Planning Technician Emily Dills Explains MPC's Administrative Plat Review Process

Emily Dills, Planning Technician in MPC's Development Services division, has been with the agency for more than 8 years. But, she brings to the table many more years of local community service that round out her talents and serve her well in her Development Services role. A life long resident of Knoxville's Vestal community, Emily has worn many hats in public service, filling terms on the Knox Housing Partnership Board, the Partnership for Neighborhood Improvement Board, and the Vestal Community Organization. Her work with PNI and the Vestal Community Organization was instrumental in helping the City of Knoxville secure a multi-million Empowerment Zone grant in 2000.

At MPC, Emily is the go-to person for review and approval of administrative subdivision plats. With several years of experience working for a survey firm, she is well-qualified to handle the day-to-day responsibilities involved with plat review. Below, she answers some of the important questions regarding the administrative subdivision plat review process.

What is an administrative plat?Any plat that can be reviewed and approved by MPC staff without having to be considered by the full Planning Commission is called an administrative plat. To be eligible for administrative approval, a plat must be prepared by a registered surveyor and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• The plat must divide a tract into no more than two lots or combine existing lots into no more than two lots.
• It must adjust a recorded lot line between two existing lots.
• It must not add lots to an existing joint permanent easement.
• It must record an easement or new information with no subdivision of land.
• It must meet the requirements for an exempt or corrected plat.

When is an administrative plat required?In addition to the above criteria, an administrative plat is required so that a deeded parcel of land can be recorded, creating a "lot of record." A recorded lot of record entitles the property owner to obtain a building permit for that lot.

What should be considered when preparing an administrative plat?The surveyor who prepares an administrative plat should ensure that the following issues are addressed:

• Right-of-way widths are correct according to the Major Road Plan, which is available on the MPC website.
• Tie-down locations to property lines for any existing structures, walls, signs, or other man-made features are shown.
• A closure sheet must be prepared and submitted to ensure all property line dimensions are correct.
• All appropriate signatures and certification stamps must be added to the plat prior to recording.

Where can I find more information about the administrative plat process?The platting process is described in detail in theKnoxville-Knox County Minimum Subdivision Regulations, which is available online along with the city and county zoning ordinances. MPC's website includes many other resources, such as the Quick Fact Series, to help you understand various MPC review processes.

For more information about the administrative plat process, please contact Emily Dills, at 215-2500

Posted 5-16-2012, written by Buz Johnson and Emily Dills