A subdivision is a land development that divides a parcel of land into two or more lots. It includes all divisions of land involving the dedication of a new street or a change in existing streets. Land divisions that meet the criteria for the Exclusion Map process are exempt from the subdivision process.

Approval of a subdivision requires the approval of a preliminary plan and final plat along with required component plans.

Preliminary Plan

The preliminary subdivision plan approval process is a review of a proposed subdivision by the Technical Review Committee (TRC) to ensure conformance with applicable Regulations and Policies related to lot layout and the extension of public infrastructure and services.

Prerequisites

• A lot that is legally created and recorded in the respective county register of deeds office (Guilford County, Davidson County, Randolph County, Forsyth County).
• A lot that is within the City or ETJ and is properly zoned for the proposed project.
• A Pre-Application Conference is recommended prior to submittal to discuss the application and review process.

Approvals or Permits Issued

• Approval of a preliminary plan by the Technical Review Committee (TRC)

Process

1. The applicant submits an application, plans, supplemental documents and fees.
2. Projects will be assigned a Case Manager to act as the point of contact and assist with managing the project through the process.
3. Plans are reviewed by an interdepartmental team with expertise in planning, transportation, utilities, stormwater, land-disturbance and other environmental areas. This review is in accordance with adopted Regulations and Policies.
4. Marked plans and comments are returned to the applicant.
5. The applicant addresses any unresolved issues and re-submits for review.
6. When all issues are resolved, the approved plan with any conditions of approval is endorsed by the Planning and Development Department.

Submittal Requirements

1. Completed Land Development Application (PDF) submitted to the Development Services Center or online through Accela Citizen Access (ACA).
2. Plan review fees
3. Preliminary Plan and related component plans (erosion control plan, watershed development plan, and landscape plan) prepared in accordance with the plan standards in the Standards and Practices for Development
4. If public water or sewer lines are being constructed to serve the project, a Street and Utility Plan may be submitted for review and approval concurrent with the preliminary plan, but must be approved prior to final plat.
5. If a common signage plan is required, it may be submitted for review and approval concurrent with the preliminary plan, but must be approved prior to final plat.
6. A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) must be submitted when required by City policy.

Additional Information

• When the preliminary plan is approved, along with a component erosion control plan, the Engineering Services Department will issue a land-disturbance permit, if required.
• NC DOT driveway permit may be required if access is to state-maintained roads.
• If required, a Common Signage Plan (PDF) must be approved prior to sign permit insurance.
• If architectural design review is required by the zoning district, a submittal for Design Review must be approved prior to Construction permit issuance.
• Approval of a preliminary plan, along with required component plans, entitles the applicant to submit for final plat approval.

Fees

• Plan review fees are due at time of submittal
• Preliminary plat review fee includes watershed and landscape reviews, if applicable
• See the Development Fee Schedule (PDF) for specific fees
• Payment types accepted: Cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa and Check or Money Order payable to the City of High Point
• Online (ACA) payment types accepted: Cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa and E-check

Final Plat

Upon approval of the preliminary plan and its required component plans, the applicant may submit for final plat approval. Once it is recorded in the county Register of Deeds Office, the Final Plat establishes legal lots eligible for sale and development.

Prerequisites

• Approved preliminary plan, including required component plans

Approvals or Permits Issued

• Approval of a final plat by the Planning and Development Department

Process

1. The applicant submits an application, final plat, supplemental documents and fees.
2. Projects are assigned a Case Manager to act as the point of contact and assist with managing the project through the process.
3. Plans are reviewed by Planning and Development Department in accordance with the approved preliminary plan and adopted Regulations and Policies.
4. Marked plans and comments are returned to the applicant.
5. The applicant addresses any unresolved issues and re-submits for review.
6. When all issues are resolved, the approved plat with any conditions of approval is endorsed by Planning and Development Department and then recorded in the county Register of Deeds Office.

Submittal Requirements

1. Completed Land Development Application (PDF) submitted to the Development Services Center or online through Accela Citizen Access (ACA)
2. Plan review fees
3. Final Plat and related support documents (Statement of Required Improvements) prepared in accordance with the plan standards in the Standards and Practices for Development
4. If required public improvements (including private improvements required by zoning) are not complete, a financial surety (bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or other approved surety) must be established prior to recordation of the Final Plat

Additional Information

1. When a financial surety is accepted, the owner has a defined period of time (not to exceed 18 months) to complete the required improvements; otherwise, the financial surety will be used by the City to complete the improvements.
2. All developments containing “Common Area” or “Common Elements” must have an Owners’ Association containing the elements outlined in Appendix J of the Standards and Practices for Development (PDF). If the development contains multiple phases each subsequent phase must be annexed into the Owners’ Association.
3. Recording of a final plat enables the applicant to apply for or obtain construction permits.

Fees

• Plan review fee is due at time of submittal
• See the Development Fee Schedule (PDF) for specific fees
• Payment types accepted: Cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa and Check or Money Order payable to the City of High Point
• Online (ACA) payment types accepted: Cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa and E-check