Plan Regulations

  1. Plan sizes shall be a minimum of eight and one-half inches by eleven inches (8 1/2” x 11”) and a maximum of twenty-four inches by thirty-six inches (24” x 36”).
  2. Plans being presented for recording shall be on linen or polyester film, single matte with a thickness of .003 mils [.003 inches or 3 mils], and must have an opacity so as to allow consistent diazo and microfilm reproduction.
  3. All plans shall be prepared using a compatible ink with excellent cohesiveness which will produce a permanent bond and result in a plan with long-term durability. All signatures must be in black India ink (or its equal).
  4. Linen or polyester reproductions shall be accepted for recording provided they contain original signatures and comply with the other requirements for the recording of plans.
  5. Each plan shall have three-quarter inch (3/4”) borders.
  6. The minimum letter size on plans presented for recording shall be one-eighth inch (1/8”) if free-hand lettering is used and one-tenth inch (1/10”) if lettering guides are used.
  7. Each plan presented for recording shall include a graphic scale.
  8. Each plan shall have an area reserved to receive planning board recitation or contain a surveyors certification as per Chapter 380, Acts of 1966 (G.L. c. 41, § 81X).
  9. Each plan shall have a three and one-half inch (3 1/2”) square reserved for Registry use.
  10. Each plan must contain a certification clause signed by the preparer stating that he/she has conformed with the rules and regulations of the Registers of Deeds in preparing the plan.

(Promulgated effective January 12, 1988,  pursuant to the provisions of G.L. Ch 36 sec. 13A.)

Click here to read an article about the closing of the Registry of Deeds Disaster Recovery Office in Dedham, published in December 2024 by The Quincy Sun. Click here to read an article about the lack of an occupancy permit to use the relocated Disaster Recovery Office published in October 2025 by The Dedham Times.

The Registry of Deeds will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 27th. The Registry will be open on Friday, November 28th.

The Registry of Deeds is closed today, Thursday, November 27th in observance of Thanksgiving. The Registry will be open on Friday, November 28th.

The Registry is open on Friday, November 28th.