The scope of a Preliminary Plat application is to propose the layout for subdividing land into more than two lots, pursuant to the Subdivision Regulations.  Preliminary plats propose the conceptual layout of lots, as well as the proposed location of streets, infrastructure, and stormwater BMP requirements. Preliminary Plats are reviewed and approved by FMPC.

Step 1:  Preliminary Meeting (Optional)

A meeting with staff prior to pre-application submittal is not required, but helpful for applicants.  To set up a meeting, contact the Current Planning Division of the Department of Planning and Sustainability.

Step 2:  Pre-Application Submittal and Meeting

The pre-application submittal must be submitted at least 14 days (due by 9 a.m.) prior to the initial submittal per the Submittal Schedule through our Online Application Portal. All applications are submitted electronically, and staff will provide a date/time of the pre-application meeting upon acceptance of the submittal.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to log onto IDT and review staff’s comments prior to the pre-application meeting.

For the list of submittal requirements, see the Pre-Application Preliminary Plat Checklist.  A proposed subdivision name and any proposed street names are required at this time.  

Step 3: Traffic Impact Analysis (If Applicable)

For more information, contact the Engineering Department.

Step 4:  Preliminary Plat Application Submittal

The application must be submitted according to the Submittal Schedule through our Online Application Portal.  Required information includes an ***NEW*** Owner Affidavit, a fire flow test, and a Water/Sewer Availability Determination, as applicable.  For the list of submittal requirements, see the Preliminary Plat Checklist.  See the Fee Schedule for Application Submittals.

Step 5:  Staff Review

The staff reviews the application and comments are sent back to the applicant.  

Step 6:  Resubmittal of Corrected Plans

The applicant resubmits corrected plans according to the Submittal Schedule through our Online Application Portal.  The staff determines the completeness of the resubmittal, then it is added to the meeting agenda.  Resubmittal must be within three consecutive resubmittal dates.  Failure to meet these dates requires a plan to start at the beginning of the process.

At least 15 days prior to the meeting date, the applicant mails notification letters to surrounding property owners using addresses that are provided by staff.  The applicant then submits a copy of the Notice Letter and a notarized Public Notice Affidavit with the resubmittal set.

Step 7:  FMPC Final Action

The FMPC reviews the application and is the approving body.

Step 8:  One-Stop Submittal

The applicant submits to One-Stop to resolve all conditions of approval.

Step 9:  Subsequent Applications

The applicant may proceed with a Site Plan and/or Final Plat application, as applicable.  Preliminary plats and final plats for the same subdivision cannot be placed on the same FMPC agenda.

Follow Up: Vesting Extension

If a project has not yet met one of the required project milestones, and is in jeopardy of losing its vesting an applicant/property owner can request a vesting extension.  Such extension request follow the review and approval process of the original plan, and must be granted prior to the expiration date.