Plat & Subdivision Review

The Subdivision Review Process is the reviewing procedure for the modification and creation of parcels of land within Athens-Clarke County. Proposed plats for subdivisions and recombinations of land are submitted to the Planning Department and forwarded to all appropriate Athens-Clarke County Departments and to the Clarke County Health Department for review.

The purpose of the Subdivision Regulations is to allow for subdivision design that has a high level of amenity, that respects the natural environment and that allows for a variety of choices in housing types and designs.

Subdivision Review Process 

Subdivision proposals shall be accompanied by an application and plans for either a Preliminary Plat Review, a Site Review or a Final Plat Review, depending on the type of project and where the project is in the review process.

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Click here to see a flowchart outlining the Subdivision Review process

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Preliminary Plats
Preliminary Plats are reviewed through the Plans Review process. There is a Plans Review deadline for Preliminary Plats every other week on Tuesday at 12:00pm at the Planning Department. Applications received prior to the bi-weekly deadline are placed on the corresponding agenda to receive comments from reviewing departments.
Preliminary Plats are required when more than 5 lots are being developed or public street construction is involved.

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Click here to see a flowchart outlining the Preliminary Plat process.


Site Review Plans
After Preliminary Plat approval, Site Construction Plans for major subdivisions are also reviewed through the Plans Review process.
Site Review is required when a preliminary plat contains more than ten lots, covers more than two acres, contains attached single-family units, creates lots of less than 8,000 square feet, or creates a residential subdivision with an overall density exceeding 2.5 dwelling units. 

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Click here to see a flowchart outlining the Site Review process.


Final Plats
Applications for Final Plats may be submitted at any time and have a 10-day review period. If changes are required, the revised plans also go through a 10 day review process. Once approved by all departments, the plat is signed by all property owners and ACC department directors. After all reviewing departments have signed the approved plat, the document is recorded by the applicant with the Clerk of Superior and State Courts in the Deeds and Records Room at the Courthouse.
Final Plat review is required for minor subdivisions of less than 5 lots, any removal and/or moving or property lines, and after completion of preliminary plats and site reviews (if applicable).

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Click here to see a flowchart outlining the Final Plat process.

Resources & Applications