Business Details
46 Years
experience
Expert Land Surveying & Civil Engineering Services in Buffalo, MN
Otto Associates has been a trusted provider of land surveying and civil engineering services in Minnesota since 1980. Founded by Edward Otto, our family-owned business combines decades of industry experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver precise, client-focused solutions. Our team of licensed professionals specializes in guiding projects from concept to completion, offering expertise in boundary surveys, construction administration, and land development. We maintain strong relationships with attorneys, government agencies, and contractors to ensure regulatory compliance and project success. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our use of advanced tools like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and GPS systems. With a focus on cost-effective, personalized service, we prioritize client satisfaction across commercial, residential, and industrial sectors.Paul Otto and Cara Schwahn Otto lead our firm with dual expertise in engineering and surveying, supported by a staff certified in stormwater management and construction oversight. We take pride in our track record of thousands of completed projects statewide, including notable developments like Lightbridge Academy and Annas Acres. Our leadership actively participates in public meetings and permitting processes, ensuring seamless project approvals. This dedication to technical excellence and client collaboration has made us a preferred partner for land investment and infrastructure projects in Minnesota.
Services
Land Surveying
Civil Engineering
Construction Administration
ALTA/NSPS Surveys
Topographic Surveys
Boundary Surveys
Stormwater Management
Site Planning
Cemetery Mapping
FEMA Elevation Certificates
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1980 with 40+ years of Minnesota land development expertise
- Dual-licensed engineers and surveyors lead projects with technical precision
- Certified in stormwater management and construction oversight by MPCA
- Advanced technology including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and real-time GPS systems
- Proven track record with thousands of completed commercial and residential projects
Associations and certifications
- Minnesota Society of Professional Surveyors (MSPS)
- MPCA Certified SWPPP Designer
Services
Land Surveying
Our land surveying services utilize AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and GPS technology to deliver precise boundary determinations and property mapping. We conduct ALTA/NSPS title surveys, FEMA elevation certificates, and topographic assessments for commercial transactions and development projects. Our team provides cemetery mapping and volumetric surveys for specialized land management needs.
Civil Engineering
We offer comprehensive civil engineering solutions including stormwater management design, sanitary sewer systems, and roadway infrastructure planning. Our expertise covers feasibility studies, zoning compliance, and environmental assessments to optimize land development potential while meeting regulatory requirements across Minnesota municipalities.
Construction Administration
Our construction administration services include real-time GPS staking, erosion control monitoring, and permit coordination for infrastructure projects. We provide bid management, payment verification, and as-built documentation to ensure projects meet design specifications and municipal approval conditions throughout Minnesota.
Boundary Surveys
We perform boundary surveys to establish legal property lines through field verification and historical record research. Our services include corner monumentation, legal description preparation, and conflict resolution for residential, commercial, and institutional land transactions across Minnesota.
Stormwater Management
We design stormwater systems meeting MPCA permit requirements, including detention basins and filtration systems. Our certified specialists create SWPPP plans for erosion control and water quality compliance, ensuring projects satisfy municipal and watershed district regulations for new developments.
People
Paul Otto
President
President Paul Otto, P.L.S., P.E., combines engineering expertise with family legacy in surveying. He oversees project computations and client relations while managing IT infrastructure. A University of Minnesota graduate, Paul balances professional rigor with community involvement in Buffalo Lake activities.
Cara Schwahn Otto
Senior Vice President
Senior Vice President Cara Schwahn Otto, P.E., specializes in project management and client relationship building. A University of Minnesota alumna, she integrates technical precision with regulatory expertise while maintaining active participation in local community and professional engineering organizations.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We provide land surveying and civil engineering services throughout Minnesota, with project experience in Buffalo, Ramsey, Minnetonka, and surrounding regions.
What survey types do you offer?
We conduct ALTA/NSPS title surveys, boundary surveys, FEMA elevation certificates, topographic mapping, cemetery mapping, and construction staking services.
How long have you operated?
Otto Associates has provided surveying and engineering services since 1980, maintaining family ownership and Minnesota-focused expertise for over four decades.
What engineering specialties exist?
Our civil engineering team specializes in stormwater management, site planning, infrastructure design, and regulatory compliance for residential, commercial, and industrial developments.
