What are the legal requirements for subdividing land?

In Virginia, subdividing land requires a permit from the local government and, depending on the situation, may also involve approval from other agencies. To start the process, an applicant must submit a detailed map of the proposed subdivision and a survey of the existing property. The local government will then review the plans and determine if they meet applicable zoning and safety regulations. Other agencies may become involved if there are questions about environmental or public health issues. The applicant would then need to submit more documentation, such as a stormwater management plan or soil analysis. The applicant must also receive approval from local governing boards like the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. These boards consider how subdividing the land will affect the local community, including any changes to infrastructure or public services. Once all the requirements are met, the local government will issue a permit for the subdivision. After that, the applicant must record the documents with the relevant county court and comply with any additional stipulations associated with the permit. Depending on the complexity of the situation, the timelines for the permitting process can range from a few weeks to several months.

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