“Approximate Corners”

by Scott C. Freshwaters, PLSO Liaison to OACES

This has been a hot topic of discussion at the most recent Central Chapter meeting and at the OACES meeting held in Roseburg last week.   This is a questionable practice at best and an unethical one at least.    In my opinion, and the opinion of many others this practice does not serve the profession nor the public well.  We all know that regardless of how many disclaimers are used, or how emphatically the   fact is stressed that the wooden stake  set is only “approximate” either the client or the adjoiner or both will accept it as being the true corner and act accordingly.   

Does it really serve the profession and protect the public “safety, health, and welfare” if we set an “approximate” corner in lieu of a permanent monument and filing a record of survey?  Furthermore, what are the liability issues associated with this practice?  Has anyone checked with their E&O carrier if they will bless the setting of “approximate corners”?   OACES will discuss this topic at length June 8-10 at their Spring Conference to be held at Eagle Crest Resort near Redmond.  The outcome of their discussion may be a letter requesting OSBEELS author an OAR to eliminate this practice.   It would be good if all of the PLSO chapters can have a discussion about “approximate corners” and  if there is consensus about this perhaps the BOD could and should coordinate with OACES in the communication to OSBEELS.