| Land subdivision is a very time consuming and | | | | developer will need approval from many different |
| challenging process. Regulations can vary by | | | | government departments and agencies. |
| government jurisdiction and the process can take | | | | In addition, there are a substantial number of |
| months (or even years) to complete. | | | | independent professionals that must be involved in the |
| I would define land subdivision as "any parcel of land | | | | land subdivision process. Because of the time |
| that is divided into parcels or lots that exceed a | | | | constraints and costs involved, the developer needs to |
| pre-described amount." However, this definition is often | | | | carefully monitor the project and hire the required |
| insufficient. There are many locational variations | | | | professionals. |
| between cities, counties and states in the requirements | | | | Approval Process |
| for land subdivision that must be considered. | | | | Upon agency and department approval, the plat map is |
| Accordingly, knowledge of local practices and relevant | | | | usually recorded with the County Recorder. The Tax |
| governmental requirements are essential to the correct | | | | Assessor is then provided with the necessary legal |
| understanding of land subdivision. | | | | authority to demand maps, drawings and workpapers |
| The following discussion of the land subdivision | | | | pertinent to the property. |
| process is meant only as a guide. Not only are there | | | | When sufficient information is submitted, the Assessor |
| variations in rules and regulations depending on the | | | | prepares a map to accurately reflect the new land |
| government jurisdiction, there are often many | | | | subdivision, assigns each parcel a parcel number, and |
| exceptions that can be very complicated, so make | | | | establishes a county subdivision file. |
| sure that you verify the requirements with your state | | | | Often the State Department of Real Estate reviews |
| and local governments. | | | | the submitted data and performs an inspection of the |
| Preparation | | | | land subdivision. If the application submitted is complete |
| Careful consideration is required during the preparation | | | | and acceptable, a public report on the subdivision will |
| process. The developer prepares a plat map and any | | | | be issued and the developer may proceed with any |
| other documentation that may be required by the | | | | sales activities associated with the subdivided parcels. |
| various governmental agencies involved. These | | | | Summary |
| requirements are often included in an application for a | | | | The land subdivision process can be very complex |
| subdivision public report. | | | | and time consuming. It is often very risky and usually |
| These documents are then submitted to a variety of | | | | requires a significant financial investment. The process |
| agencies for their approval. Often these governmental | | | | can be as short as several months but can be as |
| agencies establish specific requirements for the entire | | | | lengthy as several years in some of the difficult |
| subdivision, and may also specify certain requirements | | | | regulatory markets. |
| for all (or any given number) of the individual lots within | | | | I would recommend educating yourself on the process |
| a subdivision. | | | | as early as possible. In addition, always plan for |
| Depending on the project and the legal and regulatory | | | | surprises as they are almost sure to take place. |
| environment surrounding the land subdivision, a | | | | |