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Not all subdivisions necessarily require the preparation of a plat. The state subdivision statute <br />mandates that municipal subdivision ordinances require that all subdivisions should be platted <br />which create five or more lots or parcels which are 2-1/2 acres or less in size. Subdivision <br />ordinances may or may not require other subdivisions be platted. Further, not all subdivisions that <br />require platting must necessarily require both a preliminary and then a final plat. The subdivision <br />statute provides that the city ordinance may provide for the consolidation of the preliminary and <br />final review and approval or disapproval of subdivisions. <br />Some city subdivision ordinances will provide alternative procedures for certain types of "minor" <br />subdivisions. When the city ordinance consolidates preliminary and final approval, it is sometimes <br />called a simple plat. Often this is allowed if subdivision creates a minimum number of lots of a <br />certain size and the plat does require creation of new roads. A different alternative procedure for <br />minor subdivisions is for divisions of land for which the city is not requiring plats. Often called <br />administrative subdivisions or lot splits, such subdivisions are typically accomplished with metes <br />and bounds descriptions. <br />Conclusion <br />City staff and officials should carefully evaluate every application for preliminary plat approval for <br />compliance with the subdivision ordinance. Once the preliminary plat has been approved, the city <br />has limited ability to revisit the issue of adequate compliance. If new public improvements or <br />infrastructure are to be installed, then it is important to enter into a development agreement so the <br />improvements will meet city standards and be completed in a timely fashion. Cities should <br />periodically review their subdivision ordinances for consistency with comprehensive plan and <br />current vision of future land use, particularly with regard to the city's capacity for wastewater, <br />stormwater, and traffic. <br />Jed Burkett 4/08 <br />8 <br />