What are subdivision plats?

Subdivision plats are documents filed with the local clerk or recording office that outline subdivisions and draw out where each parcel was split from the property in order to create a subdivision. The plats show the boundary line of each new lot created from subdividing the land.

Each lot outlined on a plot map is assigned an identifying letter or number, and the map is recorded with the official government entity that holds documents, such as a recorder of deeds or city engineer. For smaller pieces of property, plats of survey are created, but for larger subdivisions, the plat shows the dimensions of the lots and the roads within the subdivision.