Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for Residents - Page 3
The following are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding, subdivision, platting, and easements. Additional Resident FAQs are available by following the links at the bottom of the page.
Subdivision, Platting, and Easements
What is subdivision?
Subdivision is the division of a lot tract or parcel of land into two (2) or more lots plots or parcels or building sites for the purpose of either immediate or future sale or building development. The subdivision process ensures that a project is on a legally subdivided lot that has proper space for certain kinds of development and the required utility easements and roadways. Specific subdivision considerations include the shape of a site, lot and/or tract size, circulation, street layout, drainage and grading, and flood plain concerns.
In addition, subdivision projects are reviewed to address any environmental concerns that may arise. These include water quality, tree, vegetation and habitat maintenance and the protection of critical environmental features. Also utilities are planned for in the subdivision process. These considerations include the extension of transmission lines, distribution of water and wastewater lines or on-site service. Also see information on plats below.
When is a subdivision plat required?
With only a few exceptions, a subdivision plat must be submitted to the city for review and approval before dividing real property for conveyance and prior to the issuance of a building permit.
What are plats?
Plats are legal and graphic representations of tracts of land that meet the standards for subdivision as set by the city. Chapter 212, Texas Local Government Code provides the statutory basis for platting or subdividing land. The subdivision ordinance regulates the platting process. A plat is a legal document for dividing or combining tracts of land to create lots for sale.
How can I find out if my property is platted?
You can find out if your property is platted in one of many ways. First, you can check your property title to verify if your property is conveyed to you through a written and detailed "metes and bounds" description. In such a case, your property is most probably not platted. However, if your property has been conveyed to you by a plat with a lot, block, and subdivision description, then your property is most probably platted.
In either case, please verify the information with our planning staff by calling us at (817) 748-8069 or contacting the Tarrant or Denton County Plat Records.
How can I plat my property?
The city's subdivision regulations specify the standards for platting in the city of
What are easements?
Easements are a grant of one or more of the property rights by the property owner to and/or for the use by the public (e.g., a sidewalk or a trail), a corporation (typically a utility company), or another person. It is a right-of-way granted to a person or company authorizing access to or over the owner's land. Most easements limit any construction or planting of landscaping on the specific area. This includes fences, pools, patios, etc. The limitation is to permit the public or private entity (utility companies) to install, operate, and maintain public infrastructure (water and sewer lines, telephone, and other cables) with minimum intrusion and cost.
How can I find out if there are any easements on my property?
Easements are recorded during the time of platting/subdivision and maintained on all the plats. You should look at a copy of your plat to check for any easements before you plan any accessory buildings or additions to your property, including pools, fences, patios, etc. Changing any easements requires you to submit a plat revision (see the Subdivision Ordinance for more details).
More Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for Residents are available in the following categories:
- General Questions - Page 1
- Zoning and Land Use - Page 2
- New Development and Construction Projects - Page 4
Back to Frequently Asked Questions for Residents - Home Page