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Office of the Surveyor
The Office of the Surveyor maintains the legal records of all land plats and subdivisions of private and District government property within the District of Columbia. The existing records cover a period of more than two centuries. Information is available, on a walk-in basis, regarding the surveying of property within the District. While this office no longer provides field survey services in the District of Columbia, we can provide a list of registered private surveyors.
Services and Information:
Fees:
Building Plats
How to Order: Applicants must provide the lot and square number(s) for each location where a plat is needed.
Cost: The cost for a plat (up to three adjoining lots within the same square) is $50. Each additional lot will cost $15. Additional fees may be required for irregular-shaped lots.
Turnaround time: approximate turnaround is a minimum of ten working days.
Read 12 Steps to Showing Improvements on a Plat*.
Subdivision Plats
How to Order
Applicants must provide the lot and square number(s) and a sketch of the provided layout of the lot(s) for the location where the subdivision is needed. If the subdivisions involves a tax, (ie, 800 series numbers), then a deed will be required.
Cost
The cost for a subdivision plat is $196 for up to three lots. An additional fee may be required for subdivisions involving irregular-shaped lots.
Turnaround time
Approximate turnaround is four to six weeks.
Instructions for Handling and Executing Subdivision Plats
The plat of subdivision MUST be handled and executed as explained below, and returned to the Surveyor's Office for processing and recording.
CAUTION: Care and Handling of Plats
Do not fold, mutilate, alter, change, correct or add to this plat, and do not allow plat to get wet. Let the ink dry; do NOT smudge. If any of these occur, the plat will NOT be accepted for recordation and a new plat must be drawn at additional expense and time.
The ONLY types of pens and ink that can be used are:
- Black ink ballpoint pens made by Cross, Skillcraft or equivalent.
- Black permanent ink ULTRA FINE felt tip pens made by Sanford (Sharpie).
- Black permanent ink drafting pens.
Owners
The owner(s) in fee simple of the property must sign the plat before a notary public and have two (2) witnesses for EACH signature. The owner(s) in fee simple executing the plat must remain the owner(s) in fee simple until the subdivision is recorded. If the owner is a corporation, the plat must be signed by two (2) officers, who are designated by the corporation charter or by the Board of Directors to act for the corporation. A Corporation seal is required. The corporation seals must be FIRMLY impressed to the plat and be LEGIBLE. Stick-on seals are unacceptable. If the owner is a partnership, the plat must be signed by a general partner.
Trusts
If there is a mortgage(s) on any of the property involved in the subdivision, the trustee(s) must sign the plat in the space provided. Indicate the number of trusts in the space provided. The trustee(s) signature(s) do not have to be witnessed or notarized.
Taxes
The applicant must take the plat to the Office of Tax and Revenue, Real Property Tax Administration, Customer Service Center, located at 941 North Capitol Street, NE, 1st Floor, for certification as to the correctness of ownership shown on the plat and to verify that all current taxes and special assessments have been paid. When plats are to be recorded between April 1 and September 30, taxes must be paid through September 30; if recorded between October 1 and March 31, the taxes must be paid through March 31. Any questions regarding payment of taxes must be directed to the Office of Tax and Revenue at (202) 442-6696 or (202) 442-6790.
Historic Preservation Review
The plat is then taken to the Historic Preservation Division located at 801 North Capitol Street, 3rd floor for review and sign off. ALL subdivision plats are to be taken to the Historic Preservation Division for a determination concerning the historic nature of the subdivision's location.
Zoning
The plat is then taken to the Office of the Zoning Administrator at 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd floor for certification as to compliance with Zoning Regulations. Note: The Office of the Zoning Administrator will hold the subdivision for review and signature by the Zoning Administrator. Upon signature, the Zoning Division will forward the subdivision to the Surveyor’s Office for final processing. Contact the Office of the Zoning Administrator at (202) 442-4576 to confirm delivery to the Surveyor’s Office.
Recordation
Upon receipt from Zoning, the subdivision will be reviewed, signed given a new lot number and record in the Office of the Surveyor within 3 business days.
Subdivision Tips: Save Time and Money
| Alter |
Use Black Ink |
| Change |
Have two witnesses for each signature (Owner) |
| Erase |
Have signature of Trustees (Mortgage Company) |
| Fold |
Pay current taxes |
| Get Wet |
Have two officers sign for corporation |
| Smudge |
Have legible corporate seals |
| Correct |
Have notary seals |
| Add Names |
Not draw on seals |
NOTE: You must use a raised seal only unless not required by state notary. There will be an ink test. No Ink can smudge or run. Failure to follow these requirements will result in additional time and fees.
Wall Examinations
The Office of the Surveyor does not conduct wall examinations. However, the office provides a list of authorized registered surveyors. Select from the following for additional information:
Cost: The registered surveyor determines the cost of a wall examination.
Additional Services
- Street and Alley Closings Form*
- Transfers of Jurisdictions
- Street and Alley Dedications
- Metes and Bounds Descriptions
- Deed Analysis
- Plats of Computation
- Recordation of Condominium Plats
Contact Information
Office of the Surveyor
1100 4th Street SW, Third Floor
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 442-4566
Hours of Operation:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 am - 4:15 pm
- Thursday: 9:30 am - 4:15 pm
NOTE: Please keep in mind that the Office of Tax and Revenue Cashier's Office closes at 4:30 pm daily. DCRA does not accept any payments directly. Please build in enough time to ensure you can pay for the services you receive. Thank you.
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