A plat map is a authorized doc that exhibits how a bit of land is split. It outlines property boundaries, lot dimensions, close by streets, easements, and different key options. These maps are created by surveyors and utilized by native governments to maintain observe of land possession and improvement.
Homebuyers usually obtain a plat map through the closing course of. It could appear to be simply one other piece of paperwork, nevertheless it’s vital to evaluation it rigorously. Errors or misunderstandings about your property traces can have an effect on the whole lot from fencing to future development. So whether or not you’re trying to find houses in San Jose, CA, or on the brink of shut on a home in Philadelphia, PA, this Redfin article outlines the whole lot you must learn about plat maps and the best way to learn them.
What’s a plat map and the way is it completely different from a plot map?
A plat map particulars a group of plots in a single space and the way that land is split. A single plat map can range in measurement, exhibiting a handful of properties, a neighborhood, or a whole city or county. Plat maps will also be used to find out property traces and land use, corresponding to your means to construct different buildings on the property.
Plot maps element a single plot of land. Consider it as a close-up on simply the land you’re shopping for. You’ll see the place current buildings fall, boundary measurements of your plot, and any rights of approach.
It’s vital to notice that not all properties are platted, so a plat map might not all the time be obtainable. Plat maps will also be modified and up to date, so all the time ensure you’re the latest obtainable knowledge.
What does a plat map present?
Reviewing your plat map ought to give you actual details about your property, together with:
Orientation: This refers back to the land’s relationship to the cardinal instructions (north, south, east, and west). Orientation is vital for understanding how the solar will fall throughout your land and its buildings — is it sun-soaked or sun-starved?
Land measurement: Your boundary traces and their measurements. The sq. footage of the plot ought to be listed and the land measurement ought to match what the vendor has acknowledged.
Flood zones: Your flood zone impacts your house insurance coverage fee, resale worth, and the place you’ll be able to construct new buildings. It’s not essentially a nasty factor to purchase in a flood zone, however try to be conscious of the flood zone(s) that fall in your property.
Open areas: Also called “greenbelts,” these areas are pure lands meant to protect wild areas. They could be leisure parks, preserves and reserves, wetlands, or wildlife refuges.
Leisure areas: That is your space’s parks, playgrounds, and sporting services like soccer or baseball fields.
Monuments: To accurately survey land, governments have boundary factors or markers, known as monuments, which are usually positioned in concrete alongside roads to point a property’s boundary factors.
Easements: Easements present components of an space that the general public, the federal government, your neighbors, or non-public corporations have entry rights to. They modify your rights as a property proprietor, so ensure you perceive any easements in your land.
Varieties of plat maps and if you’ll want them
As a house owner, you might want a number of forms of plat maps, relying in your state of affairs. Listed here are the 5 sorts you may encounter:
Plat of subdivision
Information how a tract of land is split into smaller parcels.Once you want it: Should you’re shopping for one of many smaller parcels or in the event you’re buying a big tract of land that you just plan to subdivide.
2. Brief plat
Much like a plat of subdivision however for not more than 4 separate parcels of land.Once you want it: Should you’re shopping for as much as 4 separate parcels.
3. Plat of consolidation
Combines a number of adjoining parcels into one bigger tract of land.Once you want it: If the earlier proprietor purchased a number of parcels now promoting to you, or in the event you’ve bought extra parcels.
4. Amending Plat
Information adjustments or corrections to an current plat map.Once you want it: If there have been any pure or artifical adjustments to the property.
5. Vacating plat
Legally cancels an current plat map.Once you want it: If you must nullify an current plat map for any cause.
Should you’re not sure about the kind of plat map you want, your actual property agent, lender, and native municipality can supply steerage on the precise plat map(s) to your residence.
Why is a plat map vital?
A plat map can have an effect on your property in a number of vital methods:
1. Property boundaries
Plat maps assist affirm precisely what land you’re buying. If a fence, shed, or driveway crosses right into a neighbor’s lot, a plat map can assist resolve disputes.
2. Easements
You won’t have the ability to construct on a part of your land if there’s an easement for issues like utility traces, stormwater drainage, or shared driveways. Plat maps assist determine these areas upfront.
3. Zoning and land use
Should you’re planning to construct an addition, set up a pool, or subdivide the land, your native zoning workplace might consult with the plat map to find out what’s allowed.
4. Future planning and resale
Understanding your lot format and entry factors could make it simpler to plan enhancements—or clarify your property to future patrons.
When do you obtain a plat map?
You’ll often obtain a plat map through the closing course of when shopping for a house. It could be a part of the title report or included in your survey paperwork. You can too request a duplicate out of your native planning or assessor’s workplace, or search on-line in case your municipality gives public entry.
Find out how to learn a plat map
Once you get your plat map, find the image legend. This may assist you to learn the whole lot accurately, and it’ll present you the best way to discover the monuments in your neighborhood. You must also find the directional arrow (pointing north) and the dimensions, usually positioned close to one another within the high left or top-right nook of the map.
The plots are roughly rectangular containers following roads and marked with lot numbers within the center. Under the lot quantity is the lot measurement, written in sq. ft. The parcel quantity will probably be listed in smaller numbers throughout the plot boundary, and the home quantity will seem simply exterior your plot boundary alongside the road line.
FAQs about plat maps
How correct are plat maps?
The accuracy of your plat map relies on how lately it was up to date. If the plat map you’re utilizing was created throughout the previous 5 years, you’ll be able to depend on it to be principally correct. Nonetheless, older maps usually tend to have discrepancies because of climate occasions and different adjustments. A survey of the property can guarantee accuracy.
What’s the distinction between plat maps and plot maps?
The first distinction between plat maps and plot maps is the scope they cowl. Plat maps present a bigger space of land and embrace a number of tons. Plot maps, then again, solely element one lot.
When would you want a plat map?
You first obtain your plat map through the closing course of if you purchase a house. You’ll need to pay shut consideration to the plat map throughout this course of as a result of what it says determines what you’re shopping for. You’ll want the plat map once more in the event you refinance your house, request a constructing allow, or in the event you plan to subdivide your lot.
When closing on a house, you’ll use the plat map to confirm the property in your sale. The plat will present the lot’s dimensions with the authorized property traces. You’ll need to be sure that:
How do I discover a plat map of my property?
There are a number of methods to get your plat map, relying on the kind of map you want and the explanation for getting it. You possibly can get hold of the map from:
Your native authorities, both town information workplace or county assessor’s workplace.
The Bureau of Land Administration (BLM), in the event you want a plat map for federal lands.
Your title firm gives the plat map among the many paperwork you get on account of your title search.
Do you want a property survey?
If the property’s plat exhibits any easements or encroachments, you need to order a property survey from a licensed surveyor. You must also order one if there was any latest land motion or flooding, as this might have an effect on property traces, topography, and any easements.
