Subdivision & Land Development (SALDO)

Subdivision

A subdivision is the process of redefining the boundaries of a lot, which could either involve the creation of two or more lots from an existing lot or the transfer of a part of one lot to become part of another lot. The latter action is commonly referred to as a Part & Parcel. A minor subdivision is a subdivision containing ten (10) or fewer lots or dwelling units, or a development on a single lot involving fewer than two (2) buildings that is served by an existing public street and has a combined building and paved parking area of 20,000 square feet or less. A minor subdivision application must be submitted to and approved by the Venango County Regional Planning Commission (VCRPC) before the sale of lots, issuance of building permits, and/or construction and occupancy of proposed buildings. 

One main purpose of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) is to ensure that subdivided lots are suited to the use for which they are proposed. In general, this purpose includes supporting the development of buildable lots, but it can also include lots specifically dedicated to agriculture, silviculture, recreation, or open space. Buildable lots have specific dimensions which support the construction of buildings and the installation of water and sewer systems, whether connection to a public system is available or it is feasible to install a well and septic system on site.   In Venango County, it is assumed that water is accessible simply by drilling a well. 

In lots that have an approved location for a new septic system, a copy of the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approval letter of that sewage system must be submitted to the Planning Commission before a subdivision plan can be approved. Lots without an approved septic location or access to public sewer will require a non-building waiver before a subdivision plan can be approved. In order to apply for a non-building waiver, the applicant must obtain and sign a form maintained by DEP called a “Request for Planning Waiver & Non-Building Declaration.” This form will also need to be signed by the municipality, the planning commission staff, and the municipal Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO). This form documents the location of the proposed waiver and serves as a disclosure that the owner will include the required language in the Deed or other transfer documents that are filed. If someone wants to build on this lot in the future, that owner must file a new deed after obtaining proof of septic approval. 

How to request a minor subdivision:

1. Discuss the lot plan with our office and obtain application materials. 

2. Request a survey from a professional licensed land surveyor. 

3. Submit a draft survey copy to our office for pre-application review. 

4. Notarize six (6) copies of the plan set with the planning commission title block, verifying that you understand the proposal to be compliant with the SALDO. A copy of the approved plan and approval letter will be submitted to the following parties: 

1) Filed in the Planning department records, 

2) Filed with the Assessment office, 

3) Filed with the Register and Recorder office, 

4) Mailed to the municipality, 

5) Mailed to the Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO), and 

6) Returned to the applicant via mail.

5. Submit completed application, all notarized copies of the plan set, and supply a $30 check or money order made out to the Venango County Register and Recorder. A Non-Building Waiver may also be required if the lot has not been evaluated by DEP for septic suitability, and the plans must specify the lot as such. 

Note: Planning Commission staff are granted up to 90 days to review the final plan. The application will be approved by staff under the following conditions:

- No lot shall be created or sold which is smaller than the minimum lot size, as defined in the SALDO. 

- Drainage easements or rights-of-way shall not be changed.

- The proposed lots shall front on an existing public or municipally recognized private street and shall provide vehicular access that does not interfere with normal movement of traffic.

- Street alignments shall not be changed.

- All applicable SALDO provisions can be fully met, including lot dimensions and minimum setbacks. 

If any modifications are needed or variances requested, they will require board approval at the monthly VCRPC meeting, which must be initiated at least one week before the upcoming meeting. Otherwise, the approved subdivision will be recorded by staff within ninety (90) days of the approval date on the plan. 

6. Record a written deed and file with the Venango County Register and Recorder.

Forms and Resources

Subdivision Administration - The Basics (PDF) - For applicants to review

Minor Subdivision Checklist - For applicants to review

Minor Subdivision Application - For applicants to complete and submit with plans

Subdivision Title Block - For surveyors to add to plans, includes Ownership Certification

Ownership Certification Block - For surveyors to add to plans

Part & Parcel Title Block Statement - For surveyors to add to plans, if required

Non-Building Waiver Statement - For surveyors to add to plans, if required

DEP Non-Building Waiver - For applicants to complete, if required