ABSTRACT
Since the functions of land surveyors as defined in licensing laws include land subdivision, and state plat laws usually require that surveyors prepare plats of new subdivisions, a review of land platting and residential subdivision design standards is appropriate subject matter in this manual. In subdivision and plat laws, the meaning of plat includes engineering plans, as well as a scaled drawing showing property lines, easements, building setback lines, parcel numbers, etc. The traditional concept used in the US for residential subdivisions is the conventional lot and block, comprised of only individual lots for single-family homes, with access streets. Easements for construction and maintenance of utilities and drainage systems are required in land subdivisions. Erosion control is part of the concern in designing land subdivisions, and is addressed in subdivisions regulations. Subdivision designers should be sure to consult regulations on this subject. Land surveyors are sometimes given the right to design sanitary sewer and other disposal systems for land subdivisions.
