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1. What is a subdivision?

A subdivision is the division of property into two or more lots. The same subdivision process is used for the elimination of property lines or the adjustment of property lines.

2. What do I do if I am using septic tanks?

Soils, drain field, septic tank, and building information must be reviewed and approved by the Health Department. Please call the Health Department at 757-253-4813 if you have questions. All septic tank information should be submitted to the Planning Division at the time an application for a subdivision is submitted. The Planning Division will then forward the data to the Health Department for review and approval.

The Health Department strongly recommends that an applicant hire a consultant to collect and provide the requested soils and drain field data. If a consultant is not available, the Health Department will provide the needed information. In these instances, the applicant must provide a copy of the Health Department permit or certification letter with the subdivision application.

3. What is the process for reviewing subdivisions?

Your plan will be reviewed using one of 2 processes, depending upon the size and scope of the proposed project. The first process is DRC review, which culminates in a hearing before the Planning Commission. It is used for larger and more complicated projects. Criteria for DRC review are listed below. Subdivision plans not meeting DRC criteria are processed by an administrative review, which does not involve any hearings.

4. What must I provide to obtain subdivision approval?

You can read the requirements on the Subdivisions page.

5. What should I do after the plan receives preliminary approval?

Once a plan has preliminary approval, you may contact the Engineering and Resource Protection Division at 757-253-6670 to get information about obtaining a Land Disturbing Permit. This permit allows you to begin clearing, grading, and installing utilities. Fees and surety bonds may be required. Please note that you will have 1 year to submit revised plans and receive final approval from the Subdivision Agent. If final approval is not granted within 1 year, and no extension of preliminary approval is granted, the plan becomes void. New applications, fees, and plans will need to be submitted.

6. When can my plan receive final approval?

After you address all comments and submit 10 sets of revised plans, a plan may receive final approval. When a plan receives final approval, you will receive written notification and 2 copies of the approved plan. You will have 180 days from the time of approval to go to the Courthouse and record the plat, otherwise it will become void. New applications, fees, and plats will need to be submitted.

7. What should I do after the plan receives final approval?

Before beginning construction, contact the Building Safety and Permits Division at 757-253-6626 to get information about applying for building permits. It is possible to have subdivision plans and building drawings reviewed concurrently, but a building permit will not be issued until final subdivision approval has been obtained. If you will be connecting to public water and sewer, contact the JCSA at 757-253-6800 to apply for service. There is an availability fee based on the size of the water meter required for the project.

8. Will I need any other permits?

Developments with sewage pumping stations or well facilities require approval from the State Health Department. If any kind of Health Department permit is required, you will have to submit plans to both the Planning Division and the Health Department. Please note that certain water and sewer facilities may require a special use permit before a site plan can get preliminary or final approval.

9. Are there any special road access requirements?

Yes. If you are proposing to subdivide a parcel into 3, 4 or 5 lots, access to those lots must come from a single shared driveway. Please check with Planning staff for further requirements and examples.