What Are the Top Situations That Require an Improvement Location Certificate?

Colorado Springs and the greater Front Range are experiencing a surge of growth, with new subdivisions, infill developments, and property improvements reshaping neighborhoods from Monument to Fountain. With that growth comes added pressure on property boundaries, easements, and setbacks.

One document that’s becoming more essential than ever is the Improvement Location Certificate (ILC).

An ILC isn’t a full boundary retracement survey, Land Survey Plat or Improvement Survey Plat,  but in today’s real estate climate, an ILC can be the difference between a smooth closing and a costly delay. Lenders, title companies, and even municipalities across our area are requesting ILCs at higher rates than in years past.

Whether you’re buying a home near Peterson Space Force Base, refinancing property in Briargate, or acquiring commercial property in Falcon, an ILC is often the first step toward peace of mind.

At Apex Land Surveying & Mapping LLC, we’re seeing firsthand how ILCs help the Colorado Springs area, property owners avoid disputes, keep transactions on schedule, and meet local requirements.

Today, we’ll explore the most current reasons homeowners, buyers, and developers in Colorado Springs and along the Front Range should consider an ILC today.

Why is An Improvement Location Certificate Common in Today’s Colorado Springs Real Estate Market?

Real estate transactions move quickly no matter what part of Colorado Springs you are in. Both lenders, buyers, sellers and title companies want to minimize risk, and ILCs provide a snapshot of where improvements sit in relation to record boundaries.

Right now, ILCs are most often requested for:

• Home purchases and refinances – Mortgage lenders frequently require ILCs before closing.

• Rapid growth neighborhoods – With Colorado Springs expanding east and north, ILCs can show that fences, sheds, or additions don’t cross into utility easements or neighboring parcels.

• Title insurance coverage – Title companies often use ILCs to reduce or add exceptions related to possible encroachments or boundary issues, or commonly called areas of concern.

If you’re buying or refinancing property in Colorado Springs, there’s a good chance an ILC will be part of the closing checklist.

When Do Residential and Commercial Property Owners in the Front Range Need an ILC?

Even if you’re not selling or refinancing, you may still run into situations where an ILC is needed. Some of the most common reasons we’re seeing in 2025 include:

• Owner’s extended coverage  When the client is requiring owner’s extended coverage in the title insurance, this can often trigger title companies to require an ILC.

• Buyer or Seller inquiry  Buyers and Sellers May wish to have a general knowledge of the improvements in relation to record boundary information.

• Lender requirement prior to closing  Lenders typically request an ILC (especially on new construction) as a requirement prior to final closing.

These real-world cases happen more often than many homeowners realize. An ILC saves significant time, money, and frustration.

What Are Examples of Current Local Situations Where ILCs Help?

The demand for ILCs has grown in recent years because of several specific regional issues:

• Post-pandemic construction boom – Many Colorado Springs homeowners and developers are building new construction in developments throughout the greater Colorado Springs area.  Lenders often require ILC’s for final closing.

• Narrow lot development – In-fill projects in areas like Old Colorado City and downtown Colorado Springs often feature smaller lots where even a minor area of concern can create big problems.

• Wildfire recovery and rebuilding – In parts of the Front Range impacted by wildfires, ILCs are used to ensure rebuilt structures are properly located within the record boundary lines of the subject parcel.

• Commercial refinancing – Investors purchasing multi-family or light commercial properties in the Springs are asked by lenders to provide ILCs before funding.

Each of these scenarios highlights how ILCs remain relevant not just for large transactions, but for everyday property decisions.

How Do I Know If I Need an ILC in Colorado Springs?

If you’re uncertain whether an ILC is required, ask yourself:

• Am I buying, refinancing, or selling a property?

• Closing  for new construction property?

•  Is the owner’s extended coverage being added to the Title Commitment? 

If you answered yes to any of these, chances are an ILC could save you stress and provide the documentation you need.

Work With a Local Expert for Your ILC

ILCs provide confidence in your property acquisition and development decisions. Apex Land Surveying & Mapping LLC provides accurate, timely deliverables when performing an ILC for property owners, lenders, and title companies alike across Colorado Springs and the Front Range.

Whether you’re closing on a new home, refinancing a property, or adding owner’s extended coverage to title, our team has the local expertise to get it done right.

Contact us today to request your ILC and keep your project or closing on track.