Great Customer Service

We look forward to helping our clients achieve their goals. Our internal promotion system ensures a consistent standard of excellence in every aspect of our work.

Surveyors & Story Polers

It's a no-brainer that a surveyor should install story poles. Almost ALL story pole installations require certification by a surveyor. You can count on our surveyors to place your story poles in the right place. Then we stamp and certify to your HOA, planning department, neighbors, architect or yourselves that everything is built per plan.

One Stop Story Pole Installer

All surveying certifications, layout and stake out are included. We offer all story pole services eliminating scheduling headaches other companies face when they hire external contractors. And yes, we can generate story pole plans from your architectural layouts!

Established in 1991

Charles J. Bonadiman is a third generation land surveyor who learned his profession in the family civil engineering business started by his grandfather in 1941. Charles recognized a need for quality and integrity in the story pole industry so as demand increased in southern California, Charles was among the first to address this growing field.

California Story Pole Installation

From Santa Barbara to San Diego, Los Angeles to the Inland Empire, Bonadiman Pacific Surveying, Inc. is your trusted partner for professional land surveying and California story pole installation. With over 30 years of experience, we deliver precise, high-quality services to help you navigate complex projects and meet regulatory requirements. Contact us today for a free quote and discover how our expertise can bring your vision to life.

Bonadiman Pacific Surveying, Inc. provides comprehensive land surveying and story pole services across Southern California, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and project success.

Est. 1991 | Learning from the past, Building the Future

Founded by Charles J. Bonadiman, Bonadiman Pacific Surveying carries forward a legacy of excellence rooted in a family of civil engineers and land surveyors serving Southern California for over 80 years.

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In 1991, Charles launched the company to meet unmet needs in the industry, pioneering story pole installation services as demand grew. Unlike competitors, we handle all story pole services in-house, eliminating delays and ensuring consistent quality through our rigorous internal training and promotion system.

Our commitment to precision and client satisfaction drives our growth, and we’re excited to partner with you on your next project.

Why Choose Us for California Story Pole Installation?

  • Certified Expertise: Our licensed land surveyors ensure every story pole installation meets legal and regulatory standards.
  • In-House Efficiency: No subcontractors—our team handles every aspect, saving you time and hassle.
  • Southern California Specialists: We serve Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego, the Inland Empire, and beyond with local knowledge.
  • Proven Track Record: Trusted by developers, architects, and contractors since 1991.

Reviews & Testimonials

“...our go to surveyor.”
Charles Bonadiman is our go to surveyor. Charlie and his team have displayed their professionalism many times over with fair pricing, quick turnarounds and their commitment to getting the job done right.
Aaron B.
“They are my first choice...”
I've been working with BPS for many years and they are always consummate professionals. They are my first choice when selecting a surveyor and I can always count on them to be efficient and accurate.
Jonathan G.
“Highly recommend...”
My house needed story poles so I reached out to Charles. I only had a few days to get the poles up and he showed up on time to get the job done with his crew. Very easy going, professional and best prices in town. Highly recommend for all your survey needs!
Larry A.
“...consistently exceed expectations!”
I've had the pleasure of working with BPS several times, and they consistently exceed expectations! They are professional, reliable, and always deliver on time.
Savannah B.
“Charles and his team were very responsive and reasonable”
I highly recommend Charles and the Bonadiman Pacific Surveying & Story Poles Team. We needed Story Poles installed and then modified several times for a Residential Project that requires HOA Review / Approval and Charles and his team were very responsive and reasonable. They were able to quickly make changes to the story poles, meet deadlines, offer reasonable rates, and install the poles accurately per design drawings.
Mark N.
“Highly recommend...”
My house needed story poles so I reached out to Charles. I only had a few days to get the poles up and he showed up on time to get the job done with his crew. Very easy going, professional and best prices in town. Highly recommend for all your survey needs!
Larry A.
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Our Story Pole Installation Projects

Malibu land surveying and story pole installation
Bonadiman land surveying and story pole installation
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Santa Barbara land survey and story pole instillation
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California Story Poles

The Role of Licensed Land Surveyors in Story Pole Installations

Story pole installations require precision and legal certification, tasks reserved exclusively for licensed land surveyors under California’s Professional Land Surveyors’ Act (Business and Professions Code §§ 8700–8805). Only surveyors can establish heights, locations, and alignments or certify compliance for fixed works like story poles. General contractors offering these services without a surveyor’s license violate state law, risking project delays and penalties.

At Bonadiman Pacific Surveying, our licensed professionals ensure your story pole installations are accurate, compliant, and certified, giving you peace of mind. Whether you’re planning a commercial development or residential project, we provide the expertise needed to meet municipal requirements and keep your project on track.

(PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYORS’ ACT (Business and Professions Code §§ 8700 – 8805):
8726. Land surveying defined (a) A person, including any person employed by the state or by a city, county, or city and county within the state, practices land surveying within the meaning of this chapter who, either in a public or private capacity, does or offers to do any one or more of the following:

(1) Locates, relocates, establishes, reestablishes, or retraces the alignment or elevation for any of the fixed works embraced within the practice of civil engineering, as described in Section 6731.

(2) Determines the configuration or contour of the earth’s surface, or the position of fixed objects above, on, or below the surface of the earth by applying the principles of mathematics or photogrammetry.

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(7) Determines the information shown or to be shown on any map or document prepared or furnished in connection with any one or more of the functions described in paragraphs (1) through (6), inclusive.

(8) Indicates, in any capacity or in any manner, by the use of the title “land surveyor” or by any other title or by any other representation that they practice or offer to practice land surveying in any of its branches.

(9) Procures or offers to procure land surveying work for themselves or others.

(10) Manages, or conducts as manager, proprietor, or agent, any place of business from which land surveying work is solicited, performed or practiced.

(11) Coordinates the work of professional, technical, or special consultants in connection with the activities authorized by this chapter.

8751. Representing self as licensed No person shall represent himself or herself as, or use the title of, or any abbreviation or combination of the words in the title of, professional land surveyor, licensed land surveyor, land surveyor, land survey engineer, survey engineer, geodetic engineer, geomatics engineer, or geometronic engineer unless he or she is the holder of a valid, unsuspended, and unrevoked license.

Contact Us Today

Ready to start your project? Call us at (310) 824-3219 or complete the contact form below to request a free quote. Bonadiman Pacific Surveying is here to deliver precision and reliability for all your California story pole and land surveying needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Story Poles

Story poles are temporary markers used to outline a proposed building’s height, footprint, and visual impact. In California, many municipalities require story poles during the planning and approval process to help stakeholders visualize a project and ensure compliance with zoning regulations. Certified by licensed land surveyors, story poles provide accurate measurements to avoid costly revisions. At Bonadiman Pacific Surveying, we handle the entire process, from installation to certification, for seamless project approvals.

California’s Professional Land Surveyors’ Act (Business and Professions Code §§ 8700–8805) mandates that only licensed surveyors can certify story pole placements, including heights and locations. Hiring a licensed surveyor ensures legal compliance, accurate measurements, and valid certifications, preventing project delays or penalties. Our experienced team at Bonadiman Pacific Surveying delivers precise, compliant story pole services trusted by developers and contractors across Southern California.

Most story pole installations are completed within 1–3 days, depending on project size, site conditions, and municipal requirements. Complex projects may take slightly longer due to additional certifications or coordination. Contact Bonadiman Pacific Surveying for a free consultation, and we’ll provide a tailored timeline for your project in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego, or the Inland Empire. We serve all of California!

The cost of story pole installation varies based on project scope, location, and specific requirements, such as the number of poles or additional surveying services. On average, costs range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. At Bonadiman Pacific Surveying, we offer competitive pricing and transparent quotes. Request a free, no-obligation quote today, and we’ll customize a solution for your California project.

Yes! Bonadiman Pacific Surveying provides a full range of land surveying services, including boundary surveys, topographic surveys, construction staking, ALTA/NSPS surveys, and elevation certificates. Whether you’re planning a residential, commercial, or public project, our licensed surveyors deliver precise results to meet your needs. Contact us to discuss how we can support your project from start to finish.

Incorrectly installed story poles can lead to inaccurate project representations, resulting in planning board rejections, costly redesigns, or legal issues. Non-certified installations by unlicensed providers may also violate California law, causing delays or fines. Our licensed surveyors at Bonadiman Pacific Surveying ensure every story pole is installed and certified accurately, meeting all regulatory standards to keep your project on track.

Absolutely! We serve projects of all sizes, from single-family homes to large commercial developments. For residential projects, our team ensures story poles meet local zoning and homeowner association requirements, providing the same precision and care as for larger projects. Reach out to Bonadiman Pacific Surveying to learn how we can assist with your home project.

To prepare for story pole installation, ensure the site is accessible and clear of major obstructions, such as heavy vegetation or debris. Provide any relevant project plans or permits to our team in advance. We’ll handle the rest, including coordinating with local authorities if needed. Contact Bonadiman Pacific Surveying to schedule a site assessment and get started with confidence.