Subdivision & Land Development

Subdivision and/or land development applications are required for many proposed improvements to the land. A subdivision plan is required whenever a landowner wants to divide his / her property to create more than one building lot. A simplified subdivision plan (Minor Subdivision) is necessary whenever a landowner or adjacent landowners wish to move a lot line; for example if one owner is purchasing a small strip of land from its neighbor to enlarge its lot, a minor subdivision, or lot line change plan, is necessary.

Application Process

A land development plan and application is needed whenever a landowner wishes to build on his/her property. This does not apply to building a single home on an existing lot; however, this would be subject to permitting requirements under some or all of the following Township Ordinances:

• Building and Construction Codes
• Grading Ordinance
• Stormwater Management Ordinance
• Zoning Ordinance

A land development application and plan is needed before a property owner or developer can build any non-residential building (store, office, industrial building, church, etc.), or if an apartment or condominium building or buildings, are proposed.

Advisement

Prior to beginning any type of project, it is highly recommended that applicants contact Whitemarsh Township staff to discuss your proposed project to understand what types of requirements it must meet. Township staff will advise you on the type of application you should submit.

Application Submission

The subdivision and land development process begins with the submission of a Subdivision and Land Development Application (pdf) to the Whitemarsh Township Planning and Zoning Department. All plans are then reviewed for compliance with the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance, and Stormwater Ordinance and all other applicable requirements. The Township Planning Commission reviews all subdivision and land development applications and then the Board of Supervisors makes decisions for approval of these applications.

​Land Development Process Flow Chart:

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While not all land development processes are the same, they generally follow the path described below. Some projects may not be required to attend all stages of the process, such as the Zoning Hearing Board or Shade Tree Commission. Which specific boards and commissions are attended is decided by the various ordinances related to zoning and land development.

The flow chart below describes the general path of most land development projects. While not shown on the flow chart below, applicants for development within the Plymouth Meeting Historic District are encouraged to attend Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) meetings to get input and suggestions early on in the process (HARB review is not a requirement until a project reaches the building permit stage.)

A link to the Township Ordinances can be found HERE.

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