Registry of Deeds Plan Rules
In accordance with General Laws, Chapter 36, section 13A, the registers of deeds of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with the approval of the Attorney General hereby promulgate the following rules for plans to be recorded at registries of deeds. Modifications to the prior version are shown in bold print and shall take effect on September 1, 2023:
1. Plan sizes shall be a minimum of eight and one-half inches by eleven inches (8 1/2″ x 11″) and a maximum of twenty-four inches by thirty-six inches (24″ x 36″)
2. Plans being presented for recording shall be on linen or polyester film, single matte or double matte with a thickness of .003 mils or .004 mils, and must have an opacity so as to allow consistent diazo and microfilm reproduction.
3. All plans shall be prepared using a compatible ink with excellent cohesiveness which will produce a permanent bond and result in a plan with long term durability. All signatures must be in black India ink or its equal.
4. Linen or polyester reproductions shall be accepted for recording provided they contain original signatures and comply with the other requirements for the recording of plans.
5. Each plan shall have three quarter inch (3/4″) borders.
6. The minimum letter size on plans presented for recording shall be one-eighth (1/8″) if free-hand lettering is used and one-tenth inch (1/10″) if lettering guides are used.
7. Each plan presented for recording shall include a graphic scale.
8. Each plan shall have an area reserved to receive planning board recitation or contain a surveyors certification as per Chapter 380, Acts of 1966 (G.L. c.41, s.81x).
9. Each plan shall have a three and one-half (3 1/2″) square reserved for registry use.
10. Each plan must contain a certification clause signed by the preparer stating that they have conformed with the rules of the Registers of Deeds in preparing the plan.
11. No definitive subdivision plan may be recorded unless accompanied by a certificate of municipal liens, indicating that all taxes then assessed against the land shown on the plan have been paid in full. MGL c. 60, §23. It is the responsibility of the respective boards of each city or town to forward all necessary municipal lien information to the Registry of Deeds. MGL c. 41, §81X.