What is the rule of construction for a deed that does not close?

The rule of construction for a deed that does not close pertains to how the property boundaries are determined when the deed descriptions can be ambiguous or incomplete. The principle of holding all bearings over distances asserts that, in surveying and property descriptions, the directional bearings (angles relative to cardinal directions) take precedence and should govern the interpretation of the distances specified in the deed.

When a deed doesn't provide a clear closure point, the bearings guide the surveyor in understanding how to plot the property boundaries accurately. This approach ensures that the intended property lines are respected, maintaining the integrity of the parcel's location and dimensions. It reflects the legal principle that in cases of ambiguity, the intent reflected in the directional bearings is prioritized to ensure that the property description remains as true to the surveyor's and the original grantor’s intent as possible.

Other options do not capture the essential focus on the legal weight of bearings versus distance; for instance, being flexible with property dimensions might lead to inaccuracies, and relying solely on graphical representations might overlook important legal terminologies in the deed. Excluding encumbrances could misrepresent the developer's and purchaser's rights or responsibilities and does not address the aspect of boundary definition that is crucial in measuring the intent of the deed.