Under what condition may a plot less than 160 acres not need a survey?

A plot of land that is less than 160 acres may not require a survey if it is created for a single gift or a sale to immediate family. This is often due to the nature of the transaction, which tends to be more informal and may not necessitate the same level of scrutiny as other types of land transfers. When transferring property within family, especially in smaller transactions, the involved parties might rely on existing boundaries and communal knowledge about the property rather than a formal survey.

In many jurisdictions, including Montana, regulations regarding surveying may take into account the intent of the transaction and the relationship between parties. For instance, when it’s clear that the land transfer is between family members, and there is a mutual understanding of the boundaries, a survey might be viewed as unnecessary, thereby simplifying the transaction process.

In contrast, other options may not meet the criteria for bypassing a survey due to legal, regulatory, or logistical requirements. Land sold to the highest bidder or as part of a larger development often involves legal complexities that necessitate a clear and precise survey to avoid disputes. Similarly, property in rural areas could still require a survey depending on local zoning laws or if the property division leads to uncertainty about boundaries.