A Platt map is a legal document showing how land is divided. It provides an overview of property boundaries, lot dimensions, nearby roads, easements and other important features. These maps are created by surveyors and used by local governments to track land ownership and development.
Home buyers typically receive a plat map during the closure process. It may seem like a different document, but it is important to review carefully. Mistakes and misconceptions about your property line can affect everything from fencing to future construction. Whether you’re looking for a home in San Jose, California, or preparing to close your home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this Redfin article outlines everything you need to know about plat maps and how to read them.
What is a Platmap? Also, how is it different from a plot map?
Plat Map details a collection of plots in a single area and how to divide the land. A single plat map differs in size and shows just a handful of properties, neighborhoods, or entire towns or counties. PLAT maps can also be used to determine property lines and land use, such as the ability to build other structures on properties.
Plot maps detail a single plot of land. Think of it as a close-up just on the land you are buying. You will see where existing structures fall, plot boundary measurements, and how rights to methods.
It is important to note that not all properties are platted, so platmaps are always available. Plat Maps can also be changed and updated, so always check for the latest available data.
What does the Plat Map show?
To view the Plat map, you must provide accurate information about your property, including:
Orientation: This refers to the relationship with the land with the basic direction (north, south, east, west). Orientation is important for understanding how the sun falls across your land and its structure. Is it immersed in the sun or is it hunger for the sun?
Land size: boundary and its measurements. The area of the plot must be listed and the size of the land must match what the seller states.
Flood Zone: Flood Zones affect the insurance fees of your home, resale value, and where new structures can be built. Buying in a flood zone is not necessarily a bad thing, but you should be aware of flood zones that fall under your property.
Open Space: Also known as “Greenbelts,” these areas are natural lands for preserving wild areas. They could be recreational parks, conservation, sanctuaries, wetlands, or wildlife shelters.
Recreation Area: This is a sports facility in your area such as a park, play area, or soccer or baseball field.
Monuments: To properly inspect the land, the government has boundary points or markers called monuments. This is often placed on concrete along the road to indicate the boundary point of the property.
Easement: Easement refers to a portion of an area where the public, government, neighbors, or private companies have rights. Understand the easement of your land as they will modify your rights as property owners.
Plat map types and when you need them
As a homeowner, depending on your situation, you may need one or more types of Plat maps. Here are five types you may encounter:
Plot Plat
Record how the area of land is divided into smaller plots.
If you need it: If you are buying one of the sheds or if you are buying a large amount of land that you plan to subdivide.
2. Short plat
It is similar to the platte in a plot, but does not have four separate plots of land.
If required: If you are purchasing up to four separate compartments.
3. Integration Plat
Combine several adjacent plots into one large land.
When you need it: If your previous owner has purchased several plots currently selling to you, or if you have purchased additional parcels.
4. Platt fixes
Records changes or modifications to an existing platmap.
If required: If there is a natural or artificial change to the property.
5
Legally cancel an existing platmap.
If necessary: If for some reason you need to disable an existing Plat map.
If you don’t know what type of Plat map you need, real estate agents, lenders, and local governments can provide guidance to the right Plat map for your home.
Why is Plat maps important?
Platmaps can affect your property in several important ways:
1. Property boundaries
Platt maps help you see exactly what land you are buying. If a fence, shed, or driveway crosses a lot of neighbors, a plat map will help resolve the conflict.
2. Ease
If you have easements like utility lines, storm drainage or shared driveways, you may not be able to build them on parts of the land. Plat maps help you identify these regions in advance.
3. Zoning and Land Use
If you are planning to build additional buildings, install pools, or subdividing the land, your local zoning office may refer to the Plat Map to determine what is permitted.
4. Future Plans and Resale
Understanding lot layouts and access points can help ease improvement planning or explain your assets to future buyers.
When will I receive the Platmap?
Usually, when you buy a home, you receive a Plat map during the closure process. This may be part of the title report or may be included in the research document. You can also request a copy from the local planning and assessor’s office, or search online if your local government provides public access.
How to read Plat maps
Once you have the Plat map, find the symbol legend. This will help you read everything correctly and show you how to find a monument in your neighborhood. You also need to find scales with arrows (pointing north) and directional arrows (pointing north) that are usually close to each other in the top left or top right corner of the map.
The plot is a more or less rectangular box that follows the road, marked by the number of central lots. Below the lot number is the lot size written in square feet. Parcel numbers are listed with fewer numbers within the plot boundary, and house numbers appear along the street line just outside the plot boundary.
Plat map FAQ
How accurate is the Plat map?
The accuracy of the Plat map depends on the recent update. If the Plat map you are using has been created within the last five years, you can rely on it with almost exactly. However, older maps are more likely to be inconsistent due to weather events and other changes. Property research can ensure accuracy.
What is the difference between a plat map and a plot map?
The main difference between plat maps and plot maps is the scope they cover. The Plat map shows a large area of land and contains multiple lots. On the other hand, plotting the map will detail only one lot.
When do I need a Plat map?
When you buy a home, you will first receive a Plat map during the closure process. You need to pay close attention to the plat map during this process. Because what it says will determine what you are buying. If you are refinancing your home, requesting permission for the building, or if you plan to subdivide the lot, you will need a Plat map again.
When you close your home, use the Plat Map to check the properties of your sales. The Platt shows the lot dimensions on a legitimate property line. You want to make sure it:
How can I find a platmap for a property?
There are several ways to get a plat map, depending on the type of map you need and the reason for getting it. You can get the map from.
City local government, city records office or county assessor’s office. If you need a Plat map for federal land, then the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Title Company provides platmap from the documents obtained as a result of a title search.
Do you need to do a real estate survey?
If the property Plat shows easements or infringement, you must order a property survey from a licensed surveyor. Also, if there are recent land movements or floods, you will need to order one.
