Complete Guide to Subdivision and Platting in Bloomingdale
Navigating subdivision and platting matters in Bloomingdale requires careful attention to local land use rules, municipal ordinances, and state statutes. Whether you are dividing an existing parcel for sale, creating lots for development, or adjusting boundaries to meet zoning requirements, the legal steps can be complex and time consuming. At Jay Johnson Law Firm in Hendersonville, Tennessee, we assist landowners, developers, and municipalities with clear guidance through the process. Our goal is to help clients understand permit requirements, survey and plat preparation, public notice obligations, and necessary approvals so they can move forward with confidence and minimize costly delays.
Subdivision and platting involve both technical and legal components that intersect with local planning departments, surveyors, and title issues. From initial feasibility review to final plat recording, each stage presents potential obstacles such as utility easements, access requirements, and environmental considerations. Good planning up front can prevent disputes, ensure compliance with Sullivan County and Bloomingdale rules, and preserve property value. When residents or property owners seek assistance, we provide pragmatic legal counsel, help coordinate with engineers and surveyors, and prepare documentation needed for hearings and approvals so projects progress as smoothly as possible.
Why Subdivision and Platting Counsel Matters for Property Owners
Legal guidance during subdivision and platting protects property owners from unintended setbacks and ensures long term use of land aligns with their goals. Proper handling of surveys, easements, right of way access, and public infrastructure coordination can prevent boundary disputes and title defects. Working with counsel reduces the risk of approvals being delayed or denied due to incomplete filings or failure to meet zoning criteria. For developers and homeowners alike, reliable legal support can preserve project timelines, reduce unexpected costs, and help secure clear, marketable parcels that meet local regulations in Bloomingdale and Sullivan County.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Real Estate Experience
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients across Tennessee from our Hendersonville location, assisting with a range of real estate matters including subdivision and platting. Our team brings years of courtroom and transactional practice in property law and local government procedures. We prioritize clear communication and practical solutions, helping landowners navigate municipal review, coordinate with surveyors and engineers, and prepare documents for recording. Our approach focuses on anticipating common issues and advocating for client priorities with planning boards, county offices, and title companies to achieve timely and compliant outcomes for land use projects.
Understanding Subdivision and Platting Services in Bloomingdale
Subdivision and platting services encompass the legal and administrative work required to divide land into separate lots, create plats for recording, and address related easements and access matters. The process typically includes preliminary consultations to evaluate zoning and development standards, review of survey work, preparation of plat documents, and filings with the appropriate county or municipal office. Counsel helps clients identify required permits, coordinate public notice and hearing obligations, and address questions raised by planning staff or boards so that the subdivision moves forward in alignment with local regulations and properties remain marketable and usable.
Land division can be driven by a desire to sell parcels, create residential lots, or reorganize property for estate planning or commercial development. Understanding the steps involved in platting — from preliminary plat review through final recording — is essential for meeting deadlines and avoiding rework. Legal counsel supports property owners by preparing submissions, responding to agency inquiries, negotiating conditions of approval, and ensuring all recorded documents reflect intended ownership and easements. This coordination helps reduce the likelihood of future title disputes and keeps projects aligned with Bloomingdale and Sullivan County planning expectations.
What Subdivision and Platting Mean in Practical Terms
Subdivision refers to dividing a parcel of land into two or more lots for sale, development, or separate ownership, while platting is the preparation and recording of a map that shows those divisions. The plat sets out lot lines, streets, easements, and other important features that affect use and ownership. Local governments review plats to make sure new lots meet zoning, access, stormwater, and infrastructure requirements. Legal counsel ensures plats are accurate, compliant, and accompanied by necessary legal instruments such as dedications, covenants, and easement agreements so the recorded documents reflect the parties’ intentions and municipal approvals.
Key Steps and Elements in the Subdivision and Platting Process
Important elements in a subdivision project include boundary surveys, lot layout, provision for utilities, road access, drainage plans, and identification of easements and rights of way. The process generally begins with a feasibility review and preliminary plat submission to the planning authority, followed by public notice and any required hearings. Conditions of approval may include infrastructure improvements or modifications. Final plat submission must meet technical requirements for recording and be accompanied by required deeds or dedications. Legal counsel helps ensure filings satisfy county standards and that title and deed language support the intended transfers and encumbrances.
Key Terms and Glossary for Subdivision and Platting
Understanding the terminology used during subdivision and platting improves communication with planners, surveyors, and lenders. Terms like plat, easement, right of way, dedication, variance, and preliminary approval are commonly used and can affect property rights and project scope. Familiarity with these terms helps owners evaluate requirements and anticipate costs. Legal counsel can explain how each term applies to a specific property and transaction, ensuring that recorded documents and approvals match the intended use and protect ownership interests throughout the development or sale process in Bloomingdale and Sullivan County.
Plat
A plat is a detailed map, often prepared by a licensed surveyor, showing the division of land into lots, streets, easements, and other physical features. The plat is submitted to local planning authorities for review and, when approved, recorded at the county register of deeds. Recording the plat creates a public record of the new parcel boundaries and any dedications or restrictions that affect the property. Ensuring the plat accurately reflects the legal descriptions and planned infrastructure is essential to avoid future disputes and to facilitate clear title transfers and development activities.
Easement
An easement grants specific rights to use a portion of one property for the benefit of another, such as for utilities, access, or drainage. Easements are commonly shown on plats and can be permanent or temporary. They remain attached to the land and can affect how parcels are used or developed. Identifying existing easements early in the subdivision process helps avoid conflicts and ensures planned lots have necessary access and services. Legal counsel assists in drafting, negotiating, and recording easement agreements to protect the interests of both grantors and beneficiaries.
Right of Way
A right of way is a type of easement that permits passage across a property, frequently used to provide vehicle or pedestrian access. Rights of way are important when creating new lots that need road access or when connecting to public streets. Public utilities also use rights of way to install and maintain infrastructure. When subdividing property, planners and surveyors evaluate whether existing or proposed rights of way meet local standards and whether new dedications are necessary. Counsel helps ensure that rights of way are properly documented and do not unduly restrict property use.
Dedication
A dedication is the voluntary conveyance of land from a private owner to a public entity for public use, such as for roads, parks, or utilities. Dedications are often required as a condition of subdivision approval to provide improvements to support new development. Properly documenting dedications and any associated maintenance responsibilities is essential to avoid future liabilities. Legal counsel assists in preparing dedication language, coordinating acceptance with the relevant governmental authority, and ensuring that dedications are reflected accurately on the recorded plat and in title records.
Comparing Limited Assistance and Comprehensive Subdivision Counsel
Property owners often must choose between limited, task-oriented legal assistance and broader, comprehensive representation. Limited assistance can address a specific issue such as reviewing a plat or preparing a single document, which may be suitable for straightforward projects with few complications. Comprehensive representation is broader and includes managing the full project, coordinating with surveyors and planners, negotiating conditions, and addressing title and closing matters. The right option depends on project complexity, the owner’s tolerance for managing multiple vendors, and the presence of title issues, encumbrances, or municipal objections that may require closer legal coordination.
When Limited, Task-Focused Legal Help May Be Appropriate:
Simple Lot Divisions with Clear Title
A limited approach can work well for straightforward lot splits where there are no encumbrances, existing easement conflicts, or infrastructure issues. If the property has a clear title history, meets current zoning and setback requirements, and no variances are needed, a task-focused attorney can prepare or review the required documents and help record the final plat. This approach is often cost effective for owners who already have survey work completed and who do not require negotiations with third parties or municipal boards.
Minor Boundary Adjustments
For minor boundary adjustments between adjacent properties, such as resolving small encroachment issues or executing boundary line agreements, limited legal assistance can be appropriate. When surveys are conclusive and neighbors agree to the changes, counsel can draft the necessary deeds or agreements and ensure proper recording. This targeted help streamlines resolution without the need for full project management. It works best when parties are cooperative and there are no substantial zoning, access, or infrastructure modifications required by local authorities.
Why Broader Legal Representation May Be Necessary:
Complex Developments or Infrastructure Requirements
Comprehensive legal services are often needed when subdivision projects require significant infrastructure work, such as road construction, stormwater management, or utility extensions. These projects involve multiple approvals, coordination with engineers and public agencies, and negotiation of acceptance for public dedications. A broader legal role helps manage timelines, respond to agency comments, and document agreements that govern maintenance and liability. Handling these elements proactively reduces the chance of approval delays and helps ensure that improvements satisfy county and municipal standards in Bloomingdale and Sullivan County.
Title Issues, Easement Disputes, or Third-Party Objections
When title clouds, unresolved easement disputes, boundary disagreements, or objections from neighbors and agencies arise, comprehensive representation is advisable. Such matters often require negotiation, dispute resolution, and settlement documentation in addition to the standard platting paperwork. Legal counsel can investigate title history, coordinate quiet title actions if needed, and draft agreements that resolve competing claims. A unified approach ensures that all legal risks are addressed before final approval and recording, protecting the value and usability of the newly created parcels.
Advantages of a Full-Service Approach to Subdivision and Platting
A comprehensive approach provides a single point of coordination for surveyors, engineers, lenders, and planning authorities, which can streamline communication and keep projects on schedule. When all legal and technical aspects are managed together, there is less risk of miscommunication or missing documents that could delay approval or recording. Comprehensive counsel helps anticipate municipal conditions, draft appropriate agreements, and make sure dedications and easements are properly recorded. This holistic handling often leads to greater certainty for property owners and improved outcomes for both short term transactions and long term property plans.
When the legal team handles permitting, negotiation, and title work together, potential conflicts can be identified and resolved early, saving time and expense later. Comprehensive services also help when dealing with lenders or buyers who require clear title and properly recorded plats. Coordinated legal support reduces the burden on owners to manage multiple vendors and ensures that all recorded instruments work together to implement the intended land use. For developers and individuals alike, this cohesion supports smoother closings and more reliable long term property records.
Streamlined Approvals and Reduced Delays
Comprehensive legal coordination can reduce the number of revisions and meetings required to secure approvals from planning boards and county staff. By ensuring submissions are complete, addressing potential compliance issues before submission, and negotiating reasonable conditions, counsel can shorten review cycles. Early identification of issues such as necessary variances, utility coordination, or stormwater requirements helps avoid repeated re-submissions. This efficiency saves time and can reduce the cumulative cost associated with protracted approval processes, helping owners reach construction or sale milestones sooner.
Stronger Protection for Title and Property Rights
When legal services address both platting and title matters, owners benefit from coordinated solutions that protect ownership and clarify obligations. Drafting consistent deed descriptions, recording easements and dedications correctly, and resolving title issues before recording prevents future disputes and minimizes the risk of claims that can cloud title. This integrated approach improves marketability and lender confidence in the property. It also creates a durable record that supports long term property plans and reduces the likelihood of litigation or corrective actions down the road.
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Practical Tips for Subdivision and Platting Projects
Start with a Feasibility Review
Begin every subdivision project with a feasibility review that examines zoning, minimum lot sizes, setback requirements, and potential utility access. Early review helps identify whether variances or special permits will be needed and sets realistic expectations for infrastructure needs like roads or stormwater systems. Coordinating with a surveyor and local planning staff early reduces the chance of costly redesigns. A legal review at this stage can clarify the likely approvals process and provide an early estimate of time and costs associated with obtaining municipal or county consent.
Document Easements and Access Clearly
Coordinate with Lenders and Title Companies Early
If financing or sale is anticipated, involve lenders and title companies early in the platting process so they can identify any title conditions or survey requirements they will expect at closing. Addressing lender concerns about encumbrances or lot configuration upfront prevents last minute demands that could alter project timelines. Clear communication between legal counsel, the title company, and the lender ensures that recorded plats and associated documents meet underwriting requirements and that owners can move smoothly toward sale or financing once approvals are granted.
Reasons to Use Legal Support for Subdivision and Platting
Property owners may seek legal assistance to avoid delays, protect title, and ensure compliance with Bloomingdale and Sullivan County regulations. Legal counsel helps interpret zoning ordinances, negotiate conditions of approval, and prepare recordable documents such as plats, dedications, and easement agreements. Representation also assists with handling objections from neighbors or agencies and resolving boundary or title issues before final recording. For owners planning sales, development, or estate transfers, having properly recorded and legally sound plats protects value and simplifies future transactions.
Legal involvement reduces the risk that incomplete or incorrect filings will lead to denials or requests for re-submission, which can add cost and time. Counsel provides continuity across the various steps — survey, planning review, approvals, and recording — and ensures that all related documents are consistent. For projects involving infrastructure or public dedications, attorneys coordinate acceptance and handle associated agreements so owners understand long term obligations. This reduces uncertainty and helps projects proceed with clearer expectations for both short term and ongoing responsibilities.
Common Situations That Require Subdivision and Platting Assistance
Many scenarios prompt the need for subdivision counsel, including selling off lots, creating parcels for family members, preparing land for development, or resolving boundary disputes. Other common triggers include lender requirements for clear title, municipal demands for recorded dedications, or the need to formalize access via easements. Whether the project is residential or commercial, dealing with planning boards, ensuring compliance with stormwater and road standards, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders are typical reasons owners consult legal counsel to avoid delays and ensure the division of land is executed properly.
Selling or Transferring Property
When a landowner plans to sell part of a parcel or transfer property to family, subdivision and platting steps create discrete, marketable lots and recordable legal descriptions. Proper platting ensures buyers receive clear property lines and title companies can insure new deeds. The process often entails surveys, public notice, and approval by local officials. Legal counsel guides owners through requirements, drafts deeds and covenants, and handles recording so transfers close without unexpected title issues or disputes over access and easements.
Preparing Land for Development
Developers and property owners preparing land for construction of homes or commercial buildings need accurate plats and approvals that show lot layouts, road access, utility locations, and stormwater plans. Coordination with engineers and planning departments is necessary to meet municipal standards. Legal counsel helps negotiate conditions of approval, prepare dedications, and ensure that infrastructure responsibilities are clearly defined. Addressing these matters early reduces the chance of costly redesigns or modifications during the approval process and supports a smoother path to construction.
Resolving Boundary or Title Issues
Boundary disputes, ambiguous deed descriptions, or unresolved title matters often require legal intervention before a plat can be recorded. Counsel can review title history, coordinate corrective deeds, or pursue quiet title actions when necessary to clarify ownership. Resolving these legal matters prior to final plat recording prevents future claims that could cloud title or affect the marketability of newly created lots. Clear documentation and legal resolution protect both sellers and buyers and reduce the risk of litigation after a transaction closes.
Bloomingdale Subdivision and Platting Attorney
Jay Johnson Law Firm provides local representation for subdivision and platting matters in Bloomingdale and Sullivan County. We assist property owners with consultations, document preparation, hearings before planning boards, and final plat recording. Our approach emphasizes clear communication with municipal staff and coordination with surveyors and title companies to help clients move projects forward. If you are considering dividing land or need help resolving title or easement matters, we offer practical legal support designed to protect your property interests and keep regulatory processes on track.
Why Retain Our Firm for Your Subdivision and Platting Needs
Choosing counsel experienced in Tennessee land use and real estate transactions can provide meaningful benefits throughout the subdivision process. We bring knowledge of local planning procedures, county recording requirements, and coordination needs with surveyors and engineers. Our team focuses on preparing complete submissions, anticipating potential objections, and negotiating reasonable conditions to secure approval. By handling legal documentation and communication with municipal staff, we reduce administrative burdens on clients and help projects progress more efficiently toward final plat recording and property transfers.
Clients also benefit from having a single legal point of contact who can address title matters, draft deeds and easements, and ensure all recorded documents align with development objectives. This coordination helps prevent inconsistencies between plats, deeds, and other instruments that could cause confusion or disputes later. Our representation includes working with title companies and lenders so that financing and sales can proceed once municipal approvals are complete. We emphasize pragmatic solutions tailored to each client’s objectives and timelines in Bloomingdale and Sullivan County.
Finally, retaining counsel helps owners manage the unpredictable elements of subdivision projects, including staff comments, third-party objections, or technical revisions to plats. Proactive legal involvement supports smoother interactions with governmental reviewers and provides clarity about obligations tied to dedications and easements. For landowners seeking to protect value and ensure parcels are ready for sale or development, legal oversight of the process offers greater predictability and helps safeguard long term property interests in Tennessee.
Get Started on Your Subdivision or Platting Matter Today
Our Firm's Subdivision and Platting Process
Our process begins with a thorough intake to understand the property, client goals, and any existing survey or title issues. We then coordinate a feasibility review, consult with surveyors and engineers as needed, and prepare preliminary submissions for planning review. After receiving agency comments, we work to address conditions and prepare the final plat and required instruments for recording. Throughout, we maintain communication with clients, planning staff, and title companies to keep the project moving toward timely approval and accurate recording at the county register of deeds.
Step One: Initial Review and Feasibility
In the first phase we evaluate zoning classifications, minimum lot sizes, setback and frontage requirements, and any known easements or deed restrictions that might affect the project. This review identifies potential hurdles such as the need for variances or infrastructure work. We advise on likely approval paths and coordinate with surveyors to confirm accurate boundary lines. Early engagement helps clients understand realistic timelines and costs and sets priorities for next steps such as preliminary plat preparation or utility coordination.
Evaluate Title and Existing Encumbrances
We review title reports and deed histories to identify encumbrances, easements, or other restrictions that could affect lot formation. When title issues are present, we recommend corrective steps such as drafting deeds, negotiating releases, or taking steps to clear title prior to final recording. Addressing these matters early prevents last minute surprises and helps ensure that new lot descriptions will be acceptable to title companies and potential buyers once the plat is recorded.
Coordinate with Surveyors and Planners
Coordination with licensed surveyors and planning staff produces accurate preliminary plats that reflect local standards. We help interpret survey results, confirm compliance with lot dimensions and access requirements, and incorporate necessary easements. Early involvement with planning staff provides insight into likely conditions of approval and helps tailor submissions to reduce the need for revisions. This collaboration sets the foundation for a smoother review process and more predictable outcomes during municipal consideration.
Step Two: Submission and Review
After preparing the preliminary plat and required documentation, we submit materials to the planning office and respond to agency comments. This stage often includes public notice, planning board consultations, and potential conditions from municipal staff. We work to address requested revisions promptly, negotiate reasonable timelines for required improvements, and prepare any legal instruments required by the planning board. Managing these interactions efficiently helps move the project from preliminary approval to final plat readiness while maintaining momentum toward recording.
Respond to Agency Comments and Conditions
Agency reviews commonly identify technical corrections or conditions like drainage solutions or utility coordination. We evaluate each comment, coordinate with engineers to prepare revisions, and negotiate any feasible modifications or timelines with planning staff. By responding thoroughly and promptly, we help avoid repeated re-submissions and keep the approval process moving. Clear documentation of agreed conditions also aids in preparing final plats and associated deeds or dedications for accurate recording.
Address Public and Neighbor Concerns
When public notice generates inquiries or objections, we assist clients in preparing responses and, if necessary, presenting before planning boards or county officials. Engaging constructively with neighbors and addressing legitimate concerns can prevent appeals or prolonged disputes. We aim to resolve objections through negotiation or technical adjustments where appropriate, balancing the project goals with community expectations so approvals can be achieved without undue confrontation or delay.
Step Three: Final Plat Preparation and Recording
Once preliminary conditions are satisfied, we prepare the final plat and supporting documents for recording at the county register of deeds. This includes finalizing legal descriptions, recording dedications, easements, and any required maintenance agreements. We coordinate with title companies to ensure the final recorded documents align with closing requirements for buyers or lenders. Our objective is to complete the technical and legal steps necessary so parcels are clearly defined, marketable, and free from unresolved issues that could affect future transactions.
Prepare Recordable Documents
Final preparation includes the recordable plat, any required deeds of dedication, easement instruments, and certifications required by local ordinances. We verify that all signatures and approvals are in place and that the plat meets the county’s recording standards. Ensuring the accuracy of legal descriptions and the completeness of accompanying documents prevents rejections at the register of deeds and protects the integrity of property records after filing.
Coordinate Closing and Title Clearance
Before closing on any newly created lot, we coordinate with title companies and lenders to clear any remaining title issues and confirm that recorded plats meet underwriting requirements. This coordination avoids last minute hold-ups and ensures buyers receive insurable title and accurate deed descriptions. By handling title clearance and recording details, we help facilitate timely closings and reduce the risk of post-closing disputes over boundaries, access, or encumbrances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subdivision and Platting
What is the difference between a preliminary plat and a final plat?
A preliminary plat is an initial submission that outlines the proposed division of land for review by planning staff and the planning board. It is used to identify compliance issues, required improvements, and conditions that must be addressed before final approval. The review allows planners to provide comments and for the applicant to make necessary revisions. The final plat is prepared after all conditions are satisfied and includes the precise legal descriptions, dedications, and certifications required for recording. Recording the final plat creates the official public record of the new parcels.
How long does the subdivision and platting process usually take in Bloomingdale?
Timelines vary depending on project complexity, local review schedules, and whether revisions or public hearings are required. Straightforward subdivisions with complete submissions and no objections may move through administrative review in a matter of weeks to a few months, while larger developments or those requiring variances and infrastructure improvements can take several months or longer. Early coordination with local planning staff and timely responses to agency comments are key to keeping the process on schedule. Legal support that prepares complete submissions can reduce delays associated with missing documentation.
Will the subdivision affect my property taxes or assessments?
Subdivision can change property assessments if the division results in new buildable lots or alters how land is used. Tax assessors evaluate parcels based on size, use, and improvements, so newly created lots may be assessed separately and could affect tax liabilities. However, tax outcomes depend on local assessment practices and whether improvements are added. Consulting with local tax offices and factoring potential assessment changes into financial planning helps owners understand long term costs. Legal counsel can also help document intended uses and address matters that might influence assessments.
Do I need a survey before starting a subdivision?
A current, licensed boundary survey is typically required before submitting a plat. Surveys establish accurate property lines, identify encroachments, and reveal existing easements that could affect lot configurations. Surveyors prepare the technical map that becomes the basis for both preliminary and final plats. Legal counsel works with surveyors to translate survey data into legally sufficient descriptions and to ensure that any necessary agreements or releases are prepared prior to recording. Starting with a quality survey reduces the likelihood of technical objections from planning staff.
What happens if a neighbor objects to my plat?
If a neighbor objects to a proposed plat, the planning body may hold a hearing to consider the objection and determine whether the project meets local requirements. Some objections can be resolved through negotiation, minor plan adjustments, or agreements such as access easements or screening. When disputes cannot be resolved informally, the planning board’s decision will weigh the objections against zoning and subdivision standards. Legal representation can help present factual and regulatory arguments to the board and pursue negotiated solutions to address neighbor concerns and move toward approval.
Can easements prevent me from creating new lots?
Existing easements can limit how land is divided and whether proposed lots have necessary access or utility services. An easement that grants exclusive use or restricts certain development can affect lot layout and usability. Identifying easements early is important to determine if proposed lots will be viable. In some cases, easement modifications or relocations can be negotiated with the easement holder, but that requires careful documentation and consent. Counsel assists in evaluating easement impacts and pursuing agreements or alternative designs that accommodate easement constraints.
Are there financing implications for subdividing property?
Subdivision affects financing because lenders and title companies require clear legal descriptions and insurable title for individual lots. If a project is financed, lenders may require recorded plats and evidence that required improvements or dedications have been addressed. When lots will be sold, buyers’ lenders will typically require the final plat to be recorded and title to be marketable. Early communication with lenders and title companies ensures that the platting process aligns with financing timelines and underwriter requirements, minimizing last minute obstacles to closings.
How are road dedications and maintenance handled?
Road dedications may be required to provide public access for newly created lots, and maintenance responsibilities depend on whether the road becomes a public street or remains private. Public dedications typically involve the governmental entity accepting responsibility for upkeep, while private roads may require homeowner associations or private agreements for maintenance. Planning boards and public works departments often set standards for road construction and acceptance, and agreements documenting maintenance obligations should be prepared. Legal counsel helps negotiate and document dedications and maintenance responsibilities to ensure clarity after approval.
What role does the county planning board play?
The county planning board reviews preliminary plats, evaluates compliance with subdivision regulations, and recommends approval, conditional approval, or denial based on standards such as lot sizes, access, and infrastructure. The board may impose conditions intended to protect public health and safety or to ensure proper integration with existing development. Their review often includes public hearings where neighbors can voice concerns. Legal assistance can help applicants present their case to the board, address requested conditions, and negotiate reasonable timelines for needed improvements or documentation.
Can I combine lots later if needed?
Combining lots later is often possible, but it depends on local regulations and whether any recorded restrictions, covenants, or easements prevent reconfiguration. Some jurisdictions require the recording of a new plat or re-subdivision documents to remove lot lines and adjust legal descriptions. Combining lots may also involve coordination with the register of deeds and title company to ensure deed descriptions and tax records are updated properly. Legal counsel can guide owners through the process and prepare the necessary documentation to merge parcels in compliance with local requirements.