Module 4 - Metes & Bounds Flashcards
Legal Description
A legal description is like a very precise set of directions or coordinates that leaves no room for ambiguity. It’s the way land ownership is officially recorded and identified.
There are three main ways to create these “land directions” in the United States. Your state likely uses at least two, and sometimes all three, of these methods:
- Metes & Bounds
- Rectangular Survey System
- Lot & Block System
Metes and Bounds
Metes and Bounds: This is the oldest system. Imagine following a path by describing its boundaries: “Start at the big oak tree, then go 100 feet east, then turn 90 degrees north and go 50 feet…” Metes are distances and directions, while bounds are landmarks or markers. This system is often used in older areas where land boundaries are irregular. It’s like giving directions using physical features as guides.
It starts at a point of beginning (POB) and uses directions (north, south, etc.) and distances (500 feet) to get to the property lines. It might also mention landmarks (big oak tree) to help find the corners.
This method is common on the East Coast and in some other states.
Metes are measures that include direction and distance. Bounds are the terminal points that in some cases are landmarks or monuments
Rectangular Survey System
Rectangular (Government) Survey System: This system divides land into a grid of townships, ranges, and sections. It’s like using a map with numbered squares. You can describe a piece of land by saying it’s in “Section 12, Township 3 North, Range 2 West.” This is very organized and efficient, especially for large areas. It’s like giving directions using a coordinate system.
There are 37 principal meridians in the U.S. Both principal meridians and baselines are referenced using degrees of longitude and latitude.
Townships:
A township is a square area of land defined by the intersection of township lines (running east and west, parallel to the baseline) and range lines (running north and south, parallel to the principal meridian).
**Size: **A township is approximately 6 miles by 6 miles (6 miles square), totaling 36 square miles.
Sections: Each township is further divided into 36 sections.
Section Size: Each section is approximately 1 mile by 1 mile and contains approximately 640 acres.
Summary of Township Characteristics:
* 6 miles x 6 miles Townships
* each section is divided by 1 mile squares
* 36 square miles (each approximately 640 acres)
This system relies on sets of intersecting lines:
* Principal Meridians and Baselines are the main reference lines.
* Township Lines and Range Lines create the grid, dividing the land into townships.
Tiers (Township Tiers): A tier is a row of these townships running east to west. If you were to look at the grid from the side, each row of squares would be a tier.
Township section numbering: Township Section Numbering: Starts top right (northeast corner), numbers across to the left, drops down, reverses direction, like a snake.
Lot and Block System
Lot and Block System: This system is commonly used for platted subdivisions (housing developments). Imagine a neighborhood with streets and numbered lots. You can describe a property by saying it’s “Lot 7, Block B, of the Maplewood Subdivision.” This is very simple and convenient for properties within a development. It’s like giving directions using a street address and lot number.
What is the size in acres of 1 section in a rectangular survey system (1 mile square)
640 Acres
What is the size in acres of a 1/2 section in a rectangular survey system (1 mile square)
320 Acres
What is the size in acres of a 1/4 section in a rectangular survey system (1 mile square)
160 acres
What is the size in acres of 1/4th of 1/4 section in a rectangular survey system (1 mile square)
40 Acres
What is the size in acres of 1/4th of 1/4th of a 1/4 section in a rectangular survey system (1 mile square)
10 Acres
What is the size in acres of 1/4th of 1/4th of 1/4th of a 1/4 section in a rectangular survey system (1 mile square)
2.5 Acres
