A subdivision grading plan is required for each individual lot that is part of a new residential subdivision with an active, approved subdivision plan under bond. Each lot grading plan depicts final lot grading and proposed improvements including the size, location, and configuration of all structures.

Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to apply for a separate building permit record in PLUS. To determine whether your project requires a permit, visit When a Permit is Required. Once you determine the appropriate record type, review the associated Permit Library guide to find details regarding the submission and review process.

 

This information is the most common for how to obtain the necessary approval for your project and is not representative of all the conditions you may encounter.

 

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Homeowners or their duly authorized agents may submit subdivision grading plans, however, the plan itself must be certified by a professional engineer, land surveyor, architect or landscape architect licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia and meeting the respective code requirements.

• Verify License on DPOR Website
• Hiring a Contractor

 

PLAN AHEAD

Before submitting, ensure you are aware of all applicable regulations and conditions that could affect your project to avoid surprises during the review process. Some of those factors include:

• Zoning Information
• Design Codes and Standards
• Do I Need to Hire a Design Professional?
• Floodplains
• Resource Protection Areas (RPA)
• Grading/Site Plans
• Parking Tabulation
• Types of Soils and Problem Soils
• Researching Site Conditions

To get a detailed description about each regulation and condition, visit our Plan Ahead page.

 

HOW DO I SUBMIT MY RECORD?

PLUS Application

Apply for your subdivision grading plan online in PLUS under the Site tab, by locating your approved subdivision plan under My Records and selecting “Make Changes”. Select “Subdivision Grading Plan” as the appropriate amendment type.

 

 

Tutorial on Uploading Plans and Documents in PLUS

Helpful Instruction Guide:

• Uploading Plans and Documents

 

 

Requirements

Depending on the scope of your project, one or more of the following may be required:
 

First Submissions:

• Digital signature - verifiable digital signature of the licensed design professional
• Lot number
• Subdivision Grading Plan Checklist
• Review fee

 

Subsequent Submissions:

• Digital signature - verifiable digital signature of the licensed design professional
• Applicant responses - enter responses to all open issues in the PLUS Digital Plan Room
• Review fee

 

Once you obtain your issued land disturbance permit and approved site-related plan, you may proceed with your associated building permit record(s). For more information on building record types to include when a permit is required and how to apply, visit When a Permit is Required.
 

Helpful Videos:

 Reviewing Issues, Conditions, & Notes in PLUS - YouTube

 Upload Corrected Plans in PLUS - YouTube

Helpful Instruction Guides:

• Corrections Required
• VOID Sheet Process

 

Revisions to previously approved plans (per the PFM):

• Digital signature - verifiable digital signature of the licensed design professional
• Revision narrative - separate letter detailing the revision and referencing its general location
• Certification of No Change - certification that no other changes have been made to the plan or profile except those previously approved
• Review fee

Helpful Videos:

 Submitting Revisions in PLUS - YouTube

Helpful Instruction Guides:

• Uploading Plans and Documents
• VOID Sheet Process

 

What's Next?

To get a step-by-step guide on PLUS statuses and what they mean, see our What is My PLUS Status? Site Plans Infographic.

 

Review Process

Staff from the Site Application Center, Minimum Submission Review team, Health Department (if on well or septic), and Site Development and Inspections Division will review your package for completeness and compliance with applicable codes and county ordinances. You will be notified of any deficiencies. Plan corrections, resubmission fees and additional supporting documents may be required.

• Queue times
• Fees
• Common plan comments for site review
• Workflow Routing Slip to track review and plan assignment

For a detailed summary of application progress, to include the name(s) of assigned review staff, click on “Reports” in the top-right corner of the PLUS screen, when you are in a specific record, and select “Workflow Routing Slip Report.”

 

Plan and Permit Issuance

Once all reviews are approved, fees have been paid and all associated post-approval conditions have been satisfied, your land disturbance permit and approved plans will be available to download from PLUS. NOTE: If the owner of the individual lot is different from the original subdivision plan owner, a new conservation agreement with escrow deposit, as well as land disturbance permit application, will be required.

 

Helpful Video:

 Access Approved Plans in PLUS - YouTube Video

 

Site Inspections

Before beginning any land disturbing activities associated with your approved site/grading plan and land disturbance permit, you are required to request a pre-construction meeting. Before requesting your pre-construction meeting, certain items must be completed such as an approved Virginia 811 ticket. To review all required items, visit the Site Inspection web page.

 

Conservation/Bond Release

The release of the associated conservation deposit is coordinated with your site inspector upon project completion. The assigned site inspector will notify Bonds and Addressing staff to initiate the conservation escrow release process. Any associated building permit records must have a passed final inspection.

For process details, click the below graphic. For any process-related questions, please contact the Bonds and Agreements Center via email or phone at 703-222-0801, TTY 711.