Parcels of land are geographical units that play an integral part in property tax assessments, ownership transfers, and transactions. A parcel's unique identification number, legal description, and geographical coordinates often distinguish it.
Property developers and investors need to be mindful of any restrictions or easements placed upon a parcel that might impede its use; such nuances are essential.
How is a parcel of land different from a “property”?
A parcel of land is defined as any identified and specific section of real estate that has been legally separated from an adjacent tract for purposes such as sale, development, or use. A parcel can have a property on it, or even multiple properties, but the parcel itself is its own entity, a distinct piece of land.
Legal descriptions of parcels can range from simple street addresses or property tax ID numbers to more intricate metes and bounds descriptions that begin at an imaginary point called Point of Beginning (POB) and include township details as well as shape, size, and perimeter boundaries. Sometimes this legal description will also be attached to deeds to identify its owner.
Public records at a county level can help identify parcel size, shape, and ownership. A land surveyor then measures and marks each parcel's boundaries with physical boundary monuments or other surveying tools before compiling all this data into a database useful to local governments, businesses, and individuals for various uses.
Parcels of land are often subdivided into lots to facilitate the sale and purchase of individual houses, ranchettes, or farms. Subdividing parcels into lots is a great long-term investment for homeowners looking to increase property values and maximize living space while staying near city amenities such as shops and restaurants.
What is the source of information for parcels of land?
A parcel of land is defined by clearly delineated boundaries that range in size from small urban lots to several hundred acres in rural regions. Boundaries for parcels are described using the metes and bounds or quadrant method; metes are like the corners of polygons while bounds serve as line segments between them. This method can then be documented via a plat diagram, an image that records both measurements and any potential issues for the property.
County departments typically maintain this data to monitor changes in property ownership and ensure parcels are surveyed at regular intervals. Parcel boundaries also serve as the foundation of the cadastral framework. Cadastral survey information can be utilized for various applications, including land records management, permitting, land use planning and development, infrastructure planning, and environmental analysis.
Developers that divide large tracts of land into lots for sale often create plat diagrams to record each lot's layout, providing an overview of each parcel and its dimensions. This information impacts property tax assessments. Furthermore, when selling property, the parcel boundary information should be updated with the tax assessor so future owners do not pay for land they no longer own.
How do I find and explore parcels of land?
As you search for land to purchase, always keep your intended use in mind. Factors to take into account include size, distance to town, views, utilities available, as well as any possible real estate agents or land planners who specialize in selling parcels of land, and local zoning laws that could impact its future use.
Accurate property boundaries are essential for any developer, surveyor, or real estate professional. Accuracy brings peace of mind, prevents disputes with neighbors, and informs decision-making regarding future improvements to a property. Such information can be found through various means - property deeds, surveys, tax maps, or plat maps can all provide this essential data.
Plotzy offers an in-depth parcel data solution used by some of the world's largest CRE brokerage and investment teams. Our platform combines and standardizes parcel data from various authorities to give unparalleled access to land ownership and use information nationwide. Use our online mapping app to quickly locate parcels of land, view property lines, identify owners, and more.
How do I explore permitted use by leveraging municipal data like zoning laws?
Understanding the zoning laws and permitted uses for a parcel of land is crucial for assessing its potential and market value. Zoning laws within a region or county define maximum building coverage and other regulations applicable to individual parcels. These regulations ensure any structures built comply with local requirements.
How Plotzy Helps
Plotzy’s powerful software helps you stop searching and start finding by accelerating your deals and uncovering new ones. Built on reliable data directly from the municipalities you work in, Plotzy provides all the features you need to understand zoning and permitted use:
- Property Data: Access comprehensive details including square footage, purchase price and history, chain of title, owner information, and more.
- Parcel Data: Obtain information on acreage, permitted use, mill levy, land, and improvement tax assessments.
- Municipal Data: Find zoning documents, Unified Development Ordinances (UDOs), and comprehensive plans at your fingertips.
- Permitted Use AI: Ask any question and get an answer specifically using that municipality's documentation, ensuring you have accurate and relevant information.
- Owner Contact Info: Not only see who owns the property but also get actionable contact details to help you reach out to them.
- Lists: Create lists, add notes, organize and share your favorites, chase lists, and more.
Using Plotzy for Permitted Use Exploration
- Access Municipal Data: Quickly find zoning documents and comprehensive plans that define what activities are allowed on a parcel.
- Leverage Permitted Use AI: Ask specific questions about the zoning laws and get detailed answers directly from the relevant municipal documentation.
- Analyze Property Reports: Get detailed property reports from public county records to understand the underlying property, permitted use, and additional information like ownership, tax value, purchase value, and mill levy.
With Plotzy, you can filter parcel and owner results by constraints like zoning and acreage, instantly find info for determining your use case’s viability, and speed up your research process. Whether you’re looking for a multifamily complex or a home to build an ADU on, Plotzy helps you find the perfect parcel or property for your needs.
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