developing Land in Pocatello/Chubbuck and Bannock County, Idaho”