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Understanding Platting: What Houston Property Owners and Developers Need to Know

What Is Platting—and Why Does It Matter in Houston?

Whether you’re building a subdivision, converting a commercial site, or splitting a large lot into smaller parcels, chances are you’ll run into the word “platting.” But what is platting, and why is it so important in the Houston area?

Platting is the process of mapping and legally recording property boundaries with the city or county. It’s a required step for any project that involves subdividing land, combining parcels, or establishing new access, utilities, or public right-of-ways.

In Houston and surrounding counties like Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Liberty, Waller, and Chambers, platting is often a mandatory part of the permitting and development process—and it all starts with a land survey.

What Does the Platting Process Involve?

Platting is about documenting the physical and legal characteristics of a parcel of land. A plat includes:

• Exact boundary lines and lot dimensions

• Easements and utility corridors

• Roads, alleys, and access points

• Floodplain or drainage zones

• Lot numbers, acreage, and zoning classification

📎 Once approved, the plat is filed with the city or county clerk and becomes the official legal map of the property.

When Is Platting Required in Houston?

You’ll likely need to plat or replat your property when:

• 🧱 You’re subdividing land into two or more buildable lots

• 🏗️ You’re preparing land for commercial, industrial, or multi-family development

• 🛣️ You’re extending or creating a new street or right-of-way

• 🏡 You’re combining two or more parcels into one legal lot

• 🧾 The city or county requires replatting for updated development compliance

In the City of Houston, Chapter 42 of the municipal code governs platting. In unincorporated areas, it’s often managed at the county level or by local planning commissions.

Types of Plats Commonly Filed

📄 Preliminary Plat

• Used to show general subdivision layout and access

• Often reviewed during zoning and feasibility phases

📐 Final Plat

• Legally recorded map of subdivided property

• Includes all boundary, easement, and utility information

• Required before issuing building permits

🔁 Replat

• Used to modify or update an existing plat

• Common for developers combining lots or shifting boundaries

How Land Surveys Support Platting

Platting begins with a boundary and topographic survey. These surveys provide:

• Accurate lot dimensions and corner markers

• Physical features (trees, slopes, ditches)

• Legal descriptions based on deeds and title documents

• Easement verification and access points

• Elevation data for drainage and floodplain compliance

📌 Surveys are required by cities and counties before a plat can be reviewed or filed. They’re also essential for engineers and planners creating site layouts.

County-Specific Platting Requirements

📍 Harris County (Houston, Cypress, Baytown)

• City of Houston handles most platting within city limits

• ETJ areas still require formal plat approval through the Planning Commission

📍 Fort Bend County (Sugar Land, Fulshear)

• Platting managed through the Fort Bend County Engineering Department

• Replats are common in fast-growing suburban areas

📍 Montgomery County (The Woodlands, Conroe)

• Rural and residential subdivisions require platting before permits

• Private developments often involve easement and access considerations

📍 Brazoria & Galveston Counties

• Drainage and elevation surveys required for flood-prone areas

• Coastal proximity may require additional compliance layers

Common Delays and Mistakes in the Platting Process

• Submitting outdated or incomplete surveys

• Failing to account for easements or right-of-way requirements

• Trying to build or sell before the plat is approved

• Ignoring zoning or ETJ (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction) rules

• Lack of coordination between engineers, surveyors, and planners

📎 Avoid delays by working with a licensed surveyor who understands the specific requirements of your city or county.

Why Developers and Property Owners Choose South Texas Surveying

With over 40 years of experience, South Texas Surveying is trusted by developers, builders, investors, and homeowners across the Houston area. We specialize in:

✔️ Boundary, topographic, and ALTA/NSPS surveys for platting
✔️ Preliminary and final plat support
✔️ Site planning coordination with engineers and planners
✔️ Compliance with Houston, county, and ETJ regulations
✔️ Fast turnaround and dependable communication

📞 Need to file a plat or replat? South Texas Surveying is your expert resource for surveys that get approved the first time.

Platting Isn’t Just a Legal Step—It’s the Start of a Successful Project

Before you can build, sell, or develop land, your plat must be accurate, approved, and on file. A land survey ensures your project starts with confidence, clarity, and compliance—no matter where in the Houston area you're developing.

📍 South Texas Surveying is here to help you navigate the platting process and move your project forward.