What does "dedication" refer to in real property?

In the context of real property, "dedication" specifically refers to the voluntary transfer of property for public use. This process often occurs when a landowner donates a portion of their property for public purposes, such as parks, roads, or other community facilities. This act is generally formalized through a legal instrument or, at times, through the recording of a plat that designates certain portions of the property for public use.

This transfer is significant because it allows the community to benefit from the land without the need for a government purchase. The act of dedication underscores the landowner's intent to contribute to the public good and is an essential aspect of planning and development within a community.

In contrast, selling property to a government entity involves a transaction where the landowner receives compensation, which does not encapsulate the spirit of voluntary giving for public interest seen in dedication. Restrictions placed on future property sales refer more to encumbrances or conditions attached to the land, rather than the outright transfer of land for public use. Legal disputes over property boundaries are unrelated to the concept of dedication, as they involve disagreements about property lines rather than the intention to dedicate land for community benefit.