Which method of legal description describes property by its physical boundaries and monuments?

Which method of legal description describes property by its physical boundaries and monuments?

• A. metes and bounds
• B. government survey
• C. lot and block
• D. street address

Answer: (A)

Describing property by its physical boundaries and monuments is metes and bounds. This method begins at a point of beginning and traces the parcel's perimeter using directions (courses) and distances, often referencing natural or man-made landmarks such as trees, rivers, rocks, or stakes. It’s particularly well suited for irregularly shaped parcels because it describes exactly where the boundaries run in relation to tangible markers and closes back at the starting point. In contrast, a government survey uses a standardized grid system of townships and sections, which is not based on physical features. The lot and block method describes parcels within a subdivision by lot and block numbers on a plat, rather than by natural boundaries. A street address is a locating label, not a precise legal boundary description.

Describing property by its physical boundaries and monuments is metes and bounds. This method begins at a point of beginning and traces the parcel's perimeter using directions (courses) and distances, often referencing natural or man-made landmarks such as trees, rivers, rocks, or stakes. It’s particularly well suited for irregularly shaped parcels because it describes exactly where the boundaries run in relation to tangible markers and closes back at the starting point.

In contrast, a government survey uses a standardized grid system of townships and sections, which is not based on physical features. The lot and block method describes parcels within a subdivision by lot and block numbers on a plat, rather than by natural boundaries. A street address is a locating label, not a precise legal boundary description.