Write A Paper Describing The Processes You Went Through

Write A Paper Describing He Processes That You Went Through To Develop

Write a paper describing the processes that you went through to develop your preliminary subdivision plat. How did you use the specifications, how did you apply what you learned in lecture and how did you do your research, analysis, and design? Describe what you learned by doing this preliminary plat project. Describe what things best prepared you for doing the preliminary plat project. Prepare the paper assuming it would be read by a layperson who knows almost nothing about surveying.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of a preliminary subdivision plat is a meticulous process that combines research, analysis, design skills, and a thorough understanding of local regulations and specifications. This process aims to create a detailed, scaled map that accurately depicts proposed land divisions and associated infrastructure, ensuring compliance with legal and zoning requirements while accommodating client goals and future development needs.

Understanding Regulations and Specifications

The first step in developing a preliminary plat involves a comprehensive review of the local regulations governing land subdivision. Each jurisdiction, such as Dona Ana County in New Mexico, establishes specific standards that must be met. These include necessary features like a title, a north arrow, a scale, a vicinity map, and the names and addresses of property owners. These specifications ensure clarity, consistency, and legal validity of the map. For instance, Dona Ana County mandates that the plat include details such as adjacent road names, property boundaries, easements, and existing infrastructure.

Alongside local requirements, project-specific specifications guide the design. For example, in a recent project, the subdivision involved creating 40 lots within a 10-acre parcel. Each lot had to measure between 5,000 and 10,000 square feet, with appropriate setbacks—buildings needing to be set back at least 5 feet from lot boundaries and 15 feet from front and back edges. Street width, property frontage, and utility easements were also prescribed. Ensuring these parameters align with regulations was fundamental in shaping a feasible and compliant subdivision plan.

Applying Knowledge from Lectures and Research

Lectures played an integral role in shaping my approach to the preliminary plat. Key topics such as zoning laws, street design, and green development informed my decision-making process. Understanding zoning regulations helped determine land use limitations and opportunities, especially knowing my property resided in a performance district, which allowed flexibility in future zoning changes. Street design principles from lectures, including different street layouts—grid, cul-de-sacs, curvilinear—helped me select the most appropriate configuration that balanced access, traffic flow, and aesthetics. Knowledge of drainage options, like curbs and gutters versus ditches, ensured proper stormwater management was incorporated from the outset.

Research formed another crucial pillar of the process. Accessing local records at the county clerk's office provided vital data about original deeds, prior plats, and property boundaries. Online resources, such as Dona Ana County Documents Online, allowed me to verify deed descriptions and boundary lines, ensuring accuracy in the plat. I also investigated flood zones and cultural or historical features, integrating relevant information into the design to prevent future issues and respect local heritage.

Design and Use of Software

With all research data collected, I proceeded to design the subdivision using AutoCAD, a computer-aided drafting software. Drafting the original parcel based on legal descriptions was straightforward, and I then subdivided it into individual lots, streets, and utility easements. Organizing all elements within paper space, I ensured that the plat was clear, proportionate, and visually appealing. Key items such as the title block, legend, north arrow, and scale were carefully incorporated to facilitate understanding. The final draft was compact enough to fit within one or two pages, making it practical for review and approval processes.

Throughout this process, attention to detail was critical. Ensuring that the plat met all specifications, accurately reflected the physical and legal realities, and was understandable to non-surveyors was essential to my success. Continuous review and refinement helped produce a professional, compliant preliminary plat that effectively communicated the proposed land development plans.

Lessons Learned

This project provided valuable insights into the complexity and importance of preliminary plats. I learned that thorough research into local regulations, accurate data collection from existing records, and careful application of design principles are vital to creating a viable subdivision plan. The experience underscoreed the importance of detailed planning and adherence to standards, which ultimately facilitates smoother approval processes and reduces future conflicts.

Additionally, my coursework and lectures on street layouts, zoning, and green development prepared me to create a well-rounded design that balances infrastructure needs with community aesthetics and environmental considerations. Working through each step of the process improved my problem-solving skills and deepened my understanding of land development from concept to final draft.

Conclusion

Developing a preliminary subdivision plat is a foundational step in land development that demands a blend of technical skills, regulatory knowledge, and strategic planning. By carefully studying local specifications, applying learned principles from lectures, conducting diligent research, and skillfully using drafting tools, I was able to produce a comprehensive, compliant, and practical map. This experience not only enhanced my technical competence but also underscored the importance of precision and thoroughness in land surveying and development practices. Ultimately, a well-crafted preliminary plat paves the way for successful land development, benefiting developers, local governments, and future residents alike.

References

  • City of Champaign Preliminary Plat Comments. (2015). Retrieved from https://champaignil.gov
  • Ohm, B. (2015). Guide to Community Planning in Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin Press.
  • Dona Ana County Documents Online. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://donaana.org
  • Legal Dictionary. (n.d.). Plat. Retrieved from https://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Plat
  • City of Las Cruces. (n.d.). Subdivision Regulations. Retrieved from https://las-cruces.org
  • American Planning Association. (2010). Land-Use Planning and Design. APA Publications.
  • Esri. (2023). Using AutoCAD for Land Development Projects. Environmental Systems Research Institute.
  • Freilich, J. (2010). Urban Planning and Land Development. Routledge.
  • National Land Survey. (2022). Best Practices in Subdivision Design. NLS Reports.
  • U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2021). Floodplain Management Planning Guide. FEMA.

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