Colorado Land Surveyor Practice Exam

Which method is NOT used for describing an irregular parcel of land?

1. A metes and bounds description

2. A reference to a subdivision plat

3. An assessor's tract description

4. A book and page reference

The correct answer is: A reference to a subdivision plat

A reference to a subdivision plat is used to describe regular parcels of land that have been divided into lots and blocks according to established survey methods. This method typically involves a planned layout, where each parcel is documented on a plat map. In contrast, irregular parcels of land do not conform to a specific geometric shape or predetermined layout, making them unsuitable for description via a subdivision plat. Metes and bounds descriptions, assessor's tract descriptions, and book and page references are all methods that can effectively describe irregular parcels. Metes and bounds offer a flexible approach by using physical landmarks and measurements to outline the property's boundaries. Assessor's tract descriptions can identify uniquely defined parcels within a larger area, accommodating irregular shapes. Book and page references provide a connection to recorded documents that may describe how the land is configured, again suitable for irregular land parcels. Therefore, the choice that does not apply to the description of an irregular parcel of land is indeed the reference to a subdivision plat.