A transfer of ownership of streets and sidewalks to give the public the right of use—typically conveyed by a developer to the city or county upon completion of construction of a subdivision.

• A. Land acquisition
• B. Recording the subdivision plat map
• C. Dedication
• D. Local REALTOR associations

Answer: (C)

Dedication is the act of giving property to the public for use by everyone. In a subdivision, the developer can dedicate the streets and sidewalks to the city or county, typically by including them in the subdivision plat and delivering a dedication instrument. Once the local government accepts the dedication, these streets become public rights-of-way, and the city or county takes on responsibility for maintenance and future improvements. This is the mechanism by which the public gains use of the new streets and sidewalks after construction is completed.

This isn’t land acquisition, which is when a government buys land; it isn’t merely recording the subdivision plat map, which documents boundaries but doesn’t itself transfer ownership for public use; and it isn’t related to REALTOR associations, which are professional groups for licensees.