Short answer: most commercial and industrial projects in Geelong need a feature and level survey of the existing site first, a re-establishment survey if the boundaries are uncertain, and construction set-out once building starts. Lease plans, subdivisions and monitoring surveys may also be needed depending on the project. A licensed land surveyor provides the accurate site and boundary information that designers, builders, lawyers and the council rely on.
Geelong’s commercial and industrial areas range from established precincts in North Geelong, Corio and Norlane to growing business and industrial land around Lara and the Avalon corridor, plus retail and mixed-use sites in central Geelong and the larger suburbs. Whether you are buying a warehouse, fitting out a tenancy, extending a factory or developing vacant industrial land, the right survey at the right time keeps the project moving and avoids costly surprises. This guide explains the surveys most commercial clients need and when to book them.
Why commercial sites need accurate survey information
Commercial projects usually involve more people than a house project: owners, tenants, architects, civil and structural engineers, builders, town planners, lawyers and lenders. All of them rely on the same base information about the site. If that information is out of date or based on old drawings, design work may need to be redone, set-outs can be wrong and disputes about boundaries or tenancy areas can arise.
Older commercial and industrial sites can be especially tricky. Buildings may have been extended several times, fences and gates moved, and services added without updated plans. A current survey shows what is actually on the ground today.
Surveys commercial and industrial projects commonly need
Feature and level survey
A feature and level survey records existing buildings, hardstand, kerbs, driveways, drainage pits, visible services, trees, fences and ground levels across the site. It is the starting point for most design work, from a new loading dock to a full redevelopment, and helps engineers plan drainage, access and earthworks. See our feature and level survey service.
Re-establishment survey
A re-establishment survey confirms the title boundaries on the ground. It is worth doing before building close to a boundary, replacing perimeter fencing or security gates, or when buying a site where the fence lines look uncertain. In Victoria, only a licensed land surveyor can determine title boundaries under the Surveying Act 2004. Learn more about our re-establishment surveys.
Construction set-out
Once plans are approved, construction set-out marks grid lines, column and footing positions, slab edges and levels so the builder can construct accurately. On larger buildings, set-out is often done in stages as the job progresses. Read about our construction set-out service.
Lease plans
When part of a building or site is leased, a lease plan clearly shows the tenancy area. This helps owners, tenants and their lawyers agree on exactly what is being leased. Our guide to lease plan surveys in Geelong explains how they work, and our lease plan service page covers what we provide.
Subdivision of commercial or industrial land
Larger landholdings are sometimes subdivided into smaller lots or units, which may create common property and an owners corporation. A licensed land surveyor prepares the plan of subdivision for certification by the council and registration with Land Use Victoria. See our subdivision service.
Monitoring surveys
Where excavation, piling or heavy works happen near existing structures, a monitoring survey can track movement over time and give the project team early warning of any changes. Learn about our monitoring surveys.
Planning and approvals
Many commercial and industrial projects need a planning permit, and the requirements depend on the zone, overlays and the type of use or works. You can check the zone and overlays for a property with a planning property report from VicPlan, and your town planner or the City of Greater Geelong can confirm what your project needs. Some sites are also affected by flooding or drainage controls, in which case a flood level survey may be requested. Our role as land surveyors is to provide the accurate plans that support the application and the design.
How the process works
- Tell us about the project. Send the address, what you are planning and who will use the survey.
- We confirm the scope. We review the title and any existing plans and recommend the survey types and level of detail your consultants need.
- Site access and safety. We arrange access, inductions and any traffic or safety requirements with you.
- Field work. Our surveyors measure the site with modern equipment, working around the operating business where possible.
- Plans and data. We process the measurements and deliver plans and digital files in the formats your architect and engineers use.
Tips for commercial clients
- Book the survey early, before design starts, so the design is based on real site conditions.
- Share existing plans, previous surveys and any known service locations with us.
- Tell us about site rules, inductions, operating hours and restricted areas.
- Ask your architect or engineer what level of detail and file format they need, so the survey suits their work first time.
- If the project involves a tenancy, involve your lawyer or leasing agent early so the lease plan matches the lease.
Areas we cover
From our Batesford office we survey commercial and industrial sites across Geelong, including North Geelong, Norlane and Corio, as well as Lara, the Bellarine, the Surf Coast and Ballarat. If your project is in Lara, our Lara land surveyor guide covers local considerations.
Planning a commercial or industrial project? Request a quote online or call 0412 722 261 and tell us about your site and what you need.
Frequently asked questions
What survey do I need before buying or developing a commercial site in Geelong?
Most projects start with a feature and level survey of the existing site, plus a re-establishment survey if the boundaries need to be confirmed. Your architect, engineer or planner can then design with accurate information from day one.
Can a land surveyor set out a warehouse or factory?
Yes. Construction set-out marks the position of footings, columns, slabs and grid lines from the approved plans, so the building goes where it was designed and meets its boundary setbacks.
Do I need a lease plan for a commercial tenancy?
A lease plan is often requested when part of a building or site is leased, so the tenancy area is clearly defined. Your lawyer or leasing agent can confirm whether your lease needs one, and we prepare it to suit.
Can you survey an operating business without disrupting it?
In most cases, yes. We plan field work around access, traffic and safety requirements, and can arrange times that suit the site. Let us know about inductions or site rules when you book.
How do I get a quote for a commercial or industrial survey?
Send the site address, what you are planning and who will use the survey through our contact page, or call 0412 722 261, and we will recommend the right survey.