Ultimate Guide to Understanding Subdivision Information

Jul 6, 2023 | Real Estate Title

It is not uncommon for property owners to want to divide large parcels of land into smaller ones. It could be a developer wanting to divide the land to build homes. A homeowner with a large property might subdivide a portion of their land to sell it. Whatever the reason, understanding subdivision information is essential.

Subdivision information refers to the regulations, guidelines, and processes that go into subdividing land. It isn’t something you can do with a handshake agreement or a simple contract. The division of land must meet specific requirements from state and local governments.

This post will explain subdivision information.

Tennessee Real Estate Market Watch

At the time of writing, Tennessee’s average home sale price in May 2023 was $349,900. However, real estate trends are always changing. If you need help with title services when buying or selling a home in Tennessee, click here to contact us.

Understanding Subdivision Information

Zoning and Land Use Laws

Zoning and land use laws will determine how the owner can use and develop their subdividing land. For example, it could determine whether the land is for commercial, residential, or industrial use. It could also affect building regulations, lot size requirements, density, etc. It is important to understand local zoning laws before subdividing land.

Subdivision Plats or Plans

A subdivision plat or plan is a drawing or map of the proposed subdivision. It will show the lot boundaries, roadways, open spaces, utilities, etc. The landowner or a representative submits the subdivision plat to the local land development or planning office. The authorities must review and approve the subdivision plat before it can be official.

Infrastructure Requirements

The infrastructure requirements are some of the most critical information when subdividing land. You can’t split the land into parcels and figure out where the sewage is going or where the electricity is coming from later—you need to plan for its intended use. Roads are one obvious part of subdivision infrastructure. You’ll also need to account for water lines, electrical service, sewage, drainage, and more.

Environmental Regulations

Property owners may face various environmental concerns when planning to subdivide land. There could be issues with protecting land from erosion or preserving resources. Some land might also have issues as a habitat or migration path for endangered species. Environmental surveys can identify these issues and provide potential solutions.

The Approval Process Can Vary

It is important to note that different counties and municipalities have different subdivision regulations. The laws are broadly the same throughout the state, but minor differences from one area to the next can matter. Before starting the process, landowners and their representatives should learn about local subdivision laws.

Tennessee Title Services

Do you need help preparing subdivision information in Tennessee? Click here to contact the Title Group of Tennessee. We provide a comprehensive array of title services for property owners and buyers in Tennessee.

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