The First Plat is the point at which the applicant submits the detailed proposal to the County for review and approval by the Planning Board and Board of Commissioners.  Approval of the First Plat allows the applicant to complete the engineering necessary to receive all required permits and submit the Construction Plan to the Planning Department for approval. 

Review of Environmental and Historical Features

Prior to submitting an application to the Planning Department, the applicant must have the required environmental documentation reviewed by the Environmental Quality Department, as well as notify the Chatham County Historical Association of the presence of any historical structures or cemeteries on or adjacent to the property. 

Environmental Documentation Review
If the proposed subdivision consists of less than 50 lots, the Watershed Protection Department will review the information as required on the General Environmental Documentation Submittal Form.  The Environmental Quality Department will complete the review and forward a report to the applicant and Planning Department within 30 days. 

Environmental Impact Assessment Review
If the proposed subdivision consists of 50 lots or more, the applicant is required to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment as required in Section 6.2(B) of the Subdivision Regulations.  The EIA will be forwarded to an environmental consultant hired by the County for a peer review.  The cost for this peer review must be paid by the applicant prior to submitting the First Plat.  The Environmental Quality Department will submit a report based on this peer review to the applicant and Planning Department within 60 days.     

Historical Structures & Cemeteries Notification
The applicant is required to notify the Chatham County Historical Association if there are any structures greater than 50 years of age, or having historical significance, located on the property or within 100 feet of the proposed development.  The applicant is also required to notify the Historical Association if there is evidence of a cemetery on the property.  Following notification, the Historical Association may forward recommendations for the historical structures or cemeteries to the Planning Department.   

See Section 5.2(C) of the Subdivision Regulations for more information. Subdivision Calendar for submission dates. 

1. Applicant submits First Plat to Planning Department at least 46 days prior to a Planning Board meeting. 
2. The Planning Department will review the application for sufficiency and notify the applicant within 14 days.
3. The applicant shall provide times during at least 2 separate days for site visits by County staff, advisory board members and elected officials.
4. The Technical Review committee reviews the First Plat application prior to the Planning Board meeting.
5. The Planning Department notifies the applicant and adjoining property owners at least 14 days prior to Planning Board meeting at which the application will be reviewed.
6. The first Planning Board meeting includes a Public Hearing to receive comments on the proposed subdivision.
7. Following the Public Hearing, the Planning Board has two meetings to review the application and make a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners.
8. The Board of Commissioners has 4 meetings to review the proposal and make a decision.   

First Plat Application Materials

First Plat Application Review Fee: $250 + $50 per Lot 
First Plat Review Application and Submission Checklist
Adjoining Property Owners List (See Section 5.2(H) for Requirements)

For more information about the First Plat process, please contact the Subdivision Administrator:
Kimberly Tyson
(919) 542-8283
kimberly.tyson@chathamcountync.gov

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