Condominium plats and plans
The plat and plans are the drawings that show exactly what is being sold: where each unit begins and ends, and what belongs to everyone.
What they are
Together they form a detailed map of the property as a condominium, dividing it into individual units and common areas. In the District they are prepared by a DC-licensed surveyor and recorded with the Office of the Surveyor.
Where they fit
The plat and plans are an exhibit to the Public Offering Statement, and they are recorded alongside the declaration and bylaws. After recording, the Office of Tax and Revenue assigns a tax lot number to each unit, including any separately deeded parking. Sales cannot settle until those lots exist.
Why they need attention early
The drawings have to match two things: the building as built, and the legal descriptions in the declaration. Changes made during construction, such as a moved wall, a reassigned storage room, or a reconfigured parking pad, can leave the drawings and the documents describing two different condominiums.
Where it goes wrong
- Commissioning the survey before the layout is final, then building something different.
- Unit boundaries or parking shown one way on the plat and another in the declaration.
- Leaving recording to the end, so tax lots are not ready when buyers are.