“Platting is usually required when a larger tract of land is divided into smaller lots” - Fred Lawton

Clarifying Property Types and Platting: Your Essential Guide to Real Estate Purchases

When diving into the world of real estate, understanding the type of property you're purchasing and whether it requires platting can save you a great deal of time and money. This knowledge is crucial, especially for those who are new to buying land or developed properties. Here’s a detailed guide to help you identify what kind of property you are dealing with and whether you need to have it platted.

Understanding Property Types

Residential Property: Typically involves homes or apartments where people live. These can range from single-family homes to multi-unit apartments and condominiums.

Commercial Property: Used for business purposes. This includes office buildings, shopping centers, industrial properties, and warehouses.

Agricultural Property: Land used primarily for farming or ranching. This category can also include timberland and orchards.

Mixed-Use Property: Combines any of the above, often with commercial spaces on the ground floor and residential units above.

What Is Platting?

Platting refers to the process of drawing up a plat, a map of a land area showing the division of the property into lots, blocks, streets, alleys, and public areas. Platting is usually required when a larger tract of land is divided into smaller lots, especially if the division is intended for sale or development. The plat must be approved by local municipal planning authorities before any development can proceed or lots can be sold.

Do You Need to Have Your Property Platted?

• New Developments: If you're buying undeveloped land for the purpose of developing it or dividing it into smaller lots for sale, you will likely need to have the land platted.

• Changing Land Use: If you're planning to change the use of the property (for example, from agricultural to residential), platting may be required to ensure the new use complies with local zoning laws.

• Adding Structures: If you intend to add new structures to existing property, such as building new homes in a previously undeveloped area within a larger parcel, platting might be necessary.

Steps to Determine Platting Requirements

1. Check Local Zoning and Planning Regulations: Each municipality has its own rules regarding land use and development. Check with local planning or zoning boards to understand the specific requirements for your property.

2. Consult with a Land Surveyor: A professional land surveyor can help you determine if your property needs to be platted. They can provide a survey that shows the current boundaries and improvements on the land, which is essential for the platting process.

3. Review Existing Property Documents: If you're buying an existing property, review any existing plat maps or property documents to see if it has already been platted. If changes have been made since the last plat was created, a new plat may be required.

Understanding whether you need to plat your property is an integral part of the purchasing process. Taking the time to understand the type of property you are buying and the local requirements for platting can prevent legal and regulatory headaches down the road. Always consult with professionals, such as land surveyors and real estate attorneys, to ensure that your property transactions are smooth and compliant with local laws.

Trust South Texas Surveying to guide you through the complexities of buying land in Texas, ensuring your vision for your property becomes a reality.