How To Get A Plot Plan Of My Property

How to Get a Plot Plan of Your Property

A plot plan, also known as a site plan, is a scaled drawing that depicts the layout of a property, including the boundaries, buildings, structures, and other features. It's a crucial document for various tasks, including planning renovations, landscaping, building a new structure, or even selling your property. Obtaining a plot plan may seem like a daunting task, but with a systematic approach, it can be a straightforward process. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to acquire a plot plan for your property.

1. Determine Your Property's Legal Description

The first step is to gather essential information about your property to ensure you request the right documents. This involves understanding your property's legal description, which is a unique identifier used to distinguish your property from others. The legal description details the property's boundaries and location, often referencing local government records and surveys. You can obtain this information from various sources, including:

Your deed: This document, which you received when you purchased your property, typically contains the legal description.
Your mortgage lender: They may have a copy of your deed or can provide you with the legal description.
Your local county assessor's office: They maintain property records and can provide the legal description based on your property's address.
A title company: They specialize in property records and can assist in obtaining the legal description.

2. Identify Potential Sources for Your Plot Plan

Once you have the legal description, you can start identifying potential sources that might possess a plot plan for your property. Consider these options:

Your local municipality's building department: This department often maintains records of building permits and site plans for properties within their jurisdiction.
Your county recorder's office: This office maintains property records, including surveys and plot plans, which may be available for public inspection.
A licensed surveyor: They can create a plot plan based on existing property records or by conducting a new survey of your property. This is a costlier option but may be necessary if a current plot plan is unavailable.
Previous homeowners: If your property has recently been sold, the previous owners might have a plot plan that they are willing to share.
Real estate agents: If you are working with a real estate agent, they may have access to a plot plan of your property.

3. Request the Plot Plan

With the necessary information and identified potential sources, you can proceed with requesting the plot plan. Contact the chosen source and provide them with your property's legal description. You may need to request specific details, such as the date of the plan or whether it includes specific information like utilities. Be prepared to provide identification and proof of ownership, such as a copy of your deed, to verify your identity. Be patient as it may take some time for the source to locate and provide you with the plot plan.

Alternatively, you can search online for platforms that offer access to property records and maps. These platforms may require a subscription fee but provide a convenient way to access plot plans. However, always verify the accuracy and reliability of these sources before using them for critical decisions.

4. Evaluate the Plot Plan

Once you obtain the plot plan, carefully review it to ensure it accurately depicts your property. Look for the following details:

Property boundaries: Check if the boundaries are clearly marked and match the legal description.
Building footprints: Verify the size, shape, and location of all existing buildings and structures.
Features: Ensure the plot plan includes relevant features like driveways, fences, landscaping, and utilities.
Scale: Confirm the scale of the plan to accurately interpret the dimensions of the property and its features.
Date: Pay attention to the date of the plan as outdated plans may not reflect recent changes to the property.

If you have any doubts or discrepancies, consult with a licensed surveyor or your local building department for further clarification. They can help you interpret the plot plan and ensure its accuracy. A professional assessment is essential if you plan to use the plot plan for significant decisions like renovations or construction.