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	“Our county population is growing so fast. We have a lot of developers buying up land and wanting to build new subdivisions. It’s a lot to keep up with, and I have so much to learn. I need to study the subdivision basics ASAP!”

Q: What is a plat?

A plat is a map or plan of delineated or partitioned ground.

While not defined in statute, a plat is commonly understood to mean the map of a tract of land that shows the division and location of lots and the placement of streets, easements, utilities and other useful information.

Statutory platting authority, originally applicable only to cities, was granted to promote health, safety, morals or general welfare, and safe, orderly and healthful development. Today, “platting” means to produce a map or illustration outlining the elements mentioned above for a proposed division of a particular piece of land. Platting requirements are an integral part of county land use authority.

For more information, see our new County Subdivision Handbook.