Survey Division

The Survey Division of Washington County Public Works is managed by the County Surveyor. Functions include:

Preservation of the U.S. Public Land Survey corners
Land parcel mapping
Torrens application review
Subdivision plat review
Geodetic control
Acquisition of aerial photography

Data Map

Interactive GIS viewer for Parcel Maps, PLS corners, Survey Control Stations, Section Worksheets, and Certificates of Survey. General Land Office (GLO) maps from the original U.S. Public Land Survey (1848) are available as a map layer. Adjust the opacity to view multiple layers at once.

Parcel Data / GIS

Washington County GIS parcel polygons are included in the Metro Regional Parcel Dataset and can be downloaded for free from the Minnesota Geospatial Commons.

Half-Section PDF maps are available to view and download using the Data Map.

Parcel data can also be viewed from the GIS Property Viewer.

Plat Review

Subdivision Plats are reviewed for professional standards, mathematical closure, compliance with Minnesota Statutes, and other regulations. Each plat is approved by the County Surveyor according to Chapter 820, Laws of Minnesota - 1971, prior to recording.

Washington County has adopted the Manual of Guidelines for Platting in Minnesota (PDF), a joint publication of the Minnesota Society of Professional Surveyors (MSPS) and the Minnesota Association of County Surveyors (MACS). The Washington County Addendum (PDF) provides guidance specific to platting in Washington County.

FAQs

Where can I get a plat book for Washington County?

The 2016 plat book can be purchased at the Surveyor's Office and at

Can I get a map of my property?

We can print a parcel map to scale on 11 x 17 inch paper. It will show adjoining parcels and approximate dimensions. This map is NOT a survey and is for reference purposes only. Parcel lines can also be printed with aerial photography in the background. Again, the lines are approximate.

Do you have aerial photos from past years?

Yes, aerial photography is available in 5 to 10 year intervals from 1936 to 2019.

Is there an actual survey of my property on file?

Maybe. We can check our records for land parcels that have a Certificate of Survey on file. Surveys are available for viewing during office hours. Since copyright laws apply, photo copies may not be made for some surveys. For platted parcels, you may also purchase a copy of the recorded subdivision plat.

Can I order products by phone or email?

Yes, you may call the office with your request and provide your card information over the phone. You may also send an e-mail to Publicworks@co.washington.mn.us with your request, name, and phone number. We will then contact you at the number provided with the total cost, and to receive your card information.

I need to find my property lines. What should I do?

Contact a Licensed Land Surveyor in private practice to have your property surveyed. Search the internet for Land Surveyor near me; or check your local phone book listings under "Surveyors - Land".

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