West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 23 - Professional Surveyors
West Virginia Professional Surveyors (Agency 23) – Overview
Agency 23 – Professional Surveyors regulates the practice, licensing, and professional conduct of surveyors in West Virginia. Its rules establish standards to ensure that land surveying services are accurate, reliable, and ethically performed, protecting public safety, property rights, and land development integrity.
1. Purpose and Mission
Mission: To regulate and oversee the practice of professional surveying in West Virginia, ensuring competency, ethical conduct, and protection of the public.
Goals:
Maintain high standards for professional practice.
Safeguard the accuracy of land boundaries, maps, and survey records.
License and monitor surveyors to uphold professional accountability.
Scope: Covers all individuals performing land surveying services for public, private, or commercial purposes in the state.
2. Organizational Structure
Board of Professional Surveyors: The agency is governed by a Board, responsible for rule-making, licensing, enforcement, and disciplinary actions.
Executive Staff: Includes administrators who manage licensing records, examinations, and correspondence.
Committees or Panels: May include ethics, education, or disciplinary committees to assist in specialized functions.
Staff Composition: Licensing officers, administrative personnel, and technical support staff.
3. Licensing and Registration
Eligibility Requirements
Completion of an approved surveying education program.
Satisfactory experience under a licensed surveyor.
Successful completion of examinations covering surveying principles, techniques, and regulations.
Licensing Types
Professional Surveyor License: Full authorization to practice independently.
Trainee / Intern Registration: Allows supervised practice while gaining experience toward full licensure.
License Renewal
Licenses must be renewed periodically.
Renewal may require continuing education, proof of professional practice, and payment of fees.
Examinations
Administered to ensure knowledge of surveying methods, laws, ethics, and technical standards.
4. Professional Standards and Practice
Accuracy and Precision
Surveys must meet established technical standards for measurement, mapping, and documentation.
Surveyors must use approved methods, instruments, and techniques.
Ethical Conduct
Surveyors must perform services honestly, objectively, and without conflicts of interest.
Confidentiality of client and property information must be maintained.
Documentation
Surveys, maps, plats, and reports must be properly recorded, signed, and maintained.
Surveyors are responsible for providing clear and accurate descriptions of land boundaries and features.
Public Safety and Accountability
Surveyors must ensure that their work does not endanger the public or misrepresent property boundaries.
Mistakes or negligence can result in disciplinary action by the Board.
5. Disciplinary Actions and Enforcement
Grounds for Discipline: Fraud, negligence, incompetence, ethical violations, or practicing without a license.
Investigation and Hearing: Complaints are investigated, and hearings may be conducted to determine violations.
Sanctions: Can include license suspension, revocation, fines, or additional training requirements.
Appeals: Surveyors have the right to appeal decisions according to agency procedures.
6. Continuing Education and Professional Development
Licensed surveyors may be required to complete continuing education programs to maintain knowledge of new techniques, laws, and best practices.
Education ensures surveyors stay updated with technological advancements, mapping standards, and ethical guidelines.
7. Key Principles
Competence: Surveyors must demonstrate technical skill and knowledge.
Integrity: Ethical behavior and honesty are mandatory in all professional activities.
Accuracy: Survey results must meet strict standards of precision and reliability.
Accountability: Surveyors are responsible for their work and adherence to rules.
Public Protection: The ultimate goal is to protect property rights, landowners, and the public from errors or malpractice.
Summary
Agency 23 – Professional Surveyors governs the licensing, standards, and ethical practice of land surveying in West Virginia. The agency ensures that surveyors are qualified, competent, and accountable, maintaining accurate land records and protecting public trust. It oversees licensing, examinations, practice standards, continuing education, and disciplinary actions, emphasizing competence, integrity, accuracy, and public protection.
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