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What Real Estate Developers Need to Know About Platting in the Houston Metro

Developing in Houston? Start With Platting.

Before you can build—or sometimes even sell—a piece of land in the Houston area, it must go through a legal process known as platting. It’s not just a formality. Platting determines how land is subdivided, where utilities and roads will go, and whether your future project is even permissible.

Whether you’re working on a single-home development in Spring or a 200-unit multifamily complex near the Galleria, platting is a process you can’t afford to overlook.

What Is Platting?

Platting is the creation of a plat—a detailed map that defines property boundaries, easements, rights-of-way, and access points. A plat must be reviewed and approved by the city or county before building permits can be issued.

In Houston and its surrounding counties, platting ensures that developments comply with local infrastructure plans, zoning ordinances, and floodplain requirements.

Why It Matters for Developers

• Permits Can't Be Pulled Without It:
  Many permits require proof of plat approval.

• It Can Affect Property Value:
  A legally platted property is more desirable for investors, lenders, and future buyers.

• Delays Can Cost Thousands:
  Platting can take weeks or even months if you’re not prepared with an accurate survey.

Counties That Require Platting Around Houston

Each of these counties has its own platting rules and submission requirements:

• Harris County

• Fort Bend County

• Montgomery County

• Brazoria County

• Galveston County

• Waller County

• Chambers County

• Liberty County

Whether you’re subdividing rural land near Conroe or preparing a commercial infill site in Houston proper, having a professional land surveyor on your team is key to navigating the platting process efficiently.

How South Texas Surveying Supports Your Platting Needs

With over 40 years of experience in Houston and surrounding counties, South Texas Surveying has helped hundreds of real estate professionals meet city and county platting requirements with confidence.

Our services include:

• Boundary surveys

• Preliminary and final plat support

• Legal descriptions for subdivision filings

• Coordination with engineers and planning departments

• Fast turnaround to help meet tight development schedules

Avoid Pitfalls With Professional Guidance

Inaccurate or outdated survey data is one of the most common reasons plats are rejected. With our team, you get updated, compliant, and ready-to-submit documents that reduce review cycles and speed up your path to breaking ground.

Let’s Move Your Project Forward

Need help with platting in Houston or its surrounding counties? South Texas Surveying offers expert land surveying services that streamline the development process for commercial, multifamily, and residential real estate.

Call today to get started with a consultation—or submit your plat request online.