West Frankfort adopts stricter rules for lake-lot transfers, citing Illinois Plat Act

The West Frankfort board voted to adopt an amended ordinance tightening procedures for transfers and sales of long-term lake leases after the city attorney warned the prior practice relied on an unrecorded plat that could breach Illinois law.

The city attorney told the council that the city owns the land around the lake and that homeowners only own the structures on those lots, and that an informal, unrecorded plat used since the 1960s created legal risk. "People were relying on an unrecorded plat," the attorney said, and that county officials now insist on accurate surveys to comply with the Illinois Plat Act. "I do recommend that the council adopt this ordinance," the attorney added.

Under the amendment, property owners who wish to sell or transfer their lake lots must begin the process at city hall, follow the city’s outlined procedures, advertise the property as required and provide a professional survey that accurately describes lot boundaries. The city attorney noted the survey requirement is likely the biggest added cost to sellers but said the county requires it to avoid violating the Illinois Plat Act.

The council adopted the ordinance on a voice/roll-call vote recorded as affirmative by Commissioners Warren, Stanley and Howard. The measure was presented as a procedural change to reduce legal exposure and to enforce accurate boundary descriptions for any future transfers.

City officials said staff will provide further guidance at city hall for residents who need to start the transfer process.