Everything Including the Kitchen Sink: Working With General Contractors

A subdivision refers to a parcel of land cut out from a larger tract. When you are dealing with hundreds and thousands of acres, it is challenging to picture how you can develop the land. The location of roads, residential and commercial facilities only begins to make sense when you divide the land into portions that can be developed independently. Subdivision also hastens the process of selling land, considering that a good number of buyers may not be able to afford large tracts of land. The following information will better your understanding of the process of subdividing property: 

Starting the Subdivision Process

If you intend to develop or modify your property, the process begins with applying for a permit from relevant local authorities. The permit application spells out your intentions of zoning the property. The approval depends on several factors. First, the authorities must look at any legal encumbrances on the land. Any dispute regarding the ownership or transfer of the property will hinder you from proceeding with the subdivision construction process. Secondly, the authorities must determine if the property is fit for the specific kind of development that you want to carry out. For example, single residence development is not allowable in an area dedicated to the development of commercial property. 

Types of Subdivision/Zoning

• Down Zoning – down zoning is a common type of property subdivision. The process involves rezoning land into less dense usage than the usage it had been subjected to before. Down zoning is necessary for regulating uncontrolled growth of towns, residential and commercial developments. Down zoning is a positive change for the property and the surrounding urban environment. It is necessary for mitigating incidences of overcrowding and overexploitation of natural resources. 
• Contract zoning – contract zoning refers to a technique for reclassifying the use of land by entering a contractual agreement with private parties. Normally, this type of subdivision when government authorities and agencies have an interest in that property. In the agreement, an area zoned for certain types of development will be reclassified to other kinds of development. For example, land meant for residential development can be changed into a mining facility upon confirming the presence of natural minerals. 
• Aesthetic Zoning – Just as the name suggests, aesthetic zoning refers to the subdivision of an area or property with the aim of creating a specific look. If you choose this kind of subdivision, you limit yourself to particular styles and mannerisms of property development.