In many parts of New York, property descriptions come directly from filed subdivision maps — documents that may have been recorded decades, or even over a century ago. In this episode of Title Tuesday, we explain:
• What a filed map is
• How subdivision maps create legal property lots
• Why a filed lot number may not match the tax lot number
• Why title professionals rely on filed maps for legal descriptions
In Westchester County and throughout New York, some subdivisions were mapped in the early 1900s, while others were filed just recently for new developments. Regardless of age, once recorded, those maps continue to define the legal layout of the land. Understanding the difference between filed lots and tax parcels helps real estate professionals, attorneys, and homeowners better understand how property is described in the public records.
