involved in the land subdivision process. Because of the time and costs involved, the developer needs to closely monitor the project and hire the appropriate professionals.

Approval Process

Upon agency approval, the plat map is usually recorded with the County Recorder. The Tax Assessor is then provided with the necessary legal authority to demand maps, drawings and papers pertinent to such property.

When sufficient information is received, the Assessor prepares a

Many people ask me about the land subdivision process. Land Subdivision is a very complex process and not very easily explained. Regulations vary by government jurisdiction and the process can be lengthy.

I would generally define land subdivision as “any parcel of land that is divided into lots, parcels or fractional interests that exceed a pre-described amount.” However, this definition, when considered alone, is insufficient. There are many variations between cities, counties and individual states in the requirements for land subdivision that must be considered. Accordingly, knowledge of local practices, as well as relevant statutory requirements, is essential to the correct understanding of subdivision law.

The following discussion of the land subdivision process is meant only as a general guide. Not only are there differing rules and regulations depending on the government jurisdiction, there are many exceptions to these rules that can be very complicated, so make sure that you check with your state and local governments.

Preparation

Careful detail is required during the preparation process. The developer prepares a plat map and any other supporting documentation which may be required by the various governmental agencies involved. These requirements are usually included in an application for a subdivision public report.

These documents are then submitted to any number of agencies for their approval. One or more of these governmental agencies may establish specific requirements for the subdivision as a whole, and may also specify certain requirements for all (or any given number) of the individual parcels within a subdivision.

Depending on the project and the regulatory environment surrounding the land subdivision, a developer will need approval from many government departments and agencies.

In addition, there are a substantial number of professionals that need to be involved in the land subdivision process. Because of the time and costs involved, the developer needs to closely monitor the project and hire the appropriate professionals.

Approval Process

Upon agency approval, the plat map is usually recorded with the County Recorder. The Tax Assessor is then provided with the necessary legal authority to demand maps, drawings and papers pertinent to such property.

When sufficient information is received, the Assessor prepares a

nties and individual states in the requirements for land subdivision that must be considered. Accordingly, knowledge of local practices, as well as relevant statutory requirements, is essential to the correct understanding of subdivision law.

The following discussion of the land subdivision process is meant only as a general guide. Not only are there differing rules and regulations depending on the government jurisdiction, there are many exceptions to these rules that can be very complicated, so make sure that you check with your state and local governments.

Preparation

Careful detail is required during the preparation process. The developer prepares a plat map and any other supporting documentation which may be required by the various governmental agencies involved. These requirements are usually included in an application for a subdivision public report.

These documents are then submitted to any number of agencies for their approval. One or more of these governmental agencies may establish specific requirements for the subdivision as a whole, and may also specify certain requirements for all (or any given number) of the individual parcels within a subdivision.

Depending on the project and the regulatory environment surrounding the land subdivision, a developer will need approval from many government departments and agencies.

In addition, there are a substantial number of professionals that need to be involved in the land subdivision process. Because of the time and costs involved, the developer needs to closely monitor the project and hire the appropriate professionals.

Approval Process

Upon agency approval, the plat map is usually recorded with the County Recorder. The Tax Assessor is then provided with the necessary legal authority to demand maps, drawings and papers pertinent to such property.

When sufficient information is received, the Assessor prepares a

ery complicated, so make sure that you check with your state and local governments.

Preparation

Careful detail is required during the preparation process. The developer prepares a plat map and any other supporting documentation which may be required by the various governmental agencies involved. These requirements are usually included in an application for a subdivision public report.

These documents are then submitted to any number of agencies for their approval. One or more of these governmental agencies may establish specific requirements for the subdivision as a whole, and may also specify certain requirements for all (or any given number) of the individual parcels within a subdivision.

Depending on the project and the regulatory environment surrounding the land subdivision, a developer will need approval from many government departments and agencies.

In addition, there are a substantial number of professionals that need to be involved in the land subdivision process. Because of the time and costs involved, the developer needs to closely monitor the project and hire the appropriate professionals.

Approval Process

Upon agency approval, the plat map is usually recorded with the County Recorder. The Tax Assessor is then provided with the necessary legal authority to demand maps, drawings and papers pertinent to such property.

When sufficient information is received, the Assessor prepares a

One or more of these governmental agencies may establish specific requirements for the subdivision as a whole, and may also specify certain requirements for all (or any given number) of the individual parcels within a subdivision.

Depending on the project and the regulatory environment surrounding the land subdivision, a developer will need approval from many government departments and agencies.

In addition, there are a substantial number of professionals that need to be involved in the land subdivision process. Because of the time and costs involved, the developer needs to closely monitor the project and hire the appropriate professionals.

Approval Process

Upon agency approval, the plat map is usually recorded with the County Recorder. The Tax Assessor is then provided with the necessary legal authority to demand maps, drawings and papers pertinent to such property.

When sufficient information is received, the Assessor prepares a

involved in the land subdivision process. Because of the time and costs involved, the developer needs to closely monitor the project and hire the appropriate professionals.

Approval Process

Upon agency approval, the plat map is usually recorded with the County Recorder. The Tax Assessor is then provided with the necessary legal authority to demand maps, drawings and papers pertinent to such property.

When sufficient information is received, the Assessor prepares a map to accurately reflect the new land subdivision, assigns each lot a parcel number, and sets up the county subdivision file.

Often the State Department of Real Estate reviews all submitted data and may perform an inspection of the subdivision. If the application submitted is determined to be complete and is found to be acceptable, a public report on the subdivision may be issued and the developer may proceed with sales activities.

Summary

The land subdivision process can be very complex. It can also be very risky and can require a significant financial investment. Project timing can vary depending on the state. The process can be as short as several months but can be as lengthy as several years in difficult regulatory markets.

If there are two things I would recommend it is to educate yourself on the process and get started early. And one other thing – plan for surprises, they are almost sure to take place.