What Changed in Table A for 2026 ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys?

The 2026 update to the ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey standards introduced several refinements across the document. But when it comes to recent adjustments to Table A, the changes are focused, intentional, and centered on improving clarity.

We at Apex Land Surveying and Mapping LLC have done our due diligence on these recent changes, and for our client’s sake, are working to inform everyone about why these changes are essential to understand when ordering or reviewing an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey.

Table A continues to serve as the customizable portion of an ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey, allowing lenders, title companies, attorneys, and property owners to request additional information beyond the base requirements. While most of the 2026 revisions are minor clarifications, one major addition stands out and directly impacts how survey data is communicated.

The Most Important Update: New Table A Item 20

The most significant change to Table A in 2026 is the introduction of Table A Item 20, which standardizes how certain site observations are documented on a survey.

When this item is selected, surveyors must provide a clearly organized summary, which typically comes in table format, displayed on the face of the survey. This summary highlights observable conditions that could impact the property. These observable conditions are typically listed as areas of concern.

This may include:

• Encroachments across boundary lines

• Improvements extending into easements or rights-of-way

• Setback violations or building line conflicts

• Evidence of use or access without a recorded easement

Table A Item 20 does not require surveyors to make legal determinations. Instead, it ensures that observable physical conditions are presented in a consistent, easy-to-review format. 

For lenders and title professionals, this creates a faster and more reliable way to evaluate potential risks tied to a property.

Renumbering and Structural Adjustment to Table A

With the addition of Item 20, Table A has been slightly restructured.

• The previous “write-in” or custom scope item has shifted to Item 21

• All subsequent references now align with this updated numbering

While this may seem like a small change, it reinforces Table A’s flexibility. Clients can still request project-specific items tailored to unique property conditions or engineering design and development goals, which is especially important for commercial projects across growing markets in both Colorado Springs and the Front Range.

Clarifications to Existing Table A Items

Outside of Item 20, the 2026 update focuses primarily on refining language within existing items rather than introducing sweeping changes. These clarifications help ensure consistent expectations between land surveyors and clients.

Some key areas of refinement include:

• Utility-related items (Item 11): Language has been clarified to better define how utility information is obtained and what sources are relied upon. What this helps with is in reducing confusion around responsibility and data accuracy.

• Use of imagery and remote methods (Item 15): The standards now more clearly address the use of aerial imagery, photogrammetry, and similar technologies. We as land surveyors must communicate how these methods are used and ensure clients understand any limitations or accuracy considerations.

Helping others is our number one priority at Apex Land Surveying and Mapping LLC. These updates reflect how modern land surveying practices continue to evolve while maintaining transparency with clients.

Why Do These Changes Matter for Property Owners and Developers?

Although the updates to Table A are not a complete overhaul, they have meaningful implications for anyone involved in a real estate transaction.

The Table A changes help:

• Improve consistency in how critical site conditions are reported

• Enhance communication between surveyors, lenders, and title companies

• Streamline due diligence for commercial property transactions

• Reduce ambiguity when evaluating potential property risks

All told, these improvements support more informed decision-making and smoother project timelines. Your project stays on course and as a property owner or developer, you have more accurate, transparent information available to you.

Moving Forward with Confidence

At its core, Table A remains a powerful tool for tailoring ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys to the needs of each project. The 2026 updates and in particular, the addition of Item 20, bring a higher level of clarity and standardization to the process without disrupting the framework professionals already rely on.

At Apex Land Surveying and Mapping LLC, we stay ahead of these industry changes to ensure every survey we deliver meets the latest standards with precision and reliability.

Please reach out to us here for more information about these changes and how they may affect you.