Development Services Center

Discuss with City Planning

Please talk with Planning Division staff before proceeding with any plat or certified survey map. (Note: Given that the Planning office is currently open to the public by appointment only and many staff are working remotely, these meetings are being done virtually, via videoconference.) Please call Planning at (608) 266-4635 to schedule an appointment to discuss your project.

Where to Go

Department of Planning and Community & Economic Development
215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd  Suite 017
Madison, WI 53703

Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

Submit Application

Submit your application to the Planning Division to begin the formal review process.

When

Review the current Development Review Schedule for the Plan Commission and Common Council. The two columns on the left contain the submittal dates, which vary depending on the request(s). The middle three columns are the corresponding Urban Design Commission, Plan Commission, and Common Council meetings. (Read across the row from the submittal date). Deadlines occur on designated Mondays at 12:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted. 
 

Where to Go

Online (Staff are currently only accepting digital (PDF) submittals - not paper)

What to Include

• Applicants are to submit each of the following documents as individual PDF files in an email sent to PCapplications@cityofmadison.com:
  • A completed Subdivision Application form
  • Map Copies (prepared by a Registered Land Surveyor):
    • For Preliminary Plats, the drawings must be drawn to scale and are required to provide all information as set forth in M.G.O. Sec. 16.23 (7)(a).
    • For Final Plats, the drawings must be drawn to scale and drawn to the specifications of §236.20, Wis. Stats..
    • For Certified Survey Maps (CSMs), the drawings shall include all of the information set forth in M.G.O. Secs. 16.23 (7)(a) and (d), including existing site conditions, the nature of the proposed division and any other necessary data. Utility data (field located or from utility maps) may be provided on a separate map submitted with application.
    • For Plats & CSMs, in addition to the PDF copy, a digital CADD file shall be submitted in a format compatible with AutoCAD. The digital CADD file(s) shall be referenced to the Dane County Coordinate System and shall contain, at minimum, the list of items stated below, each on a separate layer/level name. The line work shall be void of gaps and overlaps and match the plat, preliminary plat or CSM as submitted: a) Right-of-Way lines (public and private); b) Lot lines; c) Lot numbers; d) Lot/Plat dimensions; e) Street names; f) Easement lines (i.e. all in title and shown on the plat or CSM including wetland & floodplain boundaries.
  • Letter of Intent: One copy of a letter describing the proposed subdivision or land division in detail including, but not limited to:
    • The number and type/use of the lots and outlots proposed with this subdivision or land division, including any outlots to be dedicated to the public;
    • Existing conditions and uses of the property;
    • Phasing schedule for the project, and;
    • The names of persons involved (property owner(s), subdivider, surveyor, civil engineer, etc.).

* The letter of intent for a subdivision or land division may be the same as the letter of intent submitted with a concurrent Land Use Application for the same property.
** A letter of intent is not required for Subdivision Applications for lot combinations or split duplexes

Submit The Review Fee

Make checks payable to “City Treasurer” and mail it to the following address: City of Madison Building Inspection; P.O. Box 2984; Madison, WI 53701-2984. Please include a cover page with the check which includes the project address, brief description of the project, and contact information.

• For Preliminary and/or Final Plats, an application fee of $250, plus $50 per lot or outlot contained on the plat.
• For Certified Survey Maps, an application fee of $250 plus $200 per lot and outlot contained on the CSM

The fee can be mailed in, dropped in the drop box at the Madison Municipal Building, or you can make an appointment at the Zoning counter to pay the fee. Checks should be made out to “City Treasurer.” If you mail in the check or use the drop box, please include a cover page which includes the project address, brief description of the project, and contact information. Zoning staff typically suggest using the drop box or making an appointment with the Zoning counter to pay the fee as they are the quickest.

• Zoning Counter Appointment: https://www.cityofmadison.com/dpced/bi/schedule-a-counter-appointment/3423/
• Drop Box Location: Madison Municipal Building, Doty Street Entrance. 215 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Madison, WI 53701-2984
• Mailing Address: City of Madison Building Inspection. P.O. Box 2984. Madison, WI 53701-2984

Subdivision Review

Preliminary Plats and Final Plats

Preliminary plats are reviewed by City departments for compliance with City ordinances and policies and adopted City plans prior to a hearing before the Plan Commission. Following a recommendation by the Plan Commission, the Common Council approves the preliminary plat by resolution.

If the Common Council approves the preliminary plat, a final plat may be prepared by your surveyor and submitted for review by the Plan Commission, who will make a recommendation to the Common Council on approval. If determined to be in general conformance with the approved preliminary plat, the Common Council will approve the final plat by resolution.

Under certain circumstances, it may be possible for the preliminary plat and final plat to be considered concurrently.

Certified Survey Maps

Certified survey maps are minor land divisions that can be used instead of a final plat to create a maximum of four parcels from an original parcel of property in a five-year period. CSMs are reviewed by City departments for compliance with adopted City plans, ordinances and policies.

Most Certified Survey Maps are administratively approved within 45 days of the submittal of a complete application. However, all extraterritorial CSMs and some CSMs within the City are reviewed and acted on by the Plan Commission following the recommendations of reviewing City agencies. In the event of a dedication of public land and/or easement, a resolution approved by the Common Council is required prior to recording of the CSM.

Subdivision Approval

If the subdivision or land division request is approved, the Planning Division will send the applicant or their agent a letter outlining the conditions of approval. In order for the City to be able to sign the survey instrument prior to recordation, the conditions in the letter will have to be met as verified by City staff.

Recording Final Plats and Certified Survey Maps

Once the conditions of approval of the final plat or CSM have been verified by City agencies, the Secretary of the Plan Commission or their designee signs the instrument as necessary before recording proceeds. Afterwards, a certificate signed by the City Treasurer indicating that all due taxes and special assessments are paid is required prior to recording of any final plat or CSM. Finally, a certificate signed by the City Clerk stating the Common Council's approval of all final plats and any CSMs where a resolution was required is required.

Once all of the necessary City signatures have been affixed to the final plat or Certified Survey Map, the instrument may be recorded at the Register of Deeds Office.

Register of Deeds Office
City-County Building
210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 110
Madison, WI 53703