Subdivision Surveys

1) Subdivision surveys are properly included in the boundary survey category and are primarily governed by the Plat Act. Subdivision surveys differ from the typical boundary survey in that monumentation for subdivision surveys is mandatory according to the statute. All exterior corners of the subdivision must be monumented prior to recordation of the subdivision plat. If, in the opinion of the subdividing surveyor, a disportionate number of interior monuments would be destroyed by grading, utility installation, etc., monumentation of the interior corners may be delayed unless local regulations or ordinances specify otherwise. Interior corners of the subdivision must be monumented prior to the conveyance of any lot, block, parcel or unit within the subdivision and in all cases the monumentation must be in place within 12 months after the recording date of the subdivision plat. All of the interior corners subject to delayed staking shall be denoted on the record plat as “to be set”, either by labeling or appropriate symbols. Upon completion of the monumentation the subdividing surveyor shall file an affidavit with the Recorder of the county in which the subdivision is located certifying that the monumentation of the subdivision has been completed. The affidavit shall include the name of the subdivision, date of plat recording and recording location information (book and page and/or document number).

2) Vertical subdivisions, i.e., subdivisions that divide property by horizontal, vertical, and oblique planes, require that all exterior boundary corners of the subdivision be monumented at its ground elevation prior to recordation of the subdivision plat. The physical features, if any, controlling the limits of the subdivided property must be defined on the subdivision plat. The datum used to control the dividing horizontal planes must be defined on the subdivision plat together with the benchmark used to determine the elevations of these planes. The interior corners or any lot or block corners other than those that are required for monumenting the exterior boundary corners do not require monumentation.