Subdivision Plan Review

Richland County’s subdivision regulations aim to ensure responsible land development by promoting efficient community design, lowering infrastructure costs, preserving natural and cultivated landscapes, supporting pedestrian and wildlife connectivity, expanding recreational opportunities, and aligning with the County’s Comprehensive Plan and state law.

Administrative Subdivisions

A process for making minor modifications to existing property boundaries—such as lot combinations, divisions, or line adjustments—that does not require formal review by a planning or zoning board or the Development Review Team (DRT). This process does not involve the creation of new roads or easements, and does not require engineered plans.

Certain land divisions may qualify for administrative subdivision review, provided they meet specific criteria:

  • Lot Adjustments: Combining or adjusting portions of already recorded lots, as long as no additional lots are created
  • Large Parcels: Dividing land into parcels of 5 acres or more, without creatin
  • Lot Mergers: Combining or adjusting whole lots with no changes to existing roadways.
  • Two-Lot Divisions: Dividing a parcel into two lots, provided it does not involve building or upgrading roads, installing public water or sewer systems (except private wells or septic tanks), or adding storm drainage beyond basic swales and culverts.

Minor Subdivisions

A minor subdivision is a small division of land — fewer than 50 lots — that doesn’t qualify for quick administrative review. It also doesn’t include giving any land to the county for things like roads, parks or public spaces.

Major Subdivision

A subdivision of greater than 50 lots, that requires the construction of a road or other infrastructure.

Family Heir Subdivisions

A division of property made for the purpose of transferring land to immediate family members without monetary compensation, or through inheritance or court-ordered division without following full subdivision rules. This applies only to the initial division and does not include any future sale or further subdivision by the recipients.

Applicable Land Development Code Sections for Subdivision Review:

  • 26.3 Zoning Districts for lot size, width and setbacks
  • 26-3.4 Residential Base Districts
  • 26-3.8 Overlay districts (d) floodplain Overlay for flood plain general guidance
  • 26-4 Use Regulations
  • 26-4.2 Principle Uses chart
  • 26-4.3 Accessory uses and structures for existing structures setbacks
  • Article 26-5 General Development Standards
  • 26-5.1 Access to make sure road has a designated ROW and driveway separations.
  • 26-5.2 Off-Street Parking and Loading
  • 26-5.3 Landscaping
  • 26-5.3 Buffer Type Assignment
  • 26-5.4 Open Space Set-Aside
  • Article 26-6 Land Development (Subdivision) Standards 26.3 Zoning Districts for lot size, width and setbacks
  • 26-9.2 Rules of Measurement for lot width etc.
  • A review by the floodplain manager is required on administrative subdivisions if the property is located in an “A” Flood Zone
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