Why is a parcel's street address considered an insufficient legal description?

A parcel's street address is considered an insufficient legal description primarily because it lacks permanence and does not provide sufficient data for a surveyor to accurately identify the boundaries of the property. Street addresses can vary significantly depending on the local addressing system, which means they may not remain consistent over time or across different jurisdictions. Furthermore, a street address does not define specific measurements or geographic features, making it inadequate for legal purposes where precise demarcation of property lines is necessary. Legal descriptions must be clear and detailed to ensure that the ownership and boundaries are well established and recognizable, which is not achievable with just a street address.

While a street address may be useful for mailing purposes, it does not convey the precise location needed for land transactions, zoning, or property assessments, thus emphasizing the importance of using more formal and permanent descriptions in legal and professional contexts.