Dedham MA - Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today reminded homeowners that only a certain type of land plan is recorded here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, and it is not a plot plan.

“One of the questions we hear frequently from homeowners at the Registry of Deeds is, ‘Can I get a copy of my plot plan?’ Plot plans are not recorded here at the Registry. What is recorded are land plans, which simply provide the overall dimensions of a property. Sometimes a land plan may get recorded that shows a structure on the lot, but more often than not at the Registry of Deeds it does not,” stated Register O’Donnell.

There are times when homeowners require a plot plan when doing a capital improvement, such as an addition to their home or installing a swimming pool. A plot plan, or site plan, contains retained and proposed buildings. Again, the Registry of Deeds does not record these types of plans here in Norfolk County. There are communities where the Building Department may have filed plot plans showing the locations of structures as well as various dimensions of those structures and the dimensions of the structures relative to the lot.

“However, plot plans are not always available to the public. In some cases, they may only be accessible to the property owner or a licensed surveyor.” Register O’Donnell continued, “Also, remember that these plans may not be up-to-date or accurate, as changes to the property may have been made since the plan was filed. It is always best to consult with a licensed surveyor or other professional before relying on any plot plan for legal or construction purposes.”

Many times, a mortgage plot plan will be compiled as part of a real estate transaction or mortgage refinancing. Homeowners should check their records first if they are in need of a mortgage plot plan. Also, in some cases, town building departments may have an accurate copy of a property’s plot plan and/or the property’s as built plan. If not, the homeowner would have to contract a surveyor if they need to have a plot plan created.

Land plans, which are recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, provide the overall dimensions of a property.

“On property deeds, there is a section which lists the metes and bounds (description) of the property,” noted the Register. “Most deeds also contain a cross reference to a land plan Book and Page number recorded here at the Registry. Land plans can be useful if there is a question amongst neighbors about a property line or just highlighting other dimension issues that relate to the property.”

Register O’Donnell concluded, “The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has available for viewing documents and plans going back to the Registry’s beginnings in 1793. Non-certified copies of our documents and plans can be viewed and printed free of charge via our website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Copies of land plans that do not contain non-certified copy language are available for a fee of $1.00 per plan (size 8 ½ x 11 inches) plus an additional $1.00 per plan for postage. Larger plans, 11 x 17 inches or 18 x 24 inches, cost $2.00 per plan plus an additional $1.00 per plan for postage. If you desire a copy of a plan from the Registry and you know the plan Book and Page number, send in a mail request to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham, MA 02026 along with a check made out to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds for the appropriate amount. If you are not sure of your land plan Book and Page numbers or have further questions about land plans, you can call our Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30AM-4:30PM. As always, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is more than able and willing to assist our customers, the citizens of Norfolk County.”