how to subdivide land for development

Subdividing land—splitting one parcel into two or more lots—is a powerful way to unlock value for real estate development. Whether you're building homes, selling off parcels, or preparing for a multi-unit project, the process can be profitable—but it’s also heavily regulated and time-consuming

bbygirl

Jun 21, 2025 - 16:31

Here’s a step-by-step guide to subdividing land for development in 2025:

Subdivision means dividing one parcel of land into multiple legally distinct lots, each with its own title and parcel number. This enables:

Visit your city or county planning or zoning department to understand:

🧠 Your land must conform to current zoning or you'll need a rezoning or variance.

A licensed land surveyor will:

📐 This creates a preliminary plat (site plan) used for permits and approvals.

For larger or more complex projects, a civil engineer or land planner helps:

✅ Required especially if you’re building a road or creating more than 3–4 lots.

Submit your preliminary plat and application to the local planning department.

Include:

🕒 Timeline: Small subdivisions = 2–6 months; Major = 6–18+ months

📌 You may need public hearings or planning board approvals depending on size and location.

If your plan is approved:

You’ll receive preliminary subdivision approval
You can now complete engineering and infrastructure design
You’ll work with public works, utility providers, and possibly a traffic engineer

You may be required to build:

🧱 Some municipalities allow performance bonds if you want to delay construction and just record the plat.

After infrastructure is installed or bonded, submit your final plat:

✅ Once approved, the new lots are legal and saleable.

After final approval:

📌 Now you can sell, build on, or refinance each parcel separately.

🧠 Budget varies widely based on location, parcel size, and complexity.

Step	Action
1	Check zoning and subdivision rules with your city/county
2	Hire a surveyor to map the land
3	Work with an engineer or planner to create your plat
4	Submit application for preliminary approval
5	Get city approval and install infrastructure
6	Finalize and record the plat with the county
7	Begin development, sale, or construction

Type	Description
Lot Split	Divide into 2 or 3 parcels (minor subdivision)
Short Plat	4 or fewer lots (simpler review process)
Major Subdivision	5+ lots; full infrastructure and review needed
Condo Platting	For vertical development or shared ownership