Plan Implementation—Land Subdivision Control

This chapter examines land subdivision control as a principal tool for implementing the comprehensive plan and guiding orderly urban development. It traces the legal foundation of subdivision regulation, explaining how state enabling legislation empowers local governments to ensure that new development aligns with public health, safety, and welfare objectives. This chapter details the subdivision review process—from the preliminary plat to final approval—emphasizing coordination among planning commissions, engineering departments, and utility providers. Key topics include design standards for streets, utilities, drainage, and open spaces; requirements for dedications and improvements; and the role of developer agreements and performance guarantees. The discussion highlights the evolution of subdivision control toward sustainability, integrating concepts such as low-impact development, green infrastructure, and digital permitting systems. By linking technical precision with policy intent, the chapter underscores how subdivision regulation translates planning principles into tangible, resilient, and equitable urban form.