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What Is a Lot Number?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A lot number is a number which is assigned to a lot of land within the context of a subdivision. Lot numbers are part of the so-called "lot and block" survey system, which is used to identify land which has been broken up into a number of smaller units. Lot numbers and assessor's parcel numbers (APNs) are both used to refer to lots of land, but the numbers used for the same piece of land will be different because different recordkeeping systems are involved.

When land is subdivided, it is broken into blocks, divided by streets and other thoroughfares, and each block is divided further into lots. The lots may be identified with numbers or letters. The lot number allows someone to identify a lot of land within a subdivision.

In subdivision developments, each lot is assigned a number.
In subdivision developments, each lot is assigned a number.

It is necessary to have a map of the subdivision to find the lot a specific number is referring to. The lot number does not convey additional information like the size of the lot, the zoning, and so forth; this information must be gleaned from the documentation for the individual lot. Maps of subdivisions show the outlines of the lots, with each being assigned a number. This allows people to identify lots quickly and easily — someone can say "Lot 25" instead of "the lot two houses down from the corner of Spruce and Waybrook Streets," for example. In formal documentation related to the lot, the lot number may be used as an identifier.

In the U.S., regular construction of the modern subdivision began in 1926.
In the U.S., regular construction of the modern subdivision began in 1926.

While land is in development, it is not uncommon to use lot numbers to refer to individual lots. Once structures are built and addresses are assigned, people may prefer to use addresses, rather than lot numbers, to refer to their property. In written descriptions of the property, the address and the lot number will both be included, along with other data to ensure that the lot is described fully and completely and to eliminate any confusion about boundaries, the precise location, and other information.

Assessor's parcel numbers also refer to lots, except that they do not use the lot number as an identifier. Instead, the APN is a code which reveals where information about that lot is recorded. Every assessor's office works differently, but the APN usually consists of a string of letters and sometimes numbers which tells people which record book the entry can be found in, and which entry is being referred to.

When and How To Find Lot Number of a Property

Although a lot number alone does not reveal the most essential information about a piece of property, homeowners may need to know their lot number to access detailed property information. Owners commonly need such information if they are planning to expand the building that sits on a piece of property, construct boundaries along property lines or make similar structural changes. Once a structure on a property has been constructed, it is assigned a street address and will no longer be commonly referred to by its lot number, so it may take some research to find this information.

Check the Property Deed

The simplest way to find a property lot number is to check the deed. A property deed usually consists of two parts: a portion that confers ownership of the property and a section that lists detailed information about the property's tax status, size of the lot, official measurements and landmark descriptions. A deed will also list a property's lot and block number.

When a property is fully paid for, the owners are given an official copy of the deed for record-keeping purposes and will have easy access to all the information contained in the documentation. However, when a property has a lien on it, the lien-holder keeps the deed until the debt is paid. Property owners may find themselves in a catch-22 in which they need their deed to discover their lot number, but may well need their lot or parcel number to get access to their deed. In these situations, it may be necessary to pursue an alternative course of action.

Visit the County Assessor Website

Property information, deeds, tax information and other details are often maintained on a county level rather than a city level. The best place to start researching a property lot number is to navigate to the county assessor's website. Frequently, the county has online forms and tools to guide visitors to the details they need, often with as little information as the property address. Depending on the county in which a person resides and the regulations in place, this process can be as simple as filling out an online form or it can require a more strenuous approval process that requires the seeker to provide more detailed information.

Contact Officials in Person

Smaller counties may not have a robust site that offers the convenience of online search tools. In this instance, property owners need to contact the assessor's office by phone or in person to find out what processes it has in place to obtain a lot number. In some cases, it is the city that handles these records rather than the county, and a good first contact is to reach out to city hall to begin the search.

Can Property Owners Subdivide Their Own Lots?

This seems like a simple question, but the answer is complex. The determination of lots within a lock and block system is a multistep legal process. Individual owners may be able to replicate that process on a smaller scale, but they need to do a fair amount of research on restrictions to be certain.

Deed Restrictions

Not investigating deed restrictions is a common mistake made by individuals and investors. Simply purchasing a property does not mean that owners can then do with that property whatever they wish. Most deeds have some restrictions written into them. There may be restrictions on several elements of a property, including:

  • Size and extent of building expansions or additions
  • Limitations on physical structures such as fencing
  • Addition or removal of landscaping or trees
  • Guidelines on aesthetic choices such as exterior paint colors
  • Rezoning restrictions
  • Ability to subdivide the property

Deed restrictions can be challenged, but the process can be lengthy and expensive. All potential property owners should be proactive in researching any restrictions written into the deeds of property they intend to buy, especially on older properties and structures when the restrictions may be unknown even to the seller.

State and Local Restrictions

If a property is free of any deed restrictions that inhibit subdivision, an owner then needs to investigate whether any state, county or city regulations will inhibit the process. It is advisable to retain the services of a professional well-versed in local real estate law to help at this point. Legal professionals have a base of knowledge that an owner lacks. Additionally, should everything work out in an owner's favor, he or she will need professional guidance in moving forward with the subdivision of property. This is a lengthy process that includes receiving government approval and generating new lot assignments and deeds for each separate parcel of land.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a house lot number?

A lot number for a house is a unique identification assigned to a specific parcel of land on which a house has been constructed. It is often assigned by the local government or a land developer and is used to identify the particular location of the property.

Where can I get my house's lot number?

The lot number for your house is normally found on your property deed or on your property tax bill. You can also receive this information through your local government's land records department.

How does the lot number affect the value of my home?

The lot number can affect the value of your home in a variety of ways. A house on a larger lot with a lower lot number, for example, may be worth more than a house on a smaller lot with a higher lot number. Furthermore, the lot's location and attributes can have an impact on its value.

Can the lot number for my house be changed?

If the property is subdivided or united with another property, the lot number for your house may change. This usually necessitates approval from the local government and can have an impact on your property taxes and zoning regulations.

Can my house's lot number affect my mortgage or home insurance?

If your house is in a high-risk location, such as a flood zone or earthquake zone, the lot number can affect your mortgage or home insurance. For properties in these areas, lenders and insurance providers may request additional documentation or coverage.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

LisaLou

@golf07 - I also remember that recall. I was scrambling to find my infant motrin recall 2010 lot numbers when that was announced. Thankfully, my lot number was not a part of that recall, but it still makes you wonder sometimes.

Lot numbers also remind me of yarn! I love to crochet and when I am working on a project I always try to buy enough skeins of yarn that are the same lot number so the color matches. There have been a few projects when I had to purchase more yarn and the lot number was different. It really does make a difference in the color of your finished product if you have to use different lot numbers.

golf07

I am familiar with lot numbers when it comes to a parcel of land. We just had to pay property taxes and this information is always included on out statement to the county. Most people probably have no idea what their lot number is and just use their mailing address.

Usually when I think of a lot number I think of certain lot numbers that have been recalled. I remember when there was a motrin recall for lot numbers. I had just purchased a bottle of motrin and made sure to check the lot number to see if it was one that was included in the recall batch.

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    • In subdivision developments, each lot is assigned a number.
      By: AZP Worldwide
      In subdivision developments, each lot is assigned a number.
    • In the U.S., regular construction of the modern subdivision began in 1926.
      By: iofoto
      In the U.S., regular construction of the modern subdivision began in 1926.