ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that subdivision regulations that impose conditions on development and design standards may very well be the most important aspect of the subdivision control process. The right to require installation and construction of improvements prior to approval of a plat is premised on two considerations: protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants of the homes to be constructed within the subdivision and neighbors of the subdivision and reducing the financial burden on hard-pressed municipalities by requiring the developer to make the initial installation of capital improvements reasonably required by development. Enabling legislation generally sets the parameters within which requirements may be imposed by a local government. Several sections of the Model Regulations address requirements for internal improvements of the subdivision. The standards established for the construction of roads and improvements must be related specifically to area densities authorized in the zoning ordinance.
