Plat Approval Process for Subdivisions within Will County

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Zoning and Land Use

Building a subdivision in an unincorporated area of Will County is an onerous process, full of complex laws, requirements, and regulations. The plat approval process is so strict, in fact, that even the smallest misstep could place the land developer at risk for costly setbacks or, in the worst of situations, a complete project failure. The following information on the Will County plat approval process can help you avoid risks that could place your land development project in jeopardy.

An Overview of the Will County Plat Approval Process

All building and land development projects within the unincorporated areas of Will County are subject to certain requirements and restrictions, but subdivisions are one of the most strictly regulated. This is because they have the propensity to cause severe harm to the environment, wildlife, and community. Yet, they also have the ability to provide housing to the community, sometimes at a more affordable rate than what families may be find within the city. This is why the plat approval process exists – it is designed to balance need with nature. It also reduces the risk of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions.

Though the purpose is important, the process is chocked full of language and regulations that are not only difficult to navigate, but sometimes confusing. Further, each step (Preliminary Plat approval, Improvement Plans, Final Plat approval, the Subdivision Guarantee, and Construction Observation, which are overseen by the Will County Land Use Development Department) must be completed proficiently and in a timely manner (timeline varies, depending on where you are in the plat approval process).

Subdivision Plat Plans: Design, Movement, Safety, Sanitation, and Preservation

While there are a number of requirements that land developers must meet in their plat plans, most pertain to the overall design of the subdivision, movement of traffic and/or pedestrians, safety of residents (including sanitary living conditions), and/or the preservation of resources. These are also the areas in which land developers are most likely to experience improvement requirements. Take special note when developing the Preliminary Plat, especially when considering:

• Surface drainage and topographic conditions;
• Pedestrian crosswalks and public safety;
• Historic and cultural resources;
• Natural resources on site (woodlands, bodies of water, hillsides, etc.);
• Erosion and natural hazards;
• Aesthetic appearance and privacy;
• Water supply and wastewater systems;
• Utilities and utility easements;
• Traffic movement; and
• Restrictions on street layouts.

Contact Our Will County Real Estate Lawyers for Assistance with Your Land Development Project

At Lindell & Tessitore, P.C., we help land developers avoid the costly mistakes that can lead to delays, violations, and financial loss. Knowledgeable and highly competent in the laws and regulations that govern land development in and around Will County, we will help you navigate through each step of the plat approval process. We handle the legal aspects so that you have the time, energy, and resources you need to focus on other critical aspects of your project. Schedule your consultation with our Will County real estate attorneys today to learn more. Call 630-778-3818.

Sources:

http://library.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/Illinois/willcounty_il/titlexvlandusage/chapter154subdivisionregulations?f=templates$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=amlegal:willcounty_il$anc=JD_Chapter154

http://www.willcountyillinois.com/County-Offices/Economic-Development/Land-Use/development-review

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2169&ChapterID=62

http://www.willcountyillinois.com/County-Offices/Economic-Development/Land-Use