A plat is a map document based on a survey that shows land subdivision, land classification, or a change in property boundaries and is required before building permitting. A plat’s name provides a legal description for the land, such as “Lot 29, Block 19, Happy Trails” subdivision. See Chapter 42 ordinance.

Professional consultants are hired by property owners to advise them and create plat maps to prepare land for development and building if the land is not properly platted. A plat must be signed by a licensed surveyor and/or a civil engineer. Consultants submit applications on the Online Portal or submit the plat at the City or Counties designated address.

The Commission meets biweekly. See Planning Commission, The posted agenda serves as public notification of the items being considered by the Planning Commission, in addition to notification letters and signs that are required only for certain types of plat applications.

See Chapter 42- 23 for classes of plats. To prepare for building development in Houston, the land is usually subdivided and classified into residential lots; or reserves for other purposes, such as commercial or any other unrestricted purpose.

Consultants can advise the property owner on considerations such as the project’s feasibility, conceptual plans, market conditions, application specifics, timing, costs, fees; and Chapter 42 plat factors, such as street circulation and block lengths, building lines and easements, plat drawing details, and more.

A typical plat will take about 35 – 60 days to complete. However, each plat application process varies given your property location, County, plat application (see above), and other developmental considerations such as easements, setbacks, and variances requested.