Which method of property description is most commonly utilized in New York State?

The most commonly utilized method of property description in New York State is the block and lot system. This method is straightforward and provides a simple way to identify parcels of land. It combines the use of a block number and a lot number within a specified survey area, typically a city or town. This system allows for easy identification, record-keeping, and referencing of properties, particularly in urban areas where properties are closely packed together.

In New York State, where there are extensive urban developments, the block and lot system has been adopted by municipalities to streamline the process of land use planning and property taxation. Each parcel of land is assigned a unique block and lot number, which can be traced back to public records, helping to facilitate property transactions and ownership verification.

While other methods, such as metes and bounds, plat maps, and geographic information systems, have their uses, they tend to be less common for everyday property transactions and descriptions in this specific state context. Metes and bounds can be intricate and are often used in rural areas, while plat maps and GIS are typically utilized for broader planning rather than for day-to-day property identification.