Is a "Preliminary Plat" required to be sealed?

A "Preliminary Plat" does not need to be sealed, but it is essential that it is clearly labeled with the phrase "Preliminary - Not for Construction/Recording." This designation ensures that the plat is understood to be a draft or working document, one that is not finalized and not to be used for official purposes, such as construction or formal recording within a land records system. The intent of this marking is to prevent any misunderstandings regarding the stage of development and compliance with city or county planning.

The requirement for detailed labeling reflects the importance of distinguishing between conceptually designed plans and finalized engineering documents. A preliminary plat serves primarily to facilitate discussions and decisions during the planning phase, and thus the lack of a seal aligns with its intended purpose. Markings are critical to convey its status effectively to all stakeholders involved in the land development process.