1. Legal Descriptions and Site Plan Requirements
Chapter 14
Legal Descriptions and Site Plan Requirements

2. Introduction
Virtually every piece of property in the U.S. is described for legal purposes
Legal descriptions
Every one is unique and cannot be confused with any other property
Filed in local jurisdictions, generally county or parish courthouses
Public records and can be reviewed at any time

3. Introduction (cont’d.)
Site (i.e., plot or lot)
Area of land generally one plot or lot in size
Plat
Map of part of a city or township showing some specific area

4. Metes and Bounds Systems
Metes and bounds identify property perimeters
Metes are measurements
Bounds are boundaries
Also established through bearings (e.g., directions with reference to 1 quadrant of the compass)
Metes and bounds land survey begins with the point of beginning (POB)

6. Rectangular Survey System
Great land survey
Lines of latitude (i.e., parallels, baselines)
Imaginary parallel lines running east and west
Lines of longitude (i.e., meridians, principle meridians)
Imaginary lines running north and south

7. Rectangular Survey System (cont’d.)
Great land survey (cont’d.)
Townships
Numbered by tiers running north–south
Six miles square
Sections
Divided areas into units
One mile square

12. Lot and Block System Legal description system
Results from metes and bounds or rectangular system

13. Site Plan Requirements
Site plan (e.g., plot or lot plan)
Map of a piece of land that can be used for any number of purposes
Proposed construction
Topography with contour lines
Grading plans

14. Site Plan Requirements (cont’d.)
Site plan functions:
Legal property description based on a survey
Property line bearings and directions
North arrow
Roads and easements
Utilities
Elevations
Map scale

15. Topography Physical description of land surface
Shows variation in elevation, known as relief, and locating other features

16. Drawing Site Plans Typically include: Site plan scale
Legal description of the property
Property line bearings and dimensions
North arrow
Existing and proposed roads and structures
Driveways, patios, walks, and parking areas
Public or private water supply

17. Drawing Site Plans (cont’d.)
Typically include (cont’d.):
Public or private sewage disposal
Location of utilities
Rain and footing drains and storm sewers or drainage
Topography and setbacks
Items on adjacent properties
Existing and proposed trees

18. Grading Plan Features
Show existing and proposed topography

19. Site Analysis Plan
Basis for proper design relationship of development to site and adjacent properties

20. Subdivision Plans
Local requirements for subdivisions should be confirmed
Some areas have guidelines

21. Planned Unit Development

22. Metrics in Site Planning
Recommended metric values used in design and drafting of site plans
Refer to table provided in the chapter