Land Use Regulations (Subdivision)

Question 1

When did the first subdivision appear in the US?

Answer 1

1660

Question 2

subdivision

Answer 2

The division of land into two or more parcels, sites, or lots, for the purpose of transfer of ownership, development, or other forms of valuable interest. Definition varies from state to state and may include minimum acreage requirements.

Question 3

Plat

Answer 3

a map of a tract or parcel of land

Question 4

replat

Answer 4

allows for lots to be subdivided further or added back together

Question 5

amending plat

Answer 5

corrects errors or adds additional information to a plat

Question 6

vacating plat

Answer 6

allows for a plat to be terminated prior to the selling of any lots

Question 7

preliminary plat

Answer 7

is a to-scale mechanical drawing with precise topography and prescribed intervals showing the calculated location of all lots, streets, drainage patterns, facilities, and proposed dedications.

Question 8

final plat

Answer 8

The approved preliminary plat with all bearing, monuments, curves, and notations, together with all dedications, easement, and approvals.

Question 9

The purposes behind subdivision regulations are:

Answer 9

• To regulate subdivision development and implement planning policies;
• To implement plans for orderly growth and development within the city’s boundaries and extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ);
• To ensure adequate provision for streets, alleys, parks, and other facilities indispensable to the community;
• To protect future purchasers from inadequate police and fire protection;
• To ensure sanitary conditions and other governmental services;
• To require compliance with certain standards;
• To officially register land.

Question 10

To plat a property, the following steps must be taken:

Answer 10

• The applicant submits a preliminary plat;
• A preliminary plat is reviewed by staff for compliance with subdivision regulations;
• Plat is then reviewed by the planning commission;
• Once the preliminary plat is approved by the planning commission, the property owner prepares the final plat;
• Final plat then repeats the process above until it is approved by the planning commission.

Question 11

performance bonds

Answer 11

performance bond is an agreement between the property owner and the community to ensure that the final plat is built as shown on the drawings within a certain time period. If the developer fails to meet the requirements, the government may use the bond to cover the cost of constructing the improvements. The bond is released once the improvements are in place and have been inspected by the local government.

Question 12

Dedications

Answer 12

are gifts of land for public purposes, such as roads, parks, and utilities.

Question 13

Impact fees

Answer 13

are typically charged for off-site infrastructure that is needed to provide service to a development, such as a water or a sewer main.

Question 14

subdivision bonuses

Answer 14

A subdivision bonus is the extension of development benefits beyond those normally offered in exchange for enhancements such as affordable housing, cluster housing, and open space preservation. The developer may receive assistance with infrastructure, impact fees may be waived, or the ability to construct at a higher density may be granted