When learning about environmental impact assessments, it is important to gain an understanding of the terms that are used during the process. In this blog post, there are several the definitions of frequently-used terms that you should know.

In February 2016, changes were made to the ALTA Survey Minimum Standard Detail Requirements. The new and updated requirements carry over many specifics from the 2011 standards but there are many subtle and important changes. Learn more about the updates to the land surveyor notation requirements.

Bock & Clark’s Jim Brown and Tim Kidd attended the fourth annual BMAC (Bisnow’s Annual Multifamily Conference) West on July 20^th in Los Angeles, CA. The conference featured a variety of speakers who are some of the nation’s leading multifamily and mixed-use executives, including keynote speaker Scott Croul, Managing Regional Director of Freddie Mac. This year’s conference was packed full of informative content.  If you were unable to attend, this blog post goes over a few of the event’s highlights.

Many states have provided guidance in addressing vapor for several years. The most recent revision to the ASTM 1527-Phase I Standards pushed vapor migration and vapor encroachment consideration to the forefront during the due diligence process.

With the adoption of the 2016 Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Surveys in late February, professional land surveyors have been given some added responsibilities in regards to reporting and noting easements.

As with other ASTM Standards, there is a timeframe in which the standards must be reviewed by a committee and updated as necessary. The recent changes to the PCA Standard, promulgated on November 5, 2015, were minor, affecting items such as rewording, new definitions and the re-organization of several subsections. 

The new Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Surveys have been adopted and took effect on February 23, 2016. One of the most significant changes is found within the revised definition of Optional Table A Item 11.

On February 23, 2016, the ninth edition of the Minimum Standard Detail Requirements for ALTA/NSPS Surveys will take effect. Some ask the significance of the February date as the last several versions of these requirements became effective on the same day. Read more to find out why February 23rd is a fitting date for surveyors.

ASTM recently released a “Standard Guide for Readily Observable Moisture Affected Materials and Conditions Conducive to Elevated Moisture in Commercial Buildings: Visual Moisture Assessment Process ” (ASTM E3026).

When considering the inclusion of Optional Table A Item 6, there are two options, 6(a) OR 6(b). In order for the zoning information to be reported on the face of the survey, 6(a) or 6(b) must be requested.