In part 1 of this 3 part series we discussed some of the important aspects that need to be determined when purchasing land. Things like access to electricity, water, and sewer and how floodplain can affect your ability to build on a property. If you missed that one, click here. Today I want to discuss a term you may not be familiar with but is vital to understand when purchasing land — platting.
First, let’s discuss the what.
When property owners or developers break a large land tract into smaller parcels there are often county and city requirements regarding how that breakup is done. Here in Denton County anything broken up into less than 10 acres is required to be platted unless there is a city ETJ that can override that requirement.
Platting is a process done by a surveyor or engineer that identifies the way a property is divided by mapping each piece of land within that plat. The recorded plat indicates lots, building lines and setbacks, easements, rights-of way, flood areas, boundary markers and other permanent attachments such as existing power lines and underground utility lines.
This process is important in cities and counties as it dedicates streets and infrastructure while naming each individual tract by lot and block; thereby helping them plan for long-term growth and needed infrastructure in the future.
Now, why is this important?
I often see properties that are less than 10 acres and have never been platted. This can be a big issue for buyers as the county will likely not issue any building permits until that acreage is platted and the plat approved. I have seen time and again buyers purchase land through individuals and not be able to build because of this. In order to build the buyers are then forced to spend more money to plat or re-plat a property. The nice thing about platted lots is that infrastructure is almost always in place for the buyer to immediately start his improvements on the property.
Anytime I see a property under 10 acres I ask the question, “Is the property platted and is the plat approved?”
By choosing to work with an agent who is familiar with the requirements of breaking up land and knows to ask these questions you could save yourself from spending quite a bit of money in unplanned expenses.