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1. Are there different types of plats?

There are several different types of plats and different processes for approving plats. Contact the Planning and Development Department for additional information at 214-975-0472. Preliminary Plat A Preliminary Plat is required if you are dividing your property into more than one lot. This step may be skipped if you are platting a one-lot subdivision. 

A Preliminary Plat shows the street layout, lots and other information needed to ensure that the subdivision design concept conforms with Town and State regulations. It is intended to be general in nature, showing approximate locations and dimensions. Final Plat A Final Plat is the next step in the development process after approval of a Preliminary Plat by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council. The Final plat is a technical drawing showing the exact dimensions and bearings and is the instrument that becomes the official, permanent record of the division of land filed with Denton County. Final plats must comply with the approved Preliminary Plat. 

A Final Plat may be created for every lot shown on the approved Preliminary Plat or for a portion of the lots shown on the Preliminary Plat. A replat is required when you are revising existing platted lots or combining platted and unplatted lots to create a new lot configuration. Certain replats require a public hearing and written notice to other property owners within the existing subdivision. Amended Plat An Amended Plat is used to relocate an internal lot line, combine lots, correct an error, or other minor changes. This is approved administratively.

2. What information is required?

A signed and completed plat application form, fee, a signed plat checklist and current certified copies of tax certificates should accompany any plat submission. If construction is anticipated to follow platting, a signed copy of the Engineering Plan checklist is required along with preliminary Engineering Plans. Replats may also require mailing labels (Avery 5160) with the property owner’s addresses for every lot within the subdivision. In addition, you will need to submit seven folded copies of your plat (24” X 36”) and seven copies of the engineering plans (if construction will follow platting).

Checklists, applications, the submittal schedule, and our Subdivision Ordinance can be obtained at the Planning and Development Department.

3. What are the platting fees?

The Town’s processing fees are based on the type of plat and the land area being platted:

Preliminary Plat
Single Family $300 + $15/lot
Multi-Family and Non-Residential $300 + $25/acre

Final Plat
Single Family $300 + $10/lot
Multi-Family & Non-Residential $300 + $20/acre

Replat
Single Family $200 + $15/lot + postage
Multi-Family & Non-Residential $200 + $25/acre

Amended Plat
Amended Plat $100 + $20/lot

4. What is a plat?

A plat is a property survey that describes the dimensions and location of lot lines, streets, and easements. A plat also establishes the lot, block, and subdivision name used in real estate transactions. A plat is a legal document complete with a drawing of the property boundaries, a written description of those boundaries, a dedication statement, an owner’s certification statement, a title block, and approval statements. A licensed land surveyor or engineer must prepare plats. A plat is not the property survey required by mortgage companies when closing the sale of the property.

5. Why is platting required?

The platting process ensures that all lots comply with the Town of Little Elm’s Subdivision Ordinance and protects public health, safety and welfare. Plats are reviewed for compliance with regulations regarding minimum lot size and lot width; setbacks; street access and size; utility provisions; parks and open space provisions; and drainage and flood protection.

6. When is a plat required?

There are several situations that require the platting of property. Generally, a plat is required: 1. If your property is vacant, it has never been platted, and you wish to build a new structure. A plat is not required if you are adding to or altering an existing home or adding a storage shed, etc. 2. If you are selling a portion of the property you own, you must have a plat showing all the property you own and how you intend to divide it approved by the Town. 3. If you own two adjacent lots and wish to build over the common lot line.