Preliminary Subdivision Plans

Planning and Development staff review preliminary subdivision plans to make sure all Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requirements are met for this type of project. These requirements can be related to lot layout, roads, utilities, stormwater control, and tree conservation.

Subdivision plans are reviewed for lot size and dimensions, and for access for utility lines, services, and streets, depending on the zoning district. See UDO Section 10.2.5)

Most subdivisions are approved administratively without review or approval by public boards or commissions unless a site is within a Metro Park Overlay or Historic Overlay Zoning District. Sites in those zoning districts require City Council approval. See UDO Section 10.1.8.

Before You Start Your Project

View the Land Development Review Process, which is intended to assist applicants in navigating the development process and help decrease review turnaround times.

The parcel proposed for subdivision must be recorded at the Wake County Register of Deeds Office with an assigned parcel identification number (PIN) and address.

Key Steps in the Process

1. Applications must be submitted using the Permit and Development Portal.
2. The Planning and Development Customer Service Center routes your plans to staff members who have expertise in planning, transportation, zoning, transit, stormwater, utilities, fire, forestry, and greenways. The team reviews the plans in conformance with the Unified Development Ordinance, as well as the policies, procedures, and regulations in the Public Utilities Design Manual, Street Design Manual, Stormwater Manual, and the Solid Waste Handbook.
3. Corrections and recommendations for your project can be reviewed and submitted in the Permit and Development Portal. Applicants, as well as any other project contacts, must be registered in the portal to view this activity.
4. Applicants are expected to address each staff correction in writing and submit a revised plan for review.
5. Staff will prepare the administrative approval action for final approval.
6. The applicant receives a letter of decision, which provides the official action on the preliminary subdivision plan and any conditions of approval. Subsequently, site permit review plans (SPR) and preliminary plats may be submitted for review. However, an applicant cannot obtain permits or record a plat until receiving an approval letter and the applicant has met all applicable conditions of approval outlined in the administrative action document.

Prepare Application Materials

Applications must be submitted using the Permit and Development Portal. All application forms and supporting documents must be attached as PDFs. Applicants can update important information on their project and upload plans and documents using the portal to initiate a quicker submittal.

Please submit the following information:

• One PDF of Preliminary Subdivision Plan Packet (application)
• One PDF of Subdivision Site Plan

Required for some projects:

• Administrative Alternate Request
• If dwelling units are proposed, please complete the Wake County Residential Development Notification Form (also known as “Wake County School Form”).

Submittal Instructions

At this step, your application materials should be ready to assemble. Please take note of the instructions below. Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be accepted:

1. Only PDF file types will be accepted unless other file types (such as image, Excel, or CAD) are specifically called for as part of the application submittal process.
2. .ZIP files are not allowed.
3. Only one file should be associated with each discrete document included with the application package. For example, if a submittal requires 1) an application form, 2) a set of plans, and 3) a calculation report, the applicant should transmit these as three separate files.
4. All PDF sheets must be the same size.

Mailed Notification Requirement (For ALL Preliminary Subdivisions)

ALL Preliminary Subdivisions are subject to public notice in accordance with Unified Development Ordinance Sections (UDO) 10.1.8 and TC-11-20 amendment of UDO Section 10.2.1. The notices are to be packaged and mailed to the following address for processing: Planning and Development Dept., Attn: Jeff Caines, One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27602.

The City of Raleigh Label Maker is a helpful resource that can be used to identify addresses within 100 feet of the subject property.

Mailed notification requires:

• One copy of a list of all property owners and tenets within 100’ of the subject parcel(s) with address and PIN of each property (obtain from iMaps)
• One copy of a map (obtained from iMaps) showing all properties within one 100’ of the subject property
• Stamped, unsealed envelopes addressed to all property owners and tenets within 100’ of the subject parcel(s), each containing:
  • One copy of a completed notification letter (template)
  • A site plan of the proposed project

Expected Processing Time for Development Projects

Please see our review turnaround and performance dashboards.

Fee Information

• Pay online via the Permit and Development Portal
• You can also pay in person at the Planning and Development Customer Service Center. They accept cash, MasterCard, Visa, or check made payable to the City of Raleigh
• See Development Fee Guide for specific fees related to your project

Next Steps

Submit an application for a Site Permitting Review.