Mapping, Platting, and Land Development
This domain tests whether a plat is technically complete and legally usable for development review. Kentucky subdivision and zoning authority is largely local, exercised under enabling law such as KRS Chapter 100, so the surveyor must know the local ordinance requirements that apply to the project.
Plat content
A record plat should show the boundary with closure, basis of bearing, lots and blocks, rights-of-way, easements, building setback lines where required, floodplain and drainage features, surveyor certification, owner certification, and approval blocks for the local planning commission or other authority. Lot area must be computed from the approved lot lines and must exclude right-of-way or other areas if the local regulations so require. An ALTA/NSPS survey serves title and transaction needs; it is not a substitute for a subdivision plat.
Worked example
A tract of 0.45 acre is proposed as one lot. Zoning requires 12,000 square feet minimum. Gross area = 0.45 × 43,560 = 19,602 square feet. A right-of-way dedication of 0.08 acre = 3,485 square feet leaves 16,117 square feet. Because 16,117 exceeds 12,000, the lot meets the minimum area test, assuming the local code excludes right-of-way and no other constraint applies. The reasoning is to convert units, subtract excluded area, and compare to the ordinance.
Traps
Showing area that includes dedicated right-of-way, omitting easements, failing to close the boundary, using an ALTA survey as a subdivision plat, and ignoring floodplain or access requirements cost marks.