Planning Process
Platting and Subdividing
A BASIC GUIDE TO THE SUBDIVISION OF PROPERTY IN LAWRENCE AND THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF DOUGLAS COUNTY, KANSAS.
The following information is provided to assist individuals who wish to subdivide property within the City of Lawrence or in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County. This is only a guide. Should you have further questions, please call the Planning Office at (785) 832-3159 to schedule an appointment with a planner.
What is the purpose of the Subdivision Regulations?
The purpose of the Lawrence-Douglas County Subdivision Regulations is to assure that the subdivision of land will provide for the orderly development of the area by making provisions for adequate open space, traffic, recreation, drainage, utilities, and other public needs. The regulations do not allow the issuance of a building permit for property within the City of Lawrence unless the property has been platted.What is a Subdivision Plat?
A preliminary plat is a map of proposed land subdivision showing the character and proposed layout of the property. The preliminary plat indicates topography and natural features; location of nearby utilities; proposed layout of streets, blocks, lots and easements; and areas to be dedicated for other public purposes.A final plat is a map of a subdivision of land prepared by a licensed professional engineer or land surveyor to be filed with the Register of Deeds which legally describes all lots and blocks, streets, alleys, public areas and tracts with complete bearings and dimensions.
