A recorded map showing how a parcel of land is divided into lots, blocks, and streets.
Why Plat matters on the exam
This term belongs to Land Use Controls. The questions below are real items from Freehold's bank that use it - each one cites its source.
Exam questions using Plat
Every Freehold question shows why the right answer is right — and cites its source.
The primary purpose of subdivision regulations is to:
Set the sale price of newly created lots
Determine which licensed broker may list the newly created lots once the subdivision plat has been formally approved
Ensure that new development provides adequate streets, utilities, and drainage before lots are sold
Establish federal income tax rates on lot sales
Show answer & explanation
Ensure that new development provides adequate streets, utilities, and drainage before lots are sold — Subdivision regulations require developers to provide adequate infrastructure, such as streets, drainage, water, and sewer, protecting future buyers and the community before land is divided and sold as lots.
Source: PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline §2 Land Use Controls
Before a developer may sell individual lots in a new subdivision, the developer must typically:
Obtain a variance from the zoning board of appeals
File an inverse condemnation action first
Wait for the entire property to first become a legal nonconforming use over a period of time
Submit a subdivision plat to the local planning commission for approval and record it
Show answer & explanation
Submit a subdivision plat to the local planning commission for approval and record it — Subdivision regulations require developers to prepare and record an approved plat map showing lots, streets, and easements before individual lots can be legally sold to the public.
Source: PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline §2 Land Use Controls
As a condition of subdivision plat approval, a city requires the developer to set aside land for a public park and street rights-of-way. This requirement is known as:
Dedication
Condemnation
Escheat
A variance
Show answer & explanation
Dedication — Municipalities commonly require developers to dedicate land for streets, parks, or schools as a condition of subdivision approval, an exaction intended to offset the development's impact on public facilities.
Source: PSI National Real Estate Exam Content Outline §2 Land Use Controls
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