The first official step in the subdivision process consists of reviewing a Preliminary Plan of Subdivision. A Preliminary Plan ensures the orderly, planned, and efficient economic development of land before any division, consolidation, or establishment of lots, tracts or parcels. The subdivision analysis includes evaluating the design criteria outlined in the Subdivision Regulations, Zoning Ordinance, and applicable master plans. All preliminary subdivision plans must be accompanied by an approved certificate of adequacy.

Pre-Application Conference: Required for major subdivisions and optional for minor subdivisions under new and old Subdivision Regulations. 

Pre-Application Neighborhood Meeting: Required for major subdivisions and optional for minor subdivisions under new Subdivision Regulations. Optional under old Subdivision Regulations. 

Subdivision and Development Review Committee (SDRC): Preliminary Plans are reviewed at an SDRC meeting within 14 days of acceptance under the new Subdivision Regulations and within 4 weeks of acceptance under the prior Subdivision Regulations.

Decision-Making Body: Major Preliminary Plans are decided by the Planning Board. Minor Preliminary Plans are decided by the Planning Director or Planning Board.

Fees: See Fee Schedule

Public Notice Requirement: 

Major Subdivisions - Sign postings at the subject site and mailings are required 30 days before the hearing, to:

• Address included on the application
• Parties of record
• Registered civic associations
• Owners of land adjoining, across the street from, on the same block as, or in the general vicinity of the subject site
• Every municipality located within one mile of the subject site

Minor Subdivisions - Signposting at the subject site is required 10 days prior to the date of the Planning Director's decision. (If Planning Director's decision is appealed to Planning Board, mailings are required 30 days prior to the hearing to parties of record; owners of land adjoining, across the street from, on the same block as, or within 500 feet of the land subject to the application; and every municipality located within one mile of the subject site.)

Estimated Review Time: 70-140 days

Application Instructions

The new Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations go into effect on April 1, 2022. For a period of two years (until March 31, 2024), Applicants have the option to submit under the requirements of either the new or prior Ordinance. [Note: Review under the prior Ordinance requires a Pre-Application Conference and Statement of Justification to explain why the applicant has not chosen to develop under the provisions of the new Ordinance.] 

Find application materials below separated per the applicable Ordinance.