Subdivision Approval

What is a subdivision?

A subdivision includes the splitting,  dividing, or adding of a parcel of land. The Community Planning Act and the Subdivision Regulation or Subdivision By-laws control the subdividing of land in New Brunswick.

What are the requirements for lot sizes?

For municipalities, it’s best to call us for specifics, as the lot size requirements may vary by zone or land use.

For unincorporated areas, the required minimum lot size for a lot serviced by a well and septic system is:

• 54 meters of width (180 feet)
• 38 meters of depth (125 feet)
• 4000 square meters of area (1 acre)

Other minimum lot sizes apply for a lot in an unincorporated areas that are serviced by a public water and sewer system.

What if your proposed lot sizes do not meet the required minimum?

When the proposed subdivision of land does not meet the minimum lot requirements, it is possible to request a reasonable “variance” from the Planning Review and Adjustment Committee.

How long does a subdivision application take to be complete?

Subdivision applications to the Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission may take about 10 weeks or longer to process. Generally, subdivisions involving the creation of a new public or private road take a longer time to approve. In order to have a subdivision application processed quickly, all required documentation must be supplied to the Commission with the application and be completed correctly in accordance with all applicable acts, by-laws and regulations.

What other requirements might there be?

• Applications need to show a legal access, either from an existing street, road, or private access, or through a right of way.
• Applications need to have a surveyor assert the property is suitable for construction of an on-site septic system (if not already present) or be eligible to be serviced by a municipal sewer and water service.
• Applications for the creation of multiple unserviced lots may require some form of a water supply assessment.
• Applications may be required to include a contour and drainage plan.
• Applications in municipalities, or in rural areas where there is a creation of a public road, may require a subdivision agreement and a performance bond be posted.
• Applications in municipalities may require a percentage (%) of lands be dedicated for public purposes.
• Applications must consider options for convenient subdividing of adjoining parcels of land (i.e. future streets).

Subdivision approval process

Step 1:
Consult with Development Officer - (506) 466-7369

Step 2:
Subdivision Application
Present tentative subdivision plan (see image). The plan needs to show the proposed lot, any existing buildings, as well as the distance from roads and other landmarks including streams and waterways.

Step 3:
Obtain required approvals from other Departments.

Step 4:
Where required, proposal heard by Planning Review and Adjustment Committee

Step 5:
Development Officer indicates if any revisions are required.

Step 6:
Final version of the plan is prepared by a New Brunswick surveyor.

Step 7:
Final subdivision plan is Approved by Development Officer.

Step 8:
Approved subdivision plan is registered at the Registry Office.