What Is a Plat (or Survey) Report?
A plat, sometimes called a survey report, is an official drawing that shows the exact boundaries of a piece of property. It maps out where your land begins and ends and includes important details like lot dimensions, property lines, easements, rights-of-way, and the placement of existing structures such as your home, driveway, fences, or sheds.
Think of a plat as the blueprint of your property’s legal footprint. It tells contractors, local jurisdictions, and homeowners exactly what can (and cannot) be built or altered on a lot.
Example: County Plat
Where Do You Get a Plat?
PLATS.NET (Maryland Homeowners)
In Maryland, one of the most helpful resources for finding your plat is PLATS.NET.
PLATS.NET is a digital image reference system developed by the Maryland State Archives, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and Maryland Circuit Court Clerks. Its purpose is to preserve and provide public access to plats filed with the Land Office and the Circuit Courts of Maryland.
Plats are a form of cartography related to land ownership. They visually represent property boundaries—also known as metes and bounds—as described in deeds. Because of this, plats are essential for understanding how land titles are conveyed and documented in Maryland.
Attorneys, realtors, surveyors, title searchers, contractors, and private homeowners frequently use PLATS.NET to research:
- Property boundaries
- Subdivision layouts
- Recorded land conveyances
- Condominium and subdivision plats
Homeowners can search for plats currently in the custody of the Maryland State Archives by selecting their county on the PLATS.NET website. If you’re new to using the system, PLATS.NET also offers a Beginner’s Guide, FAQ, and Glossary to help you get started.
Beyond PLATS.NET, other common places to find your plat include:
Most homeowners already have access to their plat—you just may not know where to look. Common places to find it include:
- Your closing documents from when you purchased the home
- Your county or city records office (often the Clerk of Court or Land Records office)
- Your local permitting or zoning department
- A licensed land surveyor, who can provide a new or updated survey if needed
If your home is older or you’ve made changes to the property over time, ordering an updated survey may be necessary before starting a remodeling project.
Why Are Plats Important?
Plat and survey reports are critical for protecting both homeowners and contractors. They help:
- Prevent building too close to property lines
- Identify setback requirements and zoning restrictions
- Avoid disputes with neighbors over boundaries
- Ensure additions, decks, porches, fences, or roofs are built legally
- Speed up the permitting and inspection process
For exterior remodeling projects—like decks, roof overhangs, additions, or porticos—having an accurate plat can save time, money, and stress.
What Are Plats Used For?
Plats and surveys are commonly used for:
- Building permits and approvals
- Decks, additions, porches, and sunrooms
- Roofing projects that alter structure or footprint
- Property line verification
- Selling or refinancing a home
- Resolving property or boundary questions
At Classic Remodeling, plats help us confirm that your project meets all local requirements before construction begins—so there are no surprises down the road.
How and Where Should You Keep Your Plat?
Because a plat is such an important document, we recommend keeping it in multiple formats:
1. Physical Copy (Primary)
Store one hard copy in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe, filing cabinet, or with other important home documents.
2. Electronic Copy
Scan or save a digital version on:
- Your computer
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, etc.)
- A personal USB drive
Having an electronic copy makes it easy to share with contractors, architects, or permit offices.
3. Backup Physical Copy
Keep a second printed copy in a separate location, such as a safe deposit box or with a trusted family member. This ensures you’re protected if the original is lost or damaged.
Why Classic Remodeling May Ask for Your Plat
When planning an exterior remodeling project, Classic Remodeling may request your plat or survey to:
- Verify property boundaries
- Confirm setback compliance
- Assist with permit applications
- Ensure your project is built correctly and legally
If you don’t have a copy, don’t worry—we’re happy to help guide you on where to find one or determine if a new survey is needed.
Final Thoughts
A plat or survey report might seem like just another piece of paperwork, but it plays a major role in protecting your home investment. Keeping it organized and accessible helps projects move smoothly and gives you peace of mind.
If you’re planning an exterior remodeling project and have questions about plats, surveys, or permits, Classic Remodeling is here to help every step of the way.