Due Diligence Report – Maps & Plans

In today’s technology and the need for local government to keep pace with the information flow and development changes in their community, most local municipalities post online their ordinances and maps. Compile maps and plans available online and locate the subject property on each map or plan. There are some plans which can only be obtained from a regulatory agency but it is worth the effort. Analyze the property location and the site characteristics to determine the development potential.

The following list of map or plans are invaluable in the site analysis work required in land acquisition.

Property Boundary Survey – at this point in the site analysis work, you may not have contacted the property owner. Thus, visit the municipal engineering or public works office and ask for surveys for the subject property or adjacent properties. There will be surveys available in and around the subject site unless the site is located outside the infrastructure core. This survey will illustrate boundary line problems i.e. cores, overlaps, access easements, rights-of-ways, utility easements, etc. The results will show the constraints to developing the site. While you are at the government office, request a copy of the road construction plans for the property frontage road.

Tax Map - this is an important overall map showing how the subject parcel fits like a puzzle with surrounding property. The tax map will give you lot number, blocks, parcel ID numbers and other references that can be used in deed research, tax information and prior ownership history. This map needs to be studied for development and ownership trends. Disneyworld land was massed by Disney using the tax map to find separate land owners and quietly purchasing property to assemble a large contiguous land area for the theme park.

The due diligence report map and plan section will be posted on my blog over the next several days.