How to Petition the City for Subdivision of Land
The City of Joliet Zoning Ordinance states that only one principal building may be constructed on any parcel or subdivided lot. In order to subdivide land for the purpose of creating legal lots or parcels for transfer or building purposes, the owner must receive subdivision approval from the City. The approval process and the City's requirements for lots, streets, and other public improvements are described in detail in the Subdivision Regulations, a document available for purchase form the Community & Economic Development office. City review of proposed subdivisions follows a three-step procedure: preliminary plat (of the entire contiguous parcel owned by the applicant), final plat (that portion of the preliminary plat to be developed immediately), and recording plat (same area as the final plat to be recorded). A description of the procedure is as follows:

PRELIMINARY PLAT:
1. Applicant meets with staff from Community & EconomicDevelopment to determine requirements for subdivision of land. Depending upon the size and complexity of the project, a meeting with Public Works & Utilities staff may also be required.2. Applicant prepares and files application for preliminary plat including 15 copies of plat, names and addresses of owners within 100 feet, and filing fee, at least 27 days before Plan Commission meeting. (Download Petitions 1 & 2)

3. Staff reviews the preliminary plat at Community Design Review Board.

4. Applicant submits 15 revised plats for Plan Commission review.

5. Plan Commission holds a public hearing onpreliminary plat and makes a recommendation to the City Council.

6. Applicant submits 18 copies of preliminary plat for City Council review.

7. City Council acts on recommendation of the Plan Commission.

8. Preliminary plat expires two years from date of approval, unless a final or recording plat is approved thereafter.

ESTIMATED TIME FROM RECEIPT OF PETITION TO CITY COUNCIL ACTION: 45-60 DAYS

FINAL PLAT:
1. Applicant prepares and files application for final plat including 15 copies of plat, 3 sets of construction plans for public improvements, storm detention calculations (if necessary), cost estimate for public improvements, and filing fee, at least 27 days before Plan Commission meeting.

2. Staff review final plat at Community Design Review Board meeting.

3. Applicant revises final plat and submits 15 copies for Plan Commission review.

4. Staff prepares report and recommendation to the PlanCommission.

5. Plan Commission holds a public hearing and makes arecommendation to the City Council.

6. Applicants submits18 copies of final plat for City Council review.

7. City Council reviews final plat and acts on recommendation of Plan Commission.

8. Final plat approval expires in two years if a recording plat is not filed and approved.

ESTIMATED TIME FROM RECEIPT OF PETITION TO CITY COUNCIL ACTION: 45-60 DAYS

RECORDING PLAT:
1. Applicant prepares and files recording plat application including 18 copies of plat, cost estimate and filing fee, at least 14 days prior to City Council meeting.

2. Staff reviews recording plat and schedules plat for City Council review.

3. City Council reviews the recording plat and stipulates conditions of approval which must be submitted within 60 days of the approval:

a. A performance bond or letter of credit for publicimprovements;
b. A one and one-quarter percent inspection fee for public improvements; and,
c. An irrevocable offer of dedication for public improvements.

4. Applicant submits two original mylars of recording plat for signatures by City officials. All requirements must be met prior to obtaining signatures.

5. Applicant's surveyor records recording plat with Recorder of Deeds, returning one stamped mylar to the City of Joliet.

ESTIMATED TIME FROM RECEIPT OF PETITION TO CITY COUNCIL ACTION: 14 DAYS.