Land Development Approval 

There are many steps and procedures involved with obtaining land development approval to subdivide property, to construct a new building, or to construct an addition to an existing building.  Residents and developers may not be aware of the various steps involved with the land development approval process. For many, the process may seem like a very overwhelming, daunting task at first as there are several steps involved in obtaining an overall approval. The Department of Community Development is available and eager to answer any questions applicants and/or developers have about the overall land development approval process.

Land Development Applications


Pre Application Conference

Prior to submitting a formal Subdivision and Land Development application, applicants can request to meet with department staff for either a sketch plan conference and/or a preapplication conference (with a draft set of land development plans). These two types of pre-submittal conferences do not require a formal application or fee.

Preliminary & Final Approval

Land Development Applications include those applications submitted for subdivision and site plan approval.  The Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance provides additional details on the overall application process including what information should be included with a submittal.

Once submitted, applications are first reviewed by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission reviews the applications and makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors as to whether to approve an application or to deny an application. The Planning Commission's recommendation is based on the review of the application by department staff and the Township Engineer.

Application Groups

Applications are typically grouped into one of the following categories:
  • Simple Subdivision
  • Minor Land Development
  • Major Land Development

Conditional Use Applications


Some applications may require a conditional use approval, as outlined in Table 27-1 of the Township Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 27 of the Township Code of Ordinances, Ordinance No. 418. Conditional use applications are first reviewed by the Planning Commission before going before the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors holds a public hearing on the proposed conditional use before taking action on it.

Helpful Resources


Below is a list of applications, ordinances, and other applicable forms and guides associated with getting a Land Development application or a Conditional Use application approved. 

Approval Flowcharts

View the following links to flowcharts breaking down the various application and approval processes.

Application Forms

  • Buildable Area Analysis Calculation Form

Development & Land Use Ordinances

Public and Private Improvements Code (PPIC)

Official Maps

Additional Information

For more information on the subdivision and land development approval process, please contact the Department of Community Development at 724-693-3080.