The plat must also be signed and sealed by a licensed surveyor, signed and acknowledged by all owners, and approved by the appropriate local authorities. Counties and cities must coordinate with culinary water, sewer and fire authorities, and utility owners must verify the location of underground facilities before final approval. Once approved, the plat must be recorded in the county recorder’s office within the time specified by local ordinance. Failure to record on time makes the plat voidable, which could mean having to repeat the approval process. Licensed Professionals and Surveyor Certifications Utah’s Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Licensing Act (Title 58, Chapter 22) makes it clear: Only licensed surveyors may perform boundary surveys, prepare plats or certify their accuracy. Plats must bear the surveyor’s seal and certification stating: • The surveyor is licensed in Utah • The plat complies with Utah Code § 17-23-17 (map of boundary survey requirements) • Monuments have been set or will be set as shown This seal carries legal weight — falsifying a plat or misusing a seal can result in disciplinary action, fines or even loss of license. The law also requires continuing education to keep professionals up to date with surveying techniques and regulatory changes. Timing and Compliance Two deadlines are especially important: 1. 90-Day Filing Requirement: Records of survey must be filed within 90 days of completion. 2. Plat Recording Deadline: Once approved, plats must be recorded promptly, typically within a few months as set by local ordinance. Missing these deadlines can lead to delays, additional review cycles or invalidation of the plat — costly mistakes for developers and property owners. Exemptions and Special Cases Not every land division triggers a full subdivision process. Some examples of exemptions: • Minor lot line adjustments • Certain agricultural land divisions • Small subdivisions that meet county-specific “minor subdivision” thresholds Even with exemptions, it’s wise to check with the local planning department to determine whether a simplified plat or survey is still required. Risks of Non-Compliance Failing to follow Utah’s subdivision and survey requirements can have serious consequences: • Legal disputes over boundaries or easements • Recording delays that hold up sales or construction • Penalties for unlicensed practice or late filing • Additional costs for redesign or resurveying Compliance isn’t just a legal obligation — it’s a way to protect your investment and prevent headaches down the road. Conclusion Utah’s subdivision plat and survey laws are designed to balance private property rights with public interests. By requiring accurate surveys, licensed professionals and proper recordation, the state ensures that land development proceeds in a way that is clear, fair and consistent. For developers, surveyors and landowners, the takeaway is simple: Start early, work with qualified professionals, and follow the filing and recording timelines. Doing so avoids costly surprises and keeps your project on track. For more information, visit the Utah Legislature’s website at le.utah.gov or consult the UCLS Final Subdivision Plat Guidance Document. Todd Jacobsen has worked for the City of St. George, Utah, for 23 years and currently serves as the city surveyor. Before joining the city, he spent three years in the private sector as a draftsman and survey crew chief. With 26 years of experience, Todd has been an integral part of one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation. For the past 11 years, he has served on the Executive Board of the Utah Council of Land Surveyors (UCLS), including six years as the Color Country Chapter president and three years as state chair elect, state chair and past chair. He now represents the Color Country Chapter as its chapter representative. Todd and his wife of nearly 31 years have three children, with the first grandchild on the way. UCLS Foresights 38
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