The process of subdivision — legally dividing land into multiple plots to develop or sell — can be a lot of work, particularly if you don't plan well in advance. This type of project can take a long time to come to fruition as it waits for approval from municipal governments and finding investors. As such, subdivision requires thoughtful foresight and planning if you want to help streamline the process and avoid later issues. Here are four initial steps you should take before starting the project to make the process easier, faster and cheaper.

1. Prepare a site plan

Preparing site plan before a subdivision project is important for a number of reasons. First, it tells people what the property looks like at present so you get feedback from prospective buyers or renters as to what they may expect for the future. On top of this, it helps define areas that need to be preserved and areas that can be developed, giving you an idea about where you should start.

2. Check if the property requires rezoning 

Finding out whether your property requires rezoning is a necessary step to take in order to determine whether you'll need a new zoning permit to build a house on the site. It's always best to check with the municipal government before beginning work because different areas have different rules regarding zoning, and these rules can even change from city to city within the same state.

3. Evaluate the suitability of the land

A subdivision project requires finding the right balance between community growth and environmental integrity. This means that you need to consider what the land surrounding your site is like and whether it's suitable for major residential development or it's more suited for farmland. You can get this information by consulting real estate firms in your city. These evaluations include running several tests on the soil and available space. These tests will also gauge the impact your project could have on the surrounding environment and wildlife. 

4. Obtain legal documents

You'll need a number of legal documents before starting your project, such as a zoning permit, subdivision plan approval, and building permits. You'll also need to check if there's any requirement for an environmental assessment or study, which varies by state. There are different rules for land development in each locale, so you'll need to follow the rules laid out by your own municipal government to avoid legal issues during and after the construction process.

Contact a company that offers subdivision services to learn more.