In real estate, a township refers to a specific geographic area or administrative division within a county or municipality. Townships are commonly found in the United States, particularly in regions where the township system of land surveying and administration is used.
Key aspects of townships in real estate include:
1. Geographic Boundary: A township typically encompasses a defined area of land, usually measuring six miles square (36 square miles) or 36 sections, as established by the Public Land Survey System (PLSS). The boundary of a township is typically delineated by survey lines and coordinates.
2. Administrative Entity: In some states, townships may serve as administrative units of local government responsible for providing certain municipal services, such as road maintenance, fire protection, zoning regulation, and other public services. However, the specific powers and responsibilities of townships vary by state and jurisdiction.
3. Land Division: Within a township, land is divided into smaller units known as sections, each measuring one square mile (640 acres). Sections are further subdivided into smaller parcels of land, such as quarter-sections (160 acres), quarter-quarter sections (40 acres), and lots.
4. Land Surveying: The PLSS, established by the U.S. federal government, is a systematic method of surveying and subdividing land into townships and sections. This system has been used extensively in the western United States to facilitate land ownership, settlement, and development.
5. Legal and Historical Significance: Townships play a significant role in real estate transactions, property ownership, and land use planning, particularly in areas where the PLSS is used. Legal descriptions of land parcels often reference townships and sections, providing a standardized method for identifying and conveying property.
While the term “township” may have different meanings and functions in various regions and jurisdictions, its role in real estate is rooted in the systematic division and administration of land, as well as the legal and historical significance of the PLSS. Understanding townships is essential for professionals involved in real estate transactions, land development, surveying, and property management, as they provide a framework for organizing and identifying land parcels within a geographic area.
