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City staff review preliminary subdivision plans to ensure all requirements of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) are met. Plans are reviewed for requirements such as:
- Lot size
- Dimensions
- Access to utilities, services, and streets based on the zoning district (see UDO Section 10.2.5).
City staff approve most subdivisions administratively. City Council approval is only required if the site is within a Metro Park Overlay or Historic Overlay Zoning District (see UDO Section 10.1.8).
Before Submitting an Application
Review the Land Development Review Process. This will help you understand the major steps in the preliminary subdivision process.
Check that the property is recorded with the Wake County Register of Deeds and has an assigned PIN and address. This is required.
Key Steps in the Process
- Submit your application through the Permit and Development Portal. You must register in the portal to be a project contact and to look at staff review comments and project details.
- The Customer Service Center routes plans to staff in planning, development, transportation, stormwater, utilities, fire, urban forestry, and parks. Staff review the plans using the UDO, plus relevant manuals such as:
- Each review comment must have a handwritten response. Submit revised plans for additional review in the Permit and Development Portal.
- Once the subdivision plans show compliance with all regulations, staff prepares the Administrative Approval letter (“AA letter”).
- Staff sends you the AA letter containing conditions of approval and then you may proceed with the next steps in the Land Development Review Process.
Preparing Your Application
Required:
- One PDF: Preliminary Subdivision Plan Application
- One PDF: Subdivision Site Plan
Sometimes required:
- Wake County School Form (if dwelling units are proposed)
Submittal Instructions
Submit all materials through the Permit and Development Portal as PDFs.
Use the Preliminary Subdivision Plan Checklist as a reference to help guide your plan submittal.
Application materials must follow these rules to be accepted:
- PDFs only unless another file type is necessary as part of the submittal process. Other types include images, Excel, or CAD files.
- No .zip files.
- Each document must be its own file (for example application, plans, report). Ex. 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.
- All sheets in the PDF must be the same size.
Mailed Notification Requirements
Subdivision notices must be submitted to the City at the start of the review process. In accordance with the UDO, mailed notice must be provided to all property owners and tenants listed in the Wake County tax records at the time of submittal. A mailed notice must also be sent to all property owners and tenants within the area of the request.
You will need:
- A list of all property owners and tenants within 100 feet of the site from iMaps, including addresses and PINs. The City of Raleigh Label Maker is a helpful resource to identify addresses within 100 feet.
- Tenant notification signs prepared by City staff. Applicants can pick up the signs at our office, located on the 2nd floor of One Exchange Plaza. After posting the sign, the applicant must provide the City with documentation. Documentation includes a photo and a statement confirming the date of posting to show compliance with all posting requirements.
- A map showing properties within 100 feet (from iMaps).
- Stamped, unsealed envelopes addressed to those owners/tenants within 100 feet of the site, each envelope containing:
- A completed notification letter using this letter template.
- A site plan of the proposed project.
Notification materials must be mailed or delivered to:
Planning and Development Dept., Attn: Jeff Caines
One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27601
Subdivision Plan Minor Modification
Changes to an Approved Preliminary Subdivision (SUB) Plan or Associated Site Permit Review (SPR) Plan must be evaluated by staff before undergoing the intake process. Please review the Subdivision Plan Minor Modification webpage for guidance.
Sunset Extension
A sunset extension allows an approved land-use application to retain its existing entitlements beyond the initial three‑year expiration period. The development must continue to meet all current UDO requirements.
One sunset extension may be granted. An extension request must be made before the preliminary subdivision plan approval expires. Unrecorded and unbuilt portions of the subdivision must comply with the current UDO regulations.
- Email the Sunset Extension Application to SiteReview@raleighnc.gov.
- Staff reviews the sunset extension application to determine if the preliminary subdivision approval is eligible to be extended. If eligible, you will receive confirmation by email to proceed to step 3.
- Submit the Sunset Extension Application and preliminary subdivision plans to SiteReview@raleignc.gov for review.
- Pay Sunset Extension and Plan Review Fees.
Paying Fees
- Pay online through the Permit and Development Portal.
- You can also pay in person at the Planning and Development Customer Service Center. Cash, MasterCard, Visa, or a check payable to the City of Raleigh are all accepted.
- Check the Development Fee Guide for specific fees.
Next Steps
After your preliminary subdivision is approved and you have received the AA letter, apply for Site Permit Review.
