Paying for as-built utility data as part of topographic mapping process.

[Sunburned_Surveyor]

We typically contact all local utilities that may have facilities in a project area and request any as-built information they have. This request is usually made with a letter.

We incorporate the as-built information they send into our topographic mapping.

Until recently, utility companies provided this informaiton at no charge, viewing it as a way to protect their utilites from potential construction impacts. We've recently be told by an out-of-state utility company that we must sign a contract and pay $150 to $250 for what amounts to a hand written sketch of utility locations.

Is it becoming typical practice for utility companies to charge for as-built information? What if the facilities are found within a public right-of-way? Is there any legal requirement for utility companies to provide as-built information as part of construction projects?

Are you typically signing legal agreements or contracts to obtain as-built utility information?

In circumstances where the requirements/fees for as-built utility data are extreme, would you consider sending a letter to the utility company providing notice of a construction project that may impact their facilities and simply putting a note on the materials/plans provided to the client indicating the company was contacted but no as-built data was provided.

I'd like to know how you guys are handling this type of situation.

If you want details on the particular utility company I am dealing with, you can contact me off the forum.

The Sunburned Surveyor (PLS 8489)

[JMS8070]

Hi Sunburned,

We request facility maps from utility companies often for our ALTA surveys and several utilities do charge for their maps. We have never been asked to sign any contract, but we are asked to complete a request form and mail/fax/email it back in. Plus, I have never had to work with an out-of-state utility company (or at least didn't have an office here in state).

$250 is very expensive, I have not seen that much before. I usually warn my clients when they request Item 11(b) that we will probably have to pay some fees for the facility maps and we will bill them for it. I also tell them that it is usually less than $100. Although I just had a telephone provider try and charge us $105 for their maps, thankfully I took another look at the site and saw the overhead lines bringing in service...sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees.

Finally, I am not aware of any legal requirements for utility companies to give that information out for free. They have to spend the time to research and send it out, so a minor fee is not unreasonable to me...but $250 is not reasonable to me.

Marty