How Can I Find Detailed Parcel Information for My Property?
- Craig Kaiser
- Jan 12
- 4 min read
Buying or owning land is a significant investment. You might think you know everything about your plot of dirt, but the legal boundaries, ownership history, and zoning regulations tell a much deeper story. If you’ve ever stared at a fence line and wondered if it’s actually in the right place, or tried to figure out who owns the vacant lot next door, you’ve been looking for parcel information. Traditionally, finding this data meant trips to the county clerk’s office, digging through dusty filing cabinets, or paying for expensive subscriptions.
That’s where LandApp changes the game. We believe property data should be accessible to everyone. In this guide, we’ll break down what parcel data actually is, why it matters, and how you can access detailed reports for your property- completely free- using LandApp. Find your parcel on our map to get your free property report and see detailed parcel information for your property today:
What is Parcel Information?
Parcel information is the official data record for a specific piece of land for identification, taxation, and record-keeping, primarily managed by local governments like county assessor's offices. Every piece of real estate in the United States is assigned a parcel number, often called an Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN). This unique identifier links the land to a wealth of public records maintained by local government agencies. While a street address tells you where a house sits, parcel data tells you about the land itself.
Comprehensive parcel information typically includes:
Property Boundaries: The exact shape and dimensions of the lot.
Ownership Details: Who currently owns the property and their mailing address.
Tax History: Past property tax assessments and payment status.
Zoning Codes: Regulations dictating how the land can be used (residential, commercial, agricultural, etc.).
Acreage: The precise size of the lot.
Sales History: Previous purchase prices and transfer dates.
Land Use: Current classification of the property.
Why is Parcel Information Important for Landowners?
Parcel information is essential for landowners as it clearly defines property boundaries, ownership, and legal status. It helps prevent disputes, ensures accurate property taxes, facilitates sales through unique identifiers like APNs, and supports development by outlining zoning, easements, and neighborhood details. This information serves as a crucial record for all property-related activities, from understanding land value to adhering to local regulations. You don’t need to be a real estate developer to benefit from parcel data. Whether you are a homeowner, a property investor, or simply curious about your property, having access to these details is crucial for making informed decisions.
1) Verification of Ownership and Boundaries
Disputes over property lines are surprisingly common. A neighbor might build a shed that crosses onto your land, or a fence might be installed a few feet off the actual boundary. Accessing the official parcel map helps you visualize your property lines. While it doesn't replace a professional survey, it provides a strong starting point for understanding exactly what you own. Additionally, knowing the legal owner of adjacent properties allows you to contact them directly regarding shared concerns, like overgrown trees or drainage issues.
2) Understanding Potential Land Use
Zoning laws can be complex. Just because you own the land doesn't mean you can build whatever you want on it. Parcel information reveals the zoning code attached to your property. This code determines if you can build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), start a home business, or keep livestock. If you are buying land, checking the zoning is the first step to ensuring your dream project is actually legal.
3) Accurate Tax Assessments
Property taxes are often the largest carrying cost for landowners. Assessors sometimes make mistakes regarding lot size or improvements, which can lead to over-taxation. By reviewing your parcel data, you can verify that the county has the correct information on file. If you find discrepancies, like being taxed for a structure that was demolished years ago, you can use the parcel data to contest the assessment and potentially save money.
How Can I Find Detailed Parcel Information for My Property?
To find detailed parcel information for your property, you can visit your County Assessor's website. There, you can typically search by address, owner, or parcel number on their GIS/Parcel Viewer to find tax, zoning, and permit data. You can also check the County Recorder/Clerk for deeds or use online platforms like LandApp for maps and boundary details. LandApp has aggregated data from thousands of counties across the U.S. into one seamless, easy-to-use interface.
Step 1: Search by Address, APN, or Location
To get detailed parcel information for your property using LandApp's free tools, start by finding your parcel on LandApp's map on desktop or on our free mobile app, available on the Apple and Google Play stores. You don’t need to know the obscure legal description of your land. Just type in the street address, the Assessor’s Parcel Number (if you have it), or even zoom in on the map to find your property.
Step 2: Instantly View Property Details
Once you select a parcel to create a Property Report, our system will immediately show you your property lines and parcel details, like acreage, APN, parcel ID, address, and coordinates. You can export this information into a free PDF Property Report to see the details, or view it within the Parcel Data and Property Features tabs. This data is completely free.
Step 3: Upgrade to LandApp Pro to See Assessor data
If you'd like to see ownership and assessor data (including sales and transaction history) for your property, subscribe to LandApp Pro for $6/ month. When you subscribe to LandApp Pro, you gain access to ownership and assessor data for properties across the country, not just your own property.
