What is Subdivision Platting?

Subdivision platting is the process of dividing a larger piece of property into multiple smaller parcels of land and making a map (or plat) of the new subdivision, which is generally done for the aim of selling the pieces individually.

These pieces of land are typically built on before being sold, generally by the same home builder, which explains why many homes within a development appear the same. Point to Point Land Surveying offers the experience and expertise to design a subdivision plat that meets your requirements while adhering to local rules.

So basically, when a landowner or municipality divides land into smaller lots, a plat of subdivision or plan of subdivision is created.

If a landowner owns an acre of land and wishes to divide it into three sections, a surveyor must take precise measurements of the area and submit the survey to the governing body, which must then authorize it.

When a landowner/building owner divides a multi-family building into multiple units, a plat of subdivision is also required. This can be applied if the objective is to sell individual units as condominiums to individual owners.

History

According to United States law, the production of a plat map is an important stage in the process of incorporating a town or city.

Because the incorporation procedure occasionally took place in a courthouse, the incorporation papers for many American cities may be housed hundreds of miles away in another state.

For example, to see the original General Land Office plat for the city of San Francisco, California, filed in 1849, one needs go to the Museum of the Oregon Territory in Oregon City, Oregon, because Oregon City was the nearest federal land office to San Francisco at the time.

When is subdivision platting necessary?

Subdivision platting necessitates the services of an experienced surveyor in a variety of situations. As an example:

If you’re selling a portion of your land for commercial development and it’s easier and more cost-effective to sell the land in various portions, do so.

If you are a developer who has purchased property with the intention of constructing a business complex or residential subdivision and want the land to be divided into individual lots in order to do so,

To meet the standards of local zoning authority for property development.

What does Subdivision Platting involve?

In order to prepare a subdivision plat, a qualified surveyor will combine research of existing documents with a physical survey of the area.

The finished plat depicts the divisions of the bigger piece of land, as well as the distances and bearings between each corner of land.

These maps may include depict new roads that exist or are to be developed between the parcels of land in modern subdivisions.

Plat maps must show that all properties have access to a public right of way (i.e., a road), without which a landowner would be unable to access their land without encroaching on the properties of others.

Subdivision platting typically includes reserving a portion of the property for easements, parks, flood-protection areas, or other public purposes.

Correctly platted subdivisions assure compliance with zoning restrictions, which frequently limit lot sizes or lot shape.

In most jurisdictions, a local governing authority such as an urban planning commission or zoning board must study and approve the plat map before it becomes legally legitimate.

This board will make certain that the plat map complies with all applicable laws and limits.

The standards for property subdivision that must be examined differ greatly between cities, counties, and states. Following the filing of the plat, the legal description of each piece of land frequently refers to block and lot numbers rather than other surveying terms such as portions and sections.

Subdivision platting importance

When most people think about subdivisions, they have one thought in mind. It consists of rows and rows of homes, a few cul-de-sacs, and a small, identical tree in each backyard. Subdivisions, on the other hand, are more than just suburban neighborhoods.

The term refers to a plot of land that has been partitioned into plots for distinct purpose. According to the Point-to-Point Land Surveyors blog, the subdivision plat is the vehicle that makes it all official. And clients require them for a variety of reasons.

Developers of Land reliance on Subdivision Plats

When a land developer buys a piece of property with the purpose of subdividing it into smaller parts, he or she hires a registered and professional land surveyor to do the job.

The first stage is to conduct a boundary survey, which covers the entire property’s perimeter.

The subdivision design comes next. Each individual subdivision lot is surveyed inside the constraints of the initial boundary survey, giving it fixed and permanent borders.

The surveyor assesses the plot layout to ensure that it matches the needs and design of the property developer.

When the surveyor’s subdivision plat is finished, it is submitted to the proper local agency for careful study and, hopefully, approval.

Only then is the document considered legal.

Other Uses for Subdivision Plats

A subdivision also refers to the partition of property for any other reason. As a result of the boundaries becoming permanent, the two or more owners have established property borders.

For example, if a parcel of property has been in a family for decades, it may be divided one day to allow different beneficiaries or heirs to claim a rightful portion following the previous owner’s death.

Parcels can also be divided for transfer to family members while the owner is still alive; for example, if a parent owns a big piece of property, subdividing it allows the parent to donate or sell a portion of it to a child or other family member.

If the owner decides to sell a portion of his land to another private individual or a commercial entity, he will also require a subdivision plat.

The subdivision always creates a permanent distinction between the portion of the property that the owner will keep and the portion that the new owner will purchase, or between the plots that each new owner will acquire.

Land surveyors have a difficult and crucial job. There’s more to it than just splitting an area of land into plots. Zoning restrictions must be known and followed by the surveyor, and flood planes must be researched and reported on.

A qualified and registered land surveyor guarantees that the interests of all parties are accurately represented at every stage of the subdivision plat process.

Plot boundaries must be precisely located and defined. The plat is then documented and acknowledged as factual once it has been authorized.

That’s a lot of burden to put on one individual. That is why it is critical to have a solid land surveyor education, certification, licensure, and then continuing education.

Subdivision Platting considerations

Subdivision platting is, of course, more complicated than just redrawing property lines on paper.

Each newly developed lot will have its own legal description and borders, and each lot must have sufficient square footage, road frontage, and setbacks before approval is granted.

Furthermore, subdivision platting frequently necessitates the creation of additional roads to allow access between lots, as well as the designation of portions of the land for parks, flood protection zones, easements, or other purposes.

Depending on how many lots are requested and which authority is presiding over the assessment process, the process can be fairly time-consuming.

Each newly developed lot must meet the minimum requirements for lots in their specific zoning area.

Subdivision Plats: What they tell us

Subdivision plats serve as the foundation for practically all surveying, particularly in metropolitan areas where legal descriptions are linked to a subdivision. When surveying the majority of the information needed to survey the lot is included in the documented plat.

It may include important information such as the following:

Lot Dimensions- Each lot is labeled with bearings and distances to assist surveyors in determining the lot’s size and location.

Easements- The subdivision plat lists all of the utility companies and easement rights for the properties in the development. The plat also specifies the breadth and location of the lots’ easements. Easements are normally established through planning and zoning, although they can also be pre-existing.

Building Lines- As defined by planning and zoning, the subdivision plat states and depicts the position of the building line setbacks and side yards.

Right of Way and Street Information- The plat specifies the legal names, widths, and placements of the streets.

FAQs

What is platting a property?

Platting refers to the process of creating a Plat map. Platting is usually required when purchasing and developing unoccupied land.

Platting is most commonly used when a landowner is developing property in order to divide it into lots for the purpose of building a subdivision.

What is Subdivision Platting?

Subdivision platting is the process of dividing a larger piece of property into multiple smaller parcels of land and making a map (or plat) of the new subdivision, which is generally done for the aim of selling the pieces individually.

What exactly is a subdivision?

“Subdivision” refers to the division of a lot, tract, or parcel of property into two or more lots, plats, sites, or other divisions of land for the purpose of sale or building development, whether immediate or future.

What is a division plat?

The term refers to a plot of land that has been partitioned into plots for distinct purpose. According to the Point-to-Point Land Surveyors blog, the subdivision plat is the vehicle that makes it all official. And clients require them for a variety of reasons.

What are the benefits of subdivision?

• Greater Profits – Subdivision divides a single property into two or more, resulting in additional assets to sell.
• Greater Flexibility- Of course, you can keep portion of your land as a rental revenue source.
• Greater Tax Advantages – Your commercial lots may qualify for tax breaks depending on the market in which you are located.
• Greater Accessibility – You can sell or lease individual parcels or all of your land.

What is a subdivision plat?

A subdivision plat is a map that shows the layout, dimensions, and details of the individual properties within a new development or subdivision. It can be used as a legal document for planning, zoning and other purposes.

What are the benefits of an accurate subdivision plat?

The Plat can show you:

• Exactly where your home will sit and where the street exits.
• Access roads that have rear entrances.
• Whether your yard will be significantly different from your neighbor’s.
• What is in each of your neighbors’ yards, and if there are any trees or other obstacles between properties.

What is the difference between a plat and a survey?

A survey will show any residences, structures, or improvements (driveways, fences, pools) on the land; a plat will typically show the dimensions of the site before the improvements are completed. A plat will frequently encompass more than one lot or parcel of property.

What does final plat mean?

The legal document that is recorded with the County Recorder’s office is the final plat. The final plat’s principal purpose is to outline property lines and to identify and dedicate rights-of-way and easements.

The final plat must cover the region that is realistically allocated for lot transfer or sale.

Do you pay capital gains tax on a subdivision?

If you keep ownership of the subdivided blocks, subdividing land is not a CGT event. As a result, you do not make a capital gain at the time of subdivision. CGT difficulties occur only when the lots are sold.

What’s the difference between a neighborhood and a subdivision?

Neighborhoods are older, while subdivisions are newer.

Subdivisions are suburban, while neighborhoods are urban.

Neighborhoods encourage walking through high density to satisfy everyday necessities; subdivisions sprawl and necessitate the use of a car to buy even a can of Coke.

Why do people live in subdivisions?

In general, houses in a subdivision are close together. That can be beneficial if you enjoy spending time with your neighbors and your children make friends in the community.

You may also feel safer knowing that other people are present and that neighbors can keep an eye on your house while you are away.

How long is a plat of survey Good For?

Land surveys often endure 5 to 10 years after they are performed, so if the last survey was completed a long time ago, it’s definitely a good idea to get a new one done even if the official paperwork has been located.

How much does Replatting cost?

A replat must be procured and included with the application.

Fee scheduling: To the County, a base charge of $300.00 plus $25.00 per lot (if applicable) is required. All fees are required upon submission of the application.

Is a plat the same as a deed?

Easements within a subdivision – plat maps depict the easements that are associated with a property. To demonstrate legal land use, the information is matched to deed records.

Can I subdivide my land with a mortgage?

Yes, you can subdivide a bank-mortgaged property. Before the purchase can be concluded, you must obtain their consent and a partial mortgage release.

What is a short plat process?

Short plating. A map or representation of a subdivision into four (4) or fewer lots, tracts, parcels, sites, or divisions for the purpose of sale or lease, including all re-subdivisions of land with no dedication.