Subdivision Application Process

What Is a Subdivision?

A subdivision is defined as the division of any tract of land into two or more lots for the purpose, either immediate or future, of transfer of ownership of record. The county has established several processes regarding the subdivision of property.
Typically, subdivision submission will consist of a Preliminary Plat, Construction Plans and Profiles (engineering) and a Record Plat and Deed.
For the subdivision of 50 lots or less, a combined Preliminary/Record Subdivision Plat may be submitted.

The ability to subdivide property is determined by the appropriate Zoning Ordinance.
Each Zoning District has its own regulation for the minimum acreage needed to subdivide a property.
For example, in the AR-1 Zoning District, a minimum 20-acre tract of land is needed to subdivide.
View a map of Zoning Districts.

There are several different options when subdividing, including:

The subdivision review process ensures that all newly created lots conform to the applicable requirements of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, the Loudoun County Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO), and the Loudoun County Facilities Standards Manual (FSM).
The process ensures compliance with standards necessary to promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of future property owners, current and adjoining properties, and the community.

Although it is not required, we strongly recommend that a pre-application meeting be conducted with a staff member from the Department of Building and Development. Since the LSDO provides for several alternatives which may be used to subdivide property, applicants are encouraged to meet with the staff to discuss potential subdivision options.
It is strongly encouraged that a pre-application meeting occurs prior to the preparation of any plats. A preliminary sketch, a description of what the applicant would like to do, and the property information is requested for any pre-application meeting. The pre-application form can be found here.

A Land Development Application Form with original signatures from all property owner(s) and applicant(s) must be included with the initial submission.
A plat prepared by a professional engineer or surveyor which has been prepared in accordance with the Administrative Procedures chapter of the FSM and meets the minimum submission checklist requirements.
A check for the appropriate fee made out to Loudoun County.
Legal documents, as appropriate. At minimum this usually requires a deed of subdivision and/or a deed of easement and dedication.