Subdivision platting is the process of creating or combining lots out of an existing tract of land. A plat is an official, surveyed document that creates lots for residential and commercial developments and makes a lot considered “legal.” No permits may be issued on land that is not a legal lot.
The purpose of the subdivision process is for the City to determine that the document meets proper legal recordation requirements, compliance with the Unified Development Code (UDC) lot and block standards, traffic and environmental impacts studies, dedication of street right-of-way and public improvements, and other City requirements. Only after final plat and recordation can a lot move forward to the Site Plan, Building Permit, and Certificate of Occupancy processes.
What types of plats are there?
There are four types of plats processed by the City of Georgetown:
- Amending Plat: amends an existing plat for minor changes
- Minor Plat: 4 or fewer lots with no utilities required
- Preliminary Plat: most common, creation of new lots with utilities, streets. Requires subdivision Construction Plans and a Final Plat following approval.
- Final Plat: final subdivision document for recording purposes. Follows a Preliminary Plat and subdivision Construction Plans.
The City also has a process for a combined Preliminary/Final Plat, which is for special circumstances that meet the provisions of Section 3.08.050 in the UDC, and also for a Re-plat, or Resubdivision, which is a reconfiguration of all or a portion of the lots in a previously-approved plat. The UDC also allows for Plat Waivers, which may be requested of the Planning Zoning Commission in order to waive certain code provisions due to justified hardships.
When is a plat required?
A plat is required for the division or development of land either in the City Limits or in the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). Parcels that are being subdivided but remain over 5 acres do not need to process a plat with the City of Georgetown, that being one of the exemptions detailed in Chapter 3.08.020 of the UDC. However, a plat may be required even if you are not dividing land. Depending on the lot configuration and whether or not your lot is considered “legal” will determine if you need a plat and what type of plat may be required.
What do I need for an application?
What is the approval process?
Applications are processed on the specified submittal dates.
- Completeness Review (4 days):
Applications are reviewed for completeness.
After the completeness review process, the application will move to the Technical Review (1st Review). Staff comments are available for the applicant electronically through MyGovernmentOnline within 30 days.
Upon the clearing of all staff comments, cases will be subject to the review and decision-making authority outlined in Chapter 2 of the Unified Developmemt Code.
How do I submit an application?
- Applications are only accepted and reviewed online through MyGovernmentOnline.
- The Planning Department only accepts applications on certain submittal dates.
- If you have questions about your project and would like to meet with staff before submitting an application, please schedule a Pre-Application meeting.
