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Please note that this information is specific to platting in the City of Houston. What is a plat? 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. How do I obtain a plat or replat? A plat, or replat, is filed at Harris County Records Office after approval and after recordation by the landowner. You may request a copy from Harris County via email CCO.CCInfo@hctx.net or by phone 713-274-6390. How do I look up a plat application? You can view plat applications using the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) research app tools, Houston Map Viewer or Houston Plat Tracker Plats, by entering an address or zooming in to the location. How are plats prepared and how do I submit one? 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 Plat Tracker online portal for consideration by the Planning Commission, which operates on a two-week cycle. When does the Planning Commission meet and how can I get information about the agenda? The Commission meets biweekly on Thursdays at 2:30 p.m. See Planning Commission and Plat Tracker webpage for the posted agenda and in-person and virtual meeting options. 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. What considerations are made at a Planning Commission meeting? The appointed Planning Commission is the body that approves, defers, or disapproves an application. If the plat meets all the rules under Chapter 42, the Commission shall approve the plat. Conditions related to a specific variance request may be imposed. A deferred application will be considered at the next Commission meeting. Issues such as water, sewer and drainage, flood mitigation, traffic flow, and types of buildings, do not fall under the purview of the Planning Department, and therefore, are not handled by the Planning Commission. What are the types of plat classifications? See Chapter 42- 23 for classes of plats. To prepare for building development in Houston, land is usually subdivided and classified into residential lots; or reserves for other purposes, such as commercial or any other unrestricted purpose. What else is considered in preparing a plat? 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. What is a variance and what types are available? A variance is a Commission-approved deviation to a proposed land development, according to Chapter 42 standards. If there is a hardship or unusual physical characteristics, a consultant may help landowners seek a subdivision or development plat variance according to the Ch. 42 provisions. Variances are the exception rather than the rule. See variance guidelines for more details. Return to totalsurveyors.com