What is a plat and who uses it most often?

• A. A plat is a surveyed map dividing land into lots and blocks; a surveyor establishes the plat's dimensions and a developer numbers the lots and blocks.
• B. A plat is a building permit issued by the city.
• C. A plat is a property tax assessment notice issued by the tax assessor.
• D. A plat is a mortgage instrument used by lenders.

Answer: (A)

A plat is a surveyed map that shows how a larger piece of land is divided into lots and blocks, often with streets and easements shown as well. The surveyor is responsible for establishing the precise boundaries and dimensions, ensuring the measurements are accurate and legally describe each parcel. The developer then numbers the lots and blocks on that plat to organize the subdivision for sale and development. The plat is filed with the county as the official map of the subdivision, providing a precise reference for property descriptions and transfers.

This isn’t a building permit, a property tax notice, or a mortgage instrument, so those documents serve different purposes in the real estate process.