Resolving Property Line Disputes: Plat Maps vs. Professional Surveys

21-year-old home, new neighbor disputes fence line per his plat. Surveyors previously placed pins. Who's right?

Plat vs. Survey

• Plat: Recorded map of subdivision; approximate.
• Survey: Field measurement by licensed surveyor; legal boundary.

Surveyor's Role

Licensed in all 50 states. Uses monuments, deeds, and modern GPS/robotic total stations. Errors are inches, not feet.

Action Plan

1. Hire a local Professional Land Surveyor (~$800 for typical lot).
2. Check county recorder for recorded surveys on both parcels.
3. If discrepancy exists, both owners must agree on resolution (boundary line agreement).

County Office

Recorder of Deeds / Surveyor's Office / Planning Dept. They index plats and surveys.

Personal Note

Even experts get it wrong—I once tilled my garden into the road easement!