Subdivision Platting and Lot Layout
Core concepts
Platting converts raw land into lots, blocks, streets, and dedications. Candidates must understand the platting process, the difference between a plat and a metes-and-bounds description, lot-and-block numbering, dedication of rights-of-way, and the requirement that plats close within acceptable error. Geometry of lot layout-parallel lines, cul-de-sacs, curve data (radius, arc length, chord bearing and distance)-is heavily tested.
Traps
A frequent trap is treating a plat as merely a map rather than a legal instrument. When a lot is conveyed by lot and block reference, the plat becomes part of the description. Another trap: curve data inconsistencies-questions may give arc length and radius and expect you to catch a chord that does not match. Also watch for questions about whether a plat must be approved and recorded before lots can be sold.
Worked example
A lot fronts 80.00 feet on a street with side lines perpendicular to the front. If the rear line is parallel and the lot is 150.00 feet deep, the rear line is also 80.00 feet. If the side lines converge to a center of a cul-de-sac, the rear width changes and must be computed from the curve geometry, not assumed equal to the front.
Rule of thumb
A recorded plat is a legal description; every curve must be internally consistent, and lots must close.