CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

What does a legal description provide regarding a property?

1. A list of local zoning regulations

2. A summary of a property's historical sales

3. Details about boundary lines and easements

4. A general overview of the property characteristics

The correct answer is: Details about boundary lines and easements

A legal description is a formal way to describe a specific parcel of land, detailing boundary lines and any easements associated with the property. This precise information is critical in distinguishing one parcel from another, and it often includes elements such as the property's dimensions, the angle of lines, landmarks, and references to established survey points. Such descriptions ensure clarity in property ownership, assist in resolving disputes, and are essential for legal documentation during real estate transactions. In contrast, zoning regulations pertain to land use and development restrictions imposed by local governments, which are separate from what a legal description entails. Historical sales summaries usually provide insights into price changes over time but do not offer specific boundary details. General property characteristics might cover things like square footage or type of dwelling, yet they also do not provide the precise legal delineation that a legal description does. Therefore, the emphasis on boundary details and easements in a legal description makes it a crucial element for determining the rights and limitations associated with ownership of a property.