What was used as the starting point for creating a legal description for a five-acre tract when the larger parcel was subdivided?

The starting point for creating a legal description for a five-acre tract in a subdivided larger parcel is indeed a survey. A survey provides precise measurements and details about the boundaries of the property, including any easements, road access, and other pertinent landmarks. This foundational information is essential for accurately defining the legal description of a specific parcel, particularly when it has been subdivided from a larger piece of land.

Surveys are conducted by land surveyors and typically include a detailed map that indicates not only the dimensions of the property but also its position relative to adjacent properties and geographical features. By relying on a survey, the legal description can avoid ambiguities and ensure that all parties are clear about the extent and location of the property being conveyed.

Other materials mentioned, like a property deed, may contain descriptions but are often derived from earlier surveys and might not provide the updated and accurate delineations required for legal transactions. A fiscal appraisal focuses on the value of the property rather than its boundaries, and a zoning map illustrates land use regulations but does not define property lines or legal descriptions. Therefore, the survey is clearly the most crucial document for establishing a clear legal description after subdivision.