What Is A Plat Map? Definition, Types And FAQs

When buying a home, you will likely receive more information and documents than you ever imagined. All this information has a purpose and can be useful for homeowners or hopeful home buyers.

One of the documents you may receive is a plat map. A plat map includes detailed information about your property and the surrounding neighborhood. Learn more about plat maps, how they’re used and how to find a plat map of your property.

What Is A Plat Map In Real Estate?

A plat map, or plat, is a blueprint of a piece of land divided into individual parcels or lots. The map is drawn to scale by licensed surveyors and includes detailed property information. A plat map outlines property boundaries between neighboring parcels. It also shows the location of each lot relative to streets, alleys, easements and rights of way.

Plat maps show homeowners and home buyers where their property lines are so they can abide by zoning laws, avoid property disputes or decide whether a house is right for them.

Plot Map Vs. Plat Map Definitions

At first glance, plat maps and plot maps may appear to be the same things, but they’re two different tools.

A plat map is a blueprint or map that displays how an area is divided into different lots or parcels. It shows property boundaries and features like streets, flood zones, easements and more.

A plot map, on the other hand, is a map of a single piece of land. It shows the locations of structures on the land, easements and other features on the property. When you buy a home, you may receive a plat and plot map. A plot map focuses on a specific property, and a plat map shows a more comprehensive diagram of the area.

What Is The Purpose Of A Plat Map?

First, a plat map can help you see information about your property’s shape, size and directional orientation. You can also see the size dimensions of your property and how those relate to other properties in the area. A plat map can be especially useful in seeing the placement of property lines and how your property connects to others.

Another benefit of a plat map is that you can see any limitations or special features of your property, like easements. An easement is when someone has a legal right to use your property. For example, you may have a public walking path that cuts through your front yard. It’s critical to know about easements like these upfront to help you decide whether you can live with them.

A plat map may also help resolve property disputes. For example, a plat map may confirm that a neighbor’s shed or fence encroaches on your property.

Types of Plat Maps

There are several different types of plat maps, each serving a specific purpose. Here are a few types of plat maps you might encounter:

• Amending plat map: This type of plat map makes minor corrections to an existing plat map.
• Plat map of a subdivision: This plat map is used when a landowner divides a piece of land into smaller parcels, often for the development of a subdivision.
• Plat map of consolidation: This is the opposite of a plat map of subdivision. Rather than dividing a piece of land, it shows two or more pieces of land consolidating into one.
• Vacating plat map: This document legally cancels an existing plat map.
• Short plat map: This type of plat map is used to subdivide one piece of land into four or fewer parcels of land, often to offer parcels for sale.

How To Read A Plat Map

It’s important to understand your plat map’s numbers and symbols to know how to read it. Here are three steps to help you read a plat map:

1. Interpret numbers on the border: Around the border of the map, each parcel of land has a number that corresponds to it. This number is the street number of each property. Underlined on each parcel is another number. It’s the parcel number for the property. Finally, the number on the parcel that isn’t underlined represents the builder’s lot number.
2. Interpret dimensions: You’ll also notice that each parcel has numbers around the edge that show the dimensions. These measurements help you learn the size and shape of each parcel.
3. Analyze additional information: Finally, the plat map will include other information, such as the legal description of the area, street names, public utilities and easements. A map legend, and other important features, can help you understand the area better.

Plat Map FAQs

There’s still more to learn about plat maps. Don’t stop here! Read through our answers to some frequently asked questions.

What else is a plat map used for?

Real estate agents also use plat maps to get to know their local area in more detail. They can help explain certain land features to clients, including easements and property regulations. A good agent or REALTOR^® can use a plat map to spot potential issues with a property.

Land and property developers use these maps regularly as they plan and build developments. Oil and gas companies and other services providers may reference plat maps in the areas they serve.

Are plat maps and property surveys the same?

Plat maps and property surveys can be similar, but they have some distinct differences. While a plat map is a blueprint for an entire geographic area, a property survey looks at one property.

Another difference between a plat map and a property survey is the amount of detail they provide. A plat map is usually drawn when a property is divided and only shows the land. It likely won’t include homes or other structures. A property survey, on the other hand, will include buildings, driveways and other features built on the property.

Finally, a plat map is a public record. Anyone can access it. However, a survey is typically for a property owner’s personal use and isn’t publicly available.

Plat maps and property surveys can be useful tools for home buyers. The plat map can show how your land relates to other properties and features around it. And a property survey shows more detailed information about the individual property.

Where can I get a plat map of my property?

When you buy a home, you’ll often receive a plat map with your property deed and other important paperwork. If you can’t find your plat map, don’t worry. Plat maps are public records and are fairly easy to find.

Contact the city or your local county assessor to request the record. Some local government offices even make them available online.

You can also contact your local title company to ask if they have the plat map. Not sure which title company to contact? Start with the one you worked with when you closed on the home since they’ve dealt with the property before.

The Bottom Line

A plat map is one of many documents you may receive when you buy a house. It can be a useful tool for learning more about your neighborhood and property. But a plat map is just one of the many tools available to help you become more familiar with your new home or community.

Your real estate agent should have in-depth knowledge of your ideal neighborhoods and can help you use the tools at your disposal.

If you’re preparing to buy a home, we can help you find a qualified agent who will work to find the perfect home and neighborhood for you.