The City of Urbana regulates land development through two important documents: the Land Development Code and the Manual of Practice. These documents are enforced by the Planning Division and the Engineering Division. It is important to understand how the City of Urbana uses the terms "subdivision" and "development."
Subdivision refers to the act of dividing, consolidating, or altering land boundaries for sale, development, or lease, or it can refer to the configuration of lots and public areas resulting from land development following the city's regulations.
Development is an action that changes the legal rights or physical state of land, such as creating a stormwater plan, requiring sewer service, mining, changing subdivisions, or developing a planned unit. It can also refer to the layout of land parcels and associated infrastructure like streets, sewers, lighting, and sidewalks.
There are two types of developments: Minor Developments and Major Developments, both regulated by the Land Development Code and guided by the Manual.
- Minor Development
- A Minor Development involves subdividing a parcel of land into up to five buildable lots with all necessary improvements and services except for service connections and sidewalks.
- To create a Minor Development, submit an Application for Minor Development and use the Subdivision Review Checklist for guidance.
- Major Development
- A Major Development doesn't fall under the Minor Development category. It requires preliminary and/or final plats.
- The Preliminary Plat provides a preliminary layout of the development and necessary public improvements, while the Final Plat is prepared for recording and must meet regulatory criteria.
Urbana Land Development Code
The Urbana Land Development Code (LDC), formerly known as the "Subdivision and Land Development Code," is the primary tool the City uses to control how land is developed within the City and up to 1.5 miles from its borders. The City began using the updated 2023 LDC in July of 2023 for all new developments with recorded plats or building permit applications.
Sometimes, the City Council changes the LDC through ordinances. These changes can involve new rules, clarifications, or removing old practices. Proposed changes are reviewed to ensure they align with the City's comprehensive plan. They are then presented to the Urbana Plan Commission and Urbana City Council.
Urbana Manual of Practice
The Urbana Manual of Practice (MOP) is a technical document introduced alongside the updated LDC. It sets the standards for development, including design, materials, and construction. The LDC relies on the MOP for technical guidance, making it a crucial part of the LDC.
The MOP is an administrative document, and the City's Administrative Review Committee (ARC) has the authority to modify it. You can request changes to the MOP using a form found in Appendix K of the MOP. Except for emergencies, revisions to the MOP are reviewed annually.
Note: Please be aware that important information in the Urbana LDC may be in different sections, and the ordinance is subject to amendments over time.
Important: The LDC requires a future Developer to contact the City of Urbana Planning Division to arrange a pre-application conference between the Developer and the Administrative Review Committee before submitting any land development applications.
Assistance
If you have Planning and/or Zoning related questions or require assistance, please contact the Planning Division staff by email at Planning [at] urbanaillinois.us (Planning[at]urbanaillinois[dot]us).