Navigating Utah’s Subdivision Plat & Survey Requirements A Practical Guide Accurate plats and surveys are the backbone of property ownership and development. They tell us where our land begins and ends, where easements run, and where future roads and utilities will go. In Utah, the process of preparing and recording subdivision plats is governed by a combination of statutes, professional standards and best practices designed to protect property owners, developers and the public. This article explores the key rules found in Utah Code §§ 17-23-17, 17-27a-603, 10-9a-603, Title 58 Chapter 22 and Section 5 of the Utah Council of Land Surveyors (UCLS) Final Subdivision Plat Guidance Document — and explains why they matter. Boundary Surveys and Records of Survey When a professional surveyor establishes or re-establishes a property boundary, they must prepare a map of boundary survey, also known as a record of survey. Utah Code § 17-23-17 requires this map to be filed with the county surveyor (or other designated office) within 90 days of completing the survey. The map must include: • All monuments found or set • Bearings and distances between control points • Ties to section corners or other recognized control monuments • Adjoining parcels and relevant notes Filing the record of survey ensures the boundary data becomes part of the public record, reducing future disputes and giving other professionals a reliable reference point. UCLS Section 5 builds on this requirement with practical recommendations: verify exterior boundaries early in the process, clearly depict connecting roads and easements, and use distinct subdivision names and consistent lot numbering across phases. Following these best practices helps avoid costly rework during final plat review. When a Plat Is Required Whether you are subdividing in a rural county or an incorporated city, Utah law requires an accurate plat when land is divided into lots. • In Counties (Unincorporated Areas): Utah Code § 17-27a-603 applies. • In Municipalities (Cities and Towns): Utah Code § 10-9a-603 applies. Both sections are nearly identical and require the plat to show: • A subdivision name that is unique within the county • Lot, block and parcel boundaries with bearings and dimensions • Street names, rights-of-way, easements and dedications • Lot numbers BY TODD JACOBSEN, CITY SURVEYOR, CITY OF ST. GEORGE UCLS Foresights 36
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