Platting & Subdivision

Platting or subdivision of property within the City of Gainesville is governed by the City of Gainesville Subdivision Ordinance and the Texas Local Government Code Chapter 212. The platting process ensures that all lots comply with the City of Gainesville’s Subdivision Ordinance and protects public health, safety and welfare.  

The Subdivision Regulations are intended to promote the orderly development of the City and to secure adequate provisions for transportation, drainage, water, sewer, and other facilities. The Ordinance applies to all property within the corporate limits of the City of Gainesville as well as areas within the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City. Any subdivision of land within the ETJ of the City of Gainesville shall be processed through the normal platting processes. The Texas Local Government Code gives cities the authority to enforce their subdivision regulations within their ETJ, which is a means of ensuring that cities will not have to assume maintenance responsibilities for substandard infrastructure (streets, utilities, drainage) upon future annexation.

What is a Plat?

A plat is a survey of property that describes the dimensions and location of lot lines, streets, and easements.  A plat also establishes the lot, block, and subdivision name used in real estate transactions. A plat is not the property survey required by mortgage companies when closing the sale of property. Plats must be prepared by a licensed land surveyor or engineer.  

Plat Filing FYI:

The City of Gainesville will file the plat for the applicant.  To file, staff will need a minimum of four (4) 24" by 36" paper (bond) copies and two (2) 24" by 36" mylar copies, plus however many copies you and your client need, and an original stamped and sealed tax certificate. The City of Gainesville staff is the last to sign the plat, so please ensure that all signatures are collected prior to delivery to the Community Development Department.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Community Development Department at (940) 668-4799 or cs@cogtx.org.

Forms & Applications