A plat is a map, drawn to scale, showing the divisions of a piece of land. Further refinement divides blocks into lots, for the purpose of developing a subdivision.
Plats are filed in the county of the property. The governing body must approve plats, before the County Clerk can accept it for filing. The County Treasurer must certify that taxes have been paid. It must be signed and notarized by the owner, abstractor, surveyor and the city. It is required to have the original mylar, 1 copy mylar, 2 paper copies, and a 8.5 x 11 paper copy for recording.
After the filing of a Plat, legal descriptions can refer to block and lot numbers rather than portions of the section, township and range. The lot dimensions, as well as easements and right of ways, are easily located.