What is a Township in Real Estate? Definition & Benefits

In real estate, townships have emerged as a popular choice for those seeking a lifestyle that blends convenience, security, and a sense of community. These meticulously planned developments offer a comprehensive array of amenities and facilities, catering to the diverse needs of residents. From sprawling residential enclaves to bustling commercial hubs, townships redefine the concept of modern living. Let’s delve into the world of townships, exploring their unique characteristics and the myriad benefits they bestow upon their inhabitants.

Township in Real Estate

In real estate, a “township” typically refers to a method of land measurement and description used in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) in the United States. Here’s what you should know:

1. Measurement: A township is a unit of land measurement covering 36 square miles (approximately 93 square kilometers).
2. Subdivisions: Townships are subdivided into 36 sections, each measuring 1 square mile (640 acres).
3. Location Identification: Townships are identified by their range (east or west of a principal meridian) and township number (north or south of a baseline).
4. Legal Descriptions: Real estate parcels are often legally described using the PLSS, including references to townships, sections, and ranges.

Understanding townships is essential for accurately describing and identifying land parcels, especially in areas where the PLSS is used for land surveying and property description.

Rectangular Survey System

The Rectangular Survey System, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is a method used to divide and describe land in the United States. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Components:

1. Principal Meridians:
   • Definition: North-south lines that serve as reference points for measuring east and west.
   • Example: The 6th Principal Meridian, which runs through Kansas and Nebraska.
2. Base Lines:
   • Definition: East-west lines that intersect principal meridians at specific points.
   • Example: The Base Line running through Arkansas.
3. Townships:
   • Definition: Squares of land measuring 6 miles by 6 miles, creating an area of 36 square miles.
   • Identification: Located by their distance from the principal meridian (east or west) and base line (north or south), e.g., T2N R3W (Township 2 North, Range 3 West).
4. Sections:
   • Definition: Each township is divided into 36 sections, each measuring 1 mile by 1 mile (640 acres).
   • Numbering: Sections are numbered 1 through 36, starting in the northeast corner and snaking west and east alternately down to the southeast corner.

Survey Process:

1. Initial Point:
   • Establishment: The intersection of a principal meridian and base line.
2. Range Lines:
   • Purpose: Run parallel to principal meridians, every 6 miles, marking the east and west boundaries of townships.
3. Township Lines:
   • Purpose: Run parallel to base lines, every 6 miles, marking the north and south boundaries of townships.

Government Survey System

The Government Survey System, also known as the Rectangular Survey System or Public Land Survey System (PLSS), is a method used to systematically divide and describe land in the United States. Established by the Land Ordinance of 1785, it uses principal meridians and base lines to create a grid of townships and ranges.

Key Elements:

1. Principal Meridians and Base Lines:
   • Principal meridians run north-south, and base lines run east-west, intersecting at initial points.
2. Townships:
   • Townships are 6 miles by 6 miles, divided into 36 sections of 1 square mile (640 acres) each. They are numbered relative to their position from the principal meridian (east or west) and the base line (north or south).
3. Sections:
   • Each township contains 36 sections, numbered from 1 to 36 in a boustrophedon (snaking) pattern.

Purpose:

The system standardizes land descriptions, making land transactions, ownership records, and legal descriptions uniform and easier to understand. It is primarily used in the central and western United States.

Example:

A property described as “Section 10, Township 2 North, Range 3 West, 6th Principal Meridian” is located in the 10th section of the second township north of the baseline and third range west of the principal meridian.

Public Land Survey System

The Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is a method used in the United States to divide and describe land. Established in 1785, it uses principal meridians (north-south lines) and base lines (east-west lines) to create a grid of townships and ranges.

Key Features:

• Townships: 6 miles by 6 miles, divided into 36 sections of 1 square mile (640 acres) each.
• Sections: Numbered 1 to 36 in a boustrophedon (snaking) pattern.

Purpose:

The PLSS standardizes land descriptions, facilitating clear and consistent land transactions, ownership records, and legal descriptions. It is mainly used in the central and western United States.

Understanding Townships

In the context of the Rectangular Survey System, a township is a crucial unit of land measurement used for describing and dividing land in the United States. Here’s a brief overview:

Township Overview:

1. Size and Structure:
   • A township measures 6 miles by 6 miles, covering a total area of 36 square miles.
2. Subdivision into Sections:
   • Each township is divided into 36 sections, each 1 mile by 1 mile (640 acres).
3. Identification:
   • Townships are identified based on their position relative to a principal meridian and a base line.
   • Example: “Township 2 North, Range 3 West” (T2N R3W) indicates the township is the second tier north of the base line and the third tier west of the principal meridian.

Purpose:

• Standardization: Provides a uniform system for describing land, facilitating property identification, transactions, and legal documentation.
• Land Management: Helps in organizing land for sale, settlement, and development.

Key Points:

• Sections: Numbered 1 to 36 in a boustrophedonic (snaking) pattern starting from the northeast corner.
• Ease of Use: Simplifies the process of land surveying and reduces ambiguities in land descriptions.

Understanding townships is essential for real estate professionals, surveyors, and anyone involved in land transactions in the U.S.

Square Miles

A square mile is a unit of area measurement commonly used in the United States to describe large land areas. One square mile is equivalent to the area of a square with each side measuring one mile in length. It encompasses 640 acres.

Key Points:

1. Measurement: 1 mile x 1 mile = 1 square mile.
2. Acreage: 1 square mile = 640 acres.
3. Usage: Used to describe land areas, particularly in real estate, agriculture, and geographic studies.

Example:

A township in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) is 36 square miles, consisting of 36 sections, each one square mile in size.

Township Lines

Township lines are key components of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) in the United States. They run parallel to base lines at six-mile intervals, extending both north and south. These lines divide the land into squares called townships, each measuring six miles by six miles.

Characteristics:

1. Spacing: Township lines are spaced six miles apart.
2. Townships: The squares formed by township and range lines are called townships, comprising 36 sections of one square mile each.
3. Identification: Townships are identified by their position relative to the baseline and principal meridian, such as T2N R3W (Township 2 North, Range 3 West).

Township lines help create a grid system that standardizes land descriptions for legal and real estate purposes.

Range Lines

Range lines are key components of the Government Survey System (Rectangular Survey System or PLSS) used to divide and describe land in the United States.

Definition:

• Range Lines: North-south lines running parallel to a principal meridian, spaced 6 miles apart.

Purpose:

• Township Division: Range lines, combined with township lines (which run east-west), create a grid of townships.
• Identification: Townships are identified by their position relative to the principal meridian (e.g., Range 3 West or Range 2 East).

Example:

A township located three ranges west of the principal meridian and two townships north of the baseline would be described as “T2N R3W.”

Meridians and Baselines

Meridians and baselines are crucial components of the Rectangular Survey System (Public Land Survey System – PLSS) used in the United States.

Principal Meridians:

• Definition: North-south lines that serve as reference points for land surveying.
• Purpose: Used to measure east and west distances.
• Example: The 6th Principal Meridian runs through Kansas and Nebraska.

Base Lines:

• Definition: East-west lines that intersect principal meridians.
• Purpose: Used to measure north and south distances.
• Example: The Base Line running through Arkansas.

Together, they form the foundational grid for surveying land, creating townships and ranges to standardize land descriptions.

Guide Meridians

Guide meridians are supplementary north-south lines used in the Rectangular Survey System to correct for the Earth’s curvature. Unlike principal meridians, which serve as primary reference lines, guide meridians are established every 24 miles east or west of a principal meridian. They ensure the accuracy and uniformity of township and range boundaries as the survey grid extends outward.

Purpose:

They help adjust for the convergence of meridians, maintaining consistent township sizes and preventing distortion.

Example:

In a land survey, every fourth township line (24 miles apart) is aligned with a guide meridian to correct deviations from true north.

Base Lines

Base lines are crucial components of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) used in the United States to divide and describe land systematically. These east-west lines intersect principal meridians to form a grid system for identifying and locating parcels of land. They serve as reference points for defining the boundaries of townships and ranges within the survey system. Base lines are established at specific latitudes and are essential for accurately describing land parcels, ensuring uniformity in legal descriptions, property transactions, and land management. Understanding base lines is fundamental for surveyors, real estate professionals, and anyone involved in land ownership and development.

Sections and Subsections

In the context of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) used in the United States, “sections” and “subsections” refer to the standardized divisions of land within a township:

Sections:

• Definition: A section is a square parcel of land measuring 1 mile by 1 mile, totaling 640 acres.
• Numbering: Sections within a township are numbered sequentially from 1 to 36.
• Arrangement: Sections are typically organized in a boustrophedon (alternating) pattern starting in the northeast corner of the township.

Subsections:

• Definition: Subsections are smaller divisions within a section.
• Purpose: Used for further detailing land parcels within a section, especially in irregular or fractional sections.
• Common Subdivisions: Subsections can be divided into quarter-sections (160 acres), quarter-quarter sections (40 acres), or other fractional parts depending on the surveyor’s needs.

Usage:

• Legal Descriptions: Sections and subsections are crucial for accurately describing and identifying parcels of land in legal documents, deeds, and surveys.
• Land Management: They provide a systematic framework for land management, ownership, and development across the country.

Understanding sections and subsections is essential for real estate professionals, surveyors, and landowners involved in transactions, boundary disputes, or land planning under the PLSS.

Section Number

In the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), a “section” refers to a standardized parcel of land measuring 1 mile by 1 mile, totaling 640 acres. Each section is identified by a unique number from 1 to 36 within its respective township, aiding in precise land description and legal documentation.

Numbering System

In the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), sections within townships are numbered sequentially from 1 to 36. Sections are further subdivided into quarter-sections (160 acres), quarter-quarter sections (40 acres), and other fractional parts. This numbering system helps identify and describe land parcels accurately.

Half Sections

In the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), a half section refers to a parcel of land measuring 320 acres. It is one-half of a full section, which totals 640 acres. Half sections are commonly used for legal descriptions and land transactions, providing flexibility in dividing larger sections of land into smaller parcels.

Quarter Sections

Quarter sections are subdivisions within a section of land in the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), each measuring 160 acres. They are further divided into quarter-quarter sections, each consisting of 40 acres. These divisions are crucial for legal descriptions and land management in real estate transactions and surveying.

Smaller Sections

In the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), smaller sections within a section are known as subdivisions or fractional sections. These include quarter-sections (160 acres), quarter-quarter sections (40 acres), and other fractional parts used to further delineate and describe land parcels for legal and survey purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a township?

Here are two examples of townships depending on location:

Example 1: Chester Township, Michigan (USA)

• Type: Rural township
• Description: Located outside of Lansing, Michigan, Chester Township is a sparsely populated area with a mix of farmland and scattered houses. The population is around 4,000 residents.
• Local Government: The township has a limited local government, with a focus on maintaining roads, providing basic fire and emergency services, and zoning regulations. There might be a small town center with a local store, post office, and possibly a community hall.

Example 2: Langley Township, British Columbia (Canada)

• Type: Suburban township
• Description: Langley Township is located in the Metro Vancouver area of British Columbia. It’s a more developed area with established residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and its own local government. The population is over 150,000 residents.
• Local Government: Langley Township has its own elected officials and a local government that manages services like parks and recreation, waste collection, and by-law enforcement. It functions similarly to a small city but might have a less dense population.

What is the meaning of township in real estate?

The meaning of “township” in real estate can actually have two different interpretations:

1. Unit of Land Measurement: In the historical context of the United States, a township refers to a specific unit of land measurement within the government survey system. This rectangular area typically measures 36 square miles and is further divided into sections. This definition is less relevant in everyday real estate transactions but plays a role in legal descriptions and property taxes.
2. Planned Community: This is a more common meaning in contemporary real estate. Here, a township refers to a large, self-contained development designed and built by a single developer. These townships aim to be self-sufficient and offer a variety of amenities within their boundaries, including:

• Residential areas (apartments, houses, etc.)
• Commercial areas (shops, restaurants, offices)
• Public infrastructure (schools, hospitals, parks)
• Essential services (water treatment, sewage systems)

Essentially, a township in this sense is a planned community that strives to provide everything residents need within a defined area. This approach is often seen in countries like India, where townships can offer a more controlled and managed living environment compared to traditional neighborhoods.

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What are the advantages / Benefits of a township?

In the context of real estate and land management, the concept of a township under the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) offers several advantages:

1. Standardized Land Division: Townships provide a systematic way to divide and organize land uniformly across large areas, facilitating clear legal descriptions and property ownership records.
2. Ease of Location: Each township is precisely located relative to principal meridians and base lines, making it easier to pinpoint specific parcels of land for surveying, transactions, and development.
3. Uniform Land Use Planning: Townships serve as a basis for zoning regulations, infrastructure development, and land use planning, ensuring efficient and organized community growth.
4. Historical Continuity: The PLSS has been in use since the late 1700s, providing a long-standing framework that enhances consistency in land management practices and legal proceedings.
5. Clarity in Property Transactions: Clearly defined townships and sections minimize ambiguity in property boundaries and legal disputes, promoting smoother real estate transactions.
6. Efficient Resource Management: By organizing land into standardized units, townships help optimize resource management, including water rights, mineral leases, and conservation efforts.

Overall, the township system under the PLSS promotes clarity, efficiency, and consistency in land management and development, benefiting both public and private interests involved in real estate and resource utilization.

How are townships different from traditional real estate projects?

Townships, as defined under the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) in the United States, differ significantly from traditional real estate projects in several ways:

1. Land Measurement and Division: Townships in the PLSS are standardized units of land measuring 6 miles by 6 miles (36 square miles). They are part of a grid system used for systematic land division and legal description, whereas traditional real estate projects vary in size and are often based on market demand and developer preferences.
2. Legal and Survey Framework: Townships under the PLSS are defined by their location relative to principal meridians and base lines, facilitating precise legal descriptions and surveying. In contrast, traditional real estate projects are typically described based on property boundaries and legal deeds specific to the project area.
3. Purpose and Use: Townships in the PLSS serve as a framework for organizing and managing large-scale land areas, including rural and undeveloped regions. Traditional real estate projects, on the other hand, are often focused on specific developments such as residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, or mixed-use complexes.
4. Historical Context: The PLSS, including townships, has historical roots dating back to the late 1700s and was established for public land management and settlement purposes. Traditional real estate projects are driven by contemporary market demands, investment opportunities, and urban planning considerations.
5. Regulatory and Planning Considerations: Townships under the PLSS are subject to federal and state regulations governing land use, zoning, and natural resource management. Traditional real estate projects must comply with local zoning laws, building codes, and environmental regulations specific to their location and project type.

In summary, townships under the PLSS represent a systematic approach to land management and legal description across large geographic areas, distinct from the more localized and market-driven nature of traditional real estate projects.

Are there any regulations governing the township real estate industry?

In the context of the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) in the United States, townships themselves do not constitute an industry but rather a method of land division and legal description. However, there are regulations and laws that govern various aspects related to land within townships:

1. Zoning and Land Use: Local, state, and federal regulations dictate how land within townships can be used, including zoning ordinances, environmental protections, and building codes.
2. Real Estate Transactions: Laws governing real estate transactions, such as contract laws, property rights, and disclosure requirements, apply to properties located within townships.
3. Public Land Management: Federal and state agencies manage public lands within townships, including regulations related to leasing, conservation, and access.
4. Surveying and Boundary Definitions: Surveying standards and regulations ensure accurate delineation of property boundaries within townships, crucial for legal descriptions and property ownership.
5. Environmental and Natural Resource Regulations: Regulations concerning water rights, mineral rights, wildlife protection, and conservation easements may apply to land within townships, depending on the location and jurisdiction.
6. Historical Preservation: Regulations may also protect historical sites and structures located within or near townships, preserving cultural heritage and maintaining community identity.

Understanding and complying with these regulations is essential for real estate professionals, landowners, developers, and government agencies involved in managing, developing, or utilizing land within townships under the PLSS framework.

How do townships relate to the rectangular survey system?

Townships are a fundamental component of the Rectangular Survey System, also known as the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), used in the United States. Under this system, townships are 6-mile by 6-mile squares of land, divided into 36 sections, each measuring 1 mile by 1 mile (640 acres). Townships are located and identified relative to principal meridians (north-south lines) and base lines (east-west lines), forming a grid pattern across the landscape. This systematic division allows for precise legal descriptions, surveying, and management of land parcels, facilitating orderly development, land ownership records, and resource management.

What are the components of a township?

A township, under the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) in the United States, consists of several key components:

1. Principal Meridian: North-south reference line used for dividing land.
2. Base Line: East-west reference line intersecting the principal meridian.
3. Township: A 6-mile by 6-mile area (36 square miles) of land, organized relative to the principal meridian and base line.
4. Sections: Each township is divided into 36 sections, each measuring 1 mile by 1 mile (640 acres).
5. Sections and Fractional Parts: Sections are further divided into smaller units, such as quarter-sections (160 acres) or quarter-quarter sections (40 acres), for more detailed land descriptions and legal boundaries.

How many sections make up a township?

A township under the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) consists of 36 sections. Each section is a square parcel of land measuring 1 mile by 1 mile, totaling 640 acres. The PLSS organizes townships into a grid system for systematic land division and legal description. Sections within a township are numbered sequentially from 1 to 36, typically starting in the northeast corner and snaking westward, then back eastward across the township. This standardized division facilitates accurate land surveys, property ownership records, and legal descriptions, essential for real estate transactions, land management, and resource utilization across the United States.

What is the size of a section within a township?

A section within a township, as defined under the Public Land Survey System (PLSS) in the United States, measures 1 mile by 1 mile. This equals 640 acres of land. The PLSS divides townships into 36 sections, numbered sequentially from 1 to 36. Each section is further subdivided into smaller parcels for detailed land description and legal delineation, forming the basis for property ownership records, land management, and real estate transactions across vast geographic areas. Understanding the size and organization of sections within townships is crucial for surveyors, land developers, and legal professionals involved in land use planning and property transactions.