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1. How do I subdivide my property?

Prior to subdividing property:

• Contact Planning Department:
  1. To determine the type of subdivision:
     1. Subdivision resulting in > 50 lots or a new street is proposed (see Preliminary Subdivision).
     2. Agricultural Division
     3. Re-subdivision
     4. Municipal acquisition
  2. To determine lot size and frontage requirements.
• A final subdivision plan must be submitted to the Department of Development and Permits, Development Engineering Division for approval.

If the subdivision will result in fifty (50) or fewer lots, then a final subdivision plan may be submitted directly to the Department of Development and Permits. Otherwise, once Administrative Approval is obtained for the Preliminary Subdivision, final subdivision plans may be submitted to the Department of Development and Permits.

2. Where do I apply for final plan review?

Submit to:

Via Electronic (Review only) - eBUILD

Via Delivery (Approval only - Submit 5 Paper Copies):
Development and Permits Department
Development Engineering
City Hall Building, 3rd Floor
306 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, Virginia

For questions, contact Development and Permits at 757-382-6101.

3. What is the approval process?

• Submitted plans are routed to other departments (Public Utilities, Fire Safety, Planning, Environmental Office)
• The review of each application by the affected departments and final approval of each application shall be coordinated through the Development and Permits Department. Each plan shall be reviewed for conformity with the approved preliminary plan (if applicable), and with all other applicable provisions of the relevant of the ordinances, regulations, and policies and Public Facilities Manual (PFM) criteria applicable to the site.
• If plan meets all relevant requirements, Development Engineering Division will issue an approval letter. If any department finds the plan deficient, Development Engineering will prepare a review letter detailing aspects of the plan that require revising prior to approval.

4. What other regulatory agencies approval is required?

If the property is not served by public water or sewer, contact the Health Department to find out about the requirements for onsite sewage and water services.

The developer is responsible for obtaining the appropriate clearances from:

• Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

Improvements within any wetlands may require approval from:

• Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
• Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
• U.S. Coast Guard

5. What are the subdivision plan requirements?

The Public Facilities Manual (PFM) Volume I is the principal source for all criteria to be addressed on the final Subdivision Plan.

Subdivision Plans will be reviewed for conformity with the following:

• Approved preliminary plan with all stipulations and proffers.
• Public Facilities Manual (PFM) Volumes I, II, and III
• City Code
• Zoning Ordinance
• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Criteria
• Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Policy
• Fire Code
• MUTCD, AASHTO and ITE
  • American Association of State and Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
  • Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
• Landscape Ordinance (PDF)
• Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA)

The plans are to include all existing and proposed physical improvements to the property to be subdivided, including, but not limited to:

• Streets and rights-of-ways including widths and grades
• Water and sewer facilities, and fire hydrants
• Drainage facilities and stormwater management facilities
• Curbs, gutters, and sidewalks
• Traffic signalization and pavement striping
• Recreational trails, parks, public areas
• Water courses, water bodies, natural features and amenities, 100-year flood contours and easements
• Burial sites, buffer areas, tree preservation areas, conservation areas, existing buildings and structures

6. How long is the review process?

Plans can be submitted for review anytime. See Review Time Schedule (PDF) for department review timelines.

7. What are the minimum submittal requirements?

1. Completed Submittal Package Checklist (PDF)
2. Transmittal letter to include a narrative - a letter that explains the project. The letter must include a summary of the project parameters, offsite improvements, variances requested or previously granted, previous City Council or Planning Commission action, proffers, prior agreements, and any other items which will help determine the appropriate review action required for the project.
3. Complete development plans submitted through eBUILD.
4. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Sheet (PDF)
5. Landscape Plan Sheet (PDF)
6. See Review Fee Schedule
7. Water and Sewer Calculations
8. Drainage Calculations, including Drainage Narrative and Drainage Area Map
9. Stormwater Management Calculations
10. Pavement Design Calculations
11. See Public Facilities Manual (PFM), Chapter 1, for additional submittal information.

8. What happens after I receive plan approval?

• Post a Land Disturbance and Erosion and Sediment Control Bond
• Obtain Land Disturbance and Erosion and Sediment Control Permit
• Post a Right-of-Way Bond
• Obtain a Right-of-Way Permit
• Post a Stormwater Bond
• Obtain a Stormwater Permit

See Subdivision Site Inspection.

9. When can the subdivision plat be submitted?

See Subdivision Plat.