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 monitor of land possession and improvement.
Homebuyers usually obtain a plat map through the closing course of. It could seem to be simply one other piece of paperwork, nevertheless it’s vital to assessment it rigorously. Errors or misunderstandings about your property strains can have an effect on every little thing from fencing to future building. So whether or not you’re trying to find properties in San Jose, CA, or on the point of shut on a home in Philadelphia, PA, this Redfin article outlines every little thing you must find out about plat maps and how one can 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 differ in measurement, exhibiting a handful of properties, a neighborhood, or a whole city or county. Plat maps can be used to find out property strains and land use, comparable to your capability to construct different constructions 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 constructions fall, boundary measurements of your plot, and any rights of means.
It’s vital to notice that not all properties are platted, so a plat map could not all the time be obtainable. Plat maps can be modified and up to date, so all the time make sure you’re taking a look at the latest obtainable 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 vital for understanding how the solar will fall throughout your land and its constructions — is it sun-soaked or sun-starved?
Land measurement: Your boundary strains and their measurements. The sq. footage of the plot must be listed and the land measurement ought to match what the vendor has said.
Flood zones: Your flood zone impacts your property insurance coverage fee, resale worth, and the place you possibly can construct new constructions. It’s not essentially a foul 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: 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 appropriately survey land, governments have boundary factors or markers, referred to as monuments, which might 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 personal corporations have entry rights to. They modify your rights as a property proprietor, so make sure you perceive any easements in your land.
Forms of plat maps and if you’ll want them
As a house owner, it’s possible you’ll want a number of sorts of plat maps, relying in your scenario. Listed below are the 5 varieties you would possibly encounter:
Plat of subdivision
Data how a tract of land is split into smaller parcels.Whenever you want it: When 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
Just like a plat of subdivision however for not more than 4 separate parcels of land.Whenever you want it: When 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.Whenever you want it: If the earlier proprietor purchased a number of parcels now promoting to you, or in the event you’ve bought further parcels.
4. Amending Plat
Data adjustments or corrections to an present plat map.Whenever you want it: If there have been any pure or artifical adjustments to the property.
5. Vacating plat
Legally cancels an present plat map.Whenever you want it: If you must nullify an present plat map for any purpose.
When you’re not sure about the kind of plat map you want, your actual property agent, lender, and native municipality can provide steering on the correct plat map(s) in 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 might help resolve disputes.
2. Easements
You may not have the ability to construct on a part of your land if there’s an easement for issues like utility strains, stormwater drainage, or shared driveways. Plat maps assist establish these areas upfront.
3. Zoning and land use
When you’re planning to construct an addition, set up a pool, or subdivide the land, your native zoning workplace could consult with the plat map to find out what’s allowed.
4. Future planning and resale
Understanding your lot structure 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 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
Whenever you get your plat map, find the image legend. This can assist you to learn every little thing appropriately, and it’ll present you how one can discover the monuments in your neighborhood. You also needs to find the directional arrow (pointing north) and the size, 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. toes. The parcel quantity shall 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 depends 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 consequence 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 heaps. Plot maps, alternatively, 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 property, 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 strains. 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 may receive the map from:
Your native authorities, both the 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, it is best to order a property survey from a licensed surveyor. You also needs to order one if there was any latest land motion or flooding, as this might have an effect on property strains, topography, and any easements.
