In Missouri, a property’s precise location and boundaries are established through a formalized method known as a land description. This description, essential for legal documents such as deeds and titles, typically relies on one of three methods: the metes and bounds system, the rectangular survey system (also known as the Public Land Survey System or PLSS), or the lot and block system (commonly used for platted subdivisions). A metes and bounds description uses physical features and directions, while the rectangular survey system employs townships, ranges, and sections. The lot and block system, on the other hand, refers to a specific lot number within a recorded plat or map.
Accurate and unambiguous identification of land parcels provides the foundation for secure property ownership and prevents boundary disputes. This clarity is crucial for various legal transactions, including buying, selling, and mortgaging property. Historical context often plays a role in these descriptions, especially in older areas surveyed using older methods, and understanding this history can be vital. This precise delineation also allows for efficient taxation and proper assessment for public services.
