COMMISSIONER'S SURVEY

(a) To investigate a vacancy application under Section 51.183, the commissioner may require a survey. If the commissioner requires a survey, the commissioner shall appoint a licensed state land surveyor who is not associated with the vacancy application to prepare a report as provided by Section 51.185. The commissioner may limit the scope of the work performed by the surveyor. (b) A necessary party may observe a survey conducted under this section. A survey will not be delayed to accommodate a necessary party who provides notice to the commissioner that the party intends to observe the surveyor conducting the survey. (c) The commissioner shall mail a notice of intention to survey to each necessary party not later than the 30th day before the date the surveyor begins work. The notice must contain: (1) the proposed starting date of the survey; (2) the name, address, and telephone number of the surveyor; and (3) a statement informing the necessary party that any necessary party may observe the field work of the surveyor conducting the survey. (d) The fees and expenses paid for the survey are the same as those provided by law. If the fees and expenses are not provided by law, the commissioner shall contract for fees and expenses reasonably necessary for the scope of the required work. Contracts under this subsection: (1) must include hourly rates, categories of reimbursable expenses, and an estimated completion date; and (2) may include other expenses the commissioner considers reasonable. (e) The commissioner shall adopt rules regarding the removal of an appointed surveyor on the grounds of bias, prejudice, or conflict. The rules must permit the commissioner to remove an appointed surveyor on the commissioner's own motion or on the motion of a necessary party.