| | Development Regulations
LAND SUBDIVISION
What is a subdivison?
When any portion of a lot or tract is conveyed to a different owner, it creates two or more parcels of separate ownership. Dividing a parcel of land constitutes a subdivision that must be approved by the City. This applies even when the transaction is between members of the same family. Subdivision of land is regulated by the City not only within the city limits, but also in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). For Lockhart, the ETJ is the area adjacent to and within one mile of the city limits, and also includes various contiguous parcels extending northward roughly along U.S. Hwy. 183 to Texas Hwy. 21. The only exception is when every part of the subdivision is greater than five acres (inside city limits) or ten acres (in ETJ), has street access, and no dedication of public improvements is required.
What is a subdivision plat?
A subdivision plat is the document required by the Subdivision Regulations for obtaining approval and officially recording a subdivision. The plat consists of a drawing based upon a survey of the property, and assigns a subdivision name, identifies the lots being created, lists any special conditions or requirements, and contains signature blocks for the purpose of approval and recording. This is also the means by which street rights-of-way, utility easements, parkland, etc., are dedicated. Subdivision plats must be prepared by a registered professional surveyor. Plats consisting of four or fewer lots all of which abut an existing street, and where City utilities are already in place to serve the subdivision, may be approved administratively. All other types of plats must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
What else do the regulations require?
In addition to specifying the requirements and procedures for subdivision plats, the Subdivision Regulations contain design standards for the layout of the subdivision and dedication of public facilities. If the subdivision is in a location or of such a configuration that construction of streets, sidewalks, utilities, or other public facilities are required, detailed plans for the design of those facilities must be prepared by a licensed professional engineer and approved by the city engineer. Once the plat is approved and all required public improvements are constructed, the plat is submitted for recording in the permanent records of the Caldwell County Clerk. No lots may be sold until the plat is recorded.
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