Also known as: plots · parcel · lot
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
An area of land identified as a distinct unit for purposes of ownership, zoning, or conveyance. The boundaries of the plot determine the scope of rights and restrictions that attach to it under applicable land-use regulations or instruments of title.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Penelope Price owns a 10-acre plot zoned exclusively for agricultural use. When the city council rezones the plot to residential without any showing that the change advances public health or safety, Price challenges the ordinance. The court examines whether the new classification arbitrarily deprives her of the beneficial use of the land.
Philip Powell accepts delivery of a commercial unit consisting of a single plot of land with specialized machinery parts. After discovering a nonconformity that substantially impairs the plot's value and that was not reasonably discoverable before acceptance, Powell revokes acceptance under the governing commercial code.
Pilar Pena's single plot is rezoned from residential to commercial while surrounding parcels remain residential. Neighbors contend the change benefits only Pena without serving a legitimate public purpose and violates the comprehensive plan. The court must decide whether the amendment constitutes invalid spot zoning.
Paul Peterson signs a letter expressing interest in leasing a plot from Piper Patel. After oral negotiations the parties sign a second document that omits the plot's legal description. The two writings are read together to determine whether they satisfy the statute of frauds for the lease of that specific parcel.
Priscilla Parks owns a plot benefited by an easement for access across an adjoining parcel. When Parks sells her plot the easement passes automatically because the benefit is tied to ownership of that specific land rather than held in gross.
Premier Manufacturing's founder devises in his will a plot described by a street address that does not match any land he owns. Extrinsic evidence shows the description closely matches a different plot the testator actually owned. The court may reform the description to pass the intended parcel.
The classification must bear a substantial relation to public health, safety, or welfare. If the restriction arbitrarily deprives the owner of beneficial use of the plot without such a relation, it may be struck down as a taking or due-process violation.
Supporting sources
Revocation is permitted if the nonconformity substantially impairs the plot's value to the buyer and acceptance occurred either on the assumption the defect would be cured or without discovery of the defect because of difficulty or seller assurances.
…applies to every defendant, whether the professional criminal or one committing a crime of momentary passion who is not part and parcel of organized crime. It will slow down the investigation and the apprehension of confederates in those cases where time is of the essence, such as kidnapping, see Brinegar v. United…
…similarly situated. Pp. 125-129. (b) The law does not interfere with appellants' primary expectation concerning the use of the parcel
…understand (as I do not) what the "undue burden" test means. I must confess, however, that I have always thought, and I think a
…York Cent. & H. R. R. Co. , 153 App. Div. 516, 138 N. Y. S. 287 (1912). The same holds true in cases of such limitations on parcel check room tickets, Jones v. Great Northern Ry. Co. , 68 Mont. 231, 217 P. 673, 37 A. L. R. 754 (1923); Klar v. H. & M.
…v. Polygraphic Co. Concededly the nature of the tribunal which tries issues may be important in the enforcement of the parcel
Supporting sources
Rezoning is invalid when it singles out one parcel or small area for a use inconsistent with the surrounding zone or comprehensive plan and cannot be justified by a legitimate public purpose rather than favoritism toward a particular owner.
Supporting sources
Yes. Separate writings signed by the party to be charged may be read together even without cross-reference if the circumstances clearly show they relate to the same transaction involving the plot.
Supporting sources
The benefit or burden of the servitude is tied to ownership or occupancy of the particular parcel. The right or obligation therefore runs with the land rather than being held personally or in gross.
Supporting sources
When the will's description of the plot does not match any land the testator owns, extrinsic evidence may show the description closely matches another parcel the testator did own and thereby identify the intended devise.
Supporting sources