The Subdivision Ordinance establishes regulations for the division and development of land. Standards are set for lot and street design, drainage, park dedication, required improvements and similar concerns. The subdivision of land must be coordinated with the Zoning Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan.

The Subdivision Ordinance also translates the Comprehensive Plan into law and establishes the procedures for subdivision of land in the community into streets, blocks, buildable lots, and open spaces consistent with the plan.

The Subdivision Ordinance provides for harmonious development of subdivided areas such as the coordinated layout and proper arrangement of streets and utilities, recreation areas, and lot sizes which meet the minimum zoning ordinance requirements, when developed within a city boundary, as well as the various development objectives within the community. 

The Planning Commission reviews subdivision plats in the form of a preliminary and final plat. The commission may approve the preliminary plat, suggest changes, or deny the plat. The developer (subdivider) is then required to prepare a final plat based on the commission’s recommendations during the preliminary plat review. The preliminary plat may involve a larger area, such as a whole neighborhood, and the final plat may only be for the area considered marketable within a reasonable time frame. As part of the approval of the final plat, the Commission may recommend contractual provision between the community and subdivider for the provisions of streets, utilities and parks. Once approved by the Planning Commission, the final plat is filed with the County Clerk and only at that time do the parcels become recorded and salable lots.

For more information regarding a Subdivision Application and filing fees, please call (270) 389-2093.