A plat map is a authorized doc that exhibits how a chunk 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 monitor of land possession and growth.
Homebuyers usually obtain a plat map through the closing course of. It might seem to be simply one other piece of paperwork, nevertheless it’s necessary to evaluate it fastidiously. Errors or misunderstandings about your property traces can have an effect on every little thing from fencing to future building. So whether or not you’re attempting to find houses in San Jose, CAor on the point of shut on a home in Philadelphia, PAthis Redfin article outlines every little thing it’s essential find out about plat maps and the 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 fluctuate in measurement, exhibiting a handful of properties, a neighborhood, or a complete city or county. Plat maps may also be used to find out property traces and land use, equivalent 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 present buildings fall, boundary measurements of your plot, and any rights of means.
It’s necessary to notice that not all properties are platted, so a plat map could not at all times be out there. Plat maps may also be modified and up to date, so at all times make sure you’re taking a look at the newest out there information.
What does a plat map present?
Reviewing your plat map ought to give you precise 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 necessary 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 said.
Flood zones: Your flood zone impacts your own home insurance coverage fee, resale worth, and the place you possibly can construct new buildings. It’s not essentially a nasty factor to purchase in a flood zone, however you need to be conscious of the flood zone(s) that fall in your property.
Open areas: Often known as “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 amenities like soccer or baseball fields.
Monuments: To accurately survey land, governments have boundary factors or markers, referred to as monuments, which can be usually positioned in concrete alongside roads to point a property’s boundary factors.
Easements: Easements present elements of an space that the general public, the federal government, your neighbors, or non-public firms have entry rights to. They modify your rights as a property proprietor, so make sure you perceive any easements in your land.
Varieties of plat maps and if you’ll want them
As a home-owner, you could want a number of kinds of plat maps, relying in your state of affairs. Listed below are the 5 sorts you may encounter:
Plat of subdivision
Data how a tract of land is split into smaller parcels.
Whenever you want it: If you happen to’re shopping for one of many smaller parcels or if you happen to’re buying a big tract of land that you simply plan to subdivide.
2. Brief plat
Just like a plat of subdivision however for not more than 4 separate parcels of land.
Whenever you want it: If you happen to’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.
Whenever you want it: If the earlier proprietor purchased a number of parcels now promoting to you, or if you happen to’ve bought further parcels.
4. Amending Plat
Data modifications or corrections to an present plat map.
Whenever you want it: If there have been any pure or artifical modifications to the property.
5. Vacating plat
Legally cancels an present plat map.
Whenever you want it: If it’s essential nullify an present plat map for any motive.
If you happen to’re uncertain about the kind of plat map you want, your actual property agentlender, and native municipality can supply steering on the proper plat map(s) in your dwelling.
Why is a plat map necessary?
A plat map can have an effect on your property in a number of necessary methods:
1. Property boundaries
Plat maps assist verify precisely what land you’re buying. If a fence, shed, or driveway crosses right into a neighbor’s lot, a plat map might help resolve disputes.
2. Easements
You may not be capable 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 establish these areas upfront.
3. Zoning and land use
If you happen to’re planning to construct an addition, set up a pool, or subdivide the land, your native zoning workplace could check 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 consumers.
When do you obtain a plat map?
You’ll normally obtain a plat map through the closing course of when shopping for a house. It might be a part of the title report or included in your survey paperwork. You can even request a replica out of your native planning or assessor’s workplace, or search on-line in case your municipality offers public entry.
How you can learn a plat map
Whenever you get your plat map, find the image legend. It will show you how to learn every little thing accurately, and it’ll present you the way to discover the monuments in your neighborhood. You also needs to find the directional arrow (pointing north) and the size, usually situated close to one another within the high left or top-right nook of the map.
The plots are roughly rectangular packing containers following roads and marked with lot numbers within the center. Beneath the lot quantity is the lot measurement, written in sq. toes. The parcel quantity can be listed in smaller numbers inside 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 is dependent upon how lately it was up to date. If the plat map you’re utilizing was created inside the previous 5 years, you possibly can depend on it to be principally correct. Nevertheless, older maps usually tend to have discrepancies as a result of climate occasions and different modifications. 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 heaps. Plot maps, however, 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 wish 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 if you happen to refinance your own home, request a constructing allowor if you happen to 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 wish 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’ll be able to get hold of the map from:
- Your native authoritiesboth town data workplace or county assessor’s workplace.
- The Bureau of Land Administration (BLM)if you happen to want a plat map for federal lands.
- Your title firm offers 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, it’s best to order a property survey from a licensed surveyor. You also needs to order one if there was any latest land motion or floodingas this might have an effect on property traces, topography, and any easements.
