The City of Reidsville’s Subdivision Regulations provide the framework that guides how land is divided and developed to ensure orderly growth, coordinated infrastructure, and the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. Adopted by the City Council and updated through October 12, 2022, these regulations establish clear procedures and standards for the review and approval of subdivision plats within the corporate limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction of Reidsville. They address the coordination of streets, utilities, drainage, and public facilities; define minor and major subdivisions; and outline the responsibilities of developers prior to plat recordation and the provision of public services. Together, the regulations ensure that new development is consistent with adopted plans, state law, and the long-term vision for Reidsville’s growth and development.
In North Carolina there are three types of subdivisions, each requiring specific certifications:
Exempt subdivisions are land divisions that are specifically excluded from subdivision regulation because they pose minimal impact on public infrastructure and planning concerns. Under the Reidsville regulations, exemptions include combinations or recombinations of previously platted lots that meet current standards; divisions creating parcels larger than ten acres with no street right-of-way dedication; divisions for public street widening; small divisions of two acres or less into no more than three lots without new streets; divisions created through probate or intestate succession; and cemetery plots. These exemptions are consistent with North Carolina General Statutes, which allow local governments to exclude certain low-impact land divisions from subdivision control.
Exempt Plats require a Certificate of Exemption by the Planning Staff, as well as a Review Officer Certification.
Minor subdivisions are small-scale divisions of land that meet zoning standards and do not require new public infrastructure. In Reidsville, a minor subdivision generally involves the division of a single tract into no more than ten lots and does not include new public streets, street right-of-way dedication, utility extensions, shared private utility systems, or drainage improvements serving multiple lots. Lots typically front on an existing public street or are served by a limited private road meeting city standards. State law similarly allows local governments to streamline review for minor subdivisions because they create limited impacts and do not necessitate extensive public improvements.
Minor Subdivision Plats require a Certificate of Ownership, a Certificate of Survey Accuracy, a Certificate of Approval by the Planning Staff, a Certificate of Approval for Recording, and a Review Officer Certification.
Major subdivisions include all subdivisions that do not qualify as exempt or minor subdivisions. In Reidsville, this category generally applies to larger or more complex developments that involve new public streets, significant infrastructure improvements, utility extensions, stormwater systems, or phased development. Major subdivisions are subject to a multi-step review process, typically including sketch plans, preliminary plats, and final plats, to ensure coordination with public facilities and compliance with adopted plans. This approach aligns with North Carolina General Statutes, which authorize local governments to require more detailed review for subdivisions with greater potential impacts on transportation, utilities, and public services.
Major Subdivision Plats require a Certificate of Ownership and Dedication, a Certificate of Disclosure for Private Roads, a Certificate of Survey Accuracy, a Certificate of Approval by the Planning Staff, a Certificate of Approval for Recording, and a Review Officer Certification.
The Subdivision Regulations are updated as time allows, to verify all amendments have been inserted, contact the Planning & Zoning division at (336) 349-1066. The Subdivision Regulations document is available in our Document Center.
SUBDIVISION PLAT REVIEW & E-RECORDING PROCEDURES
The City of Reidsville now supports digital plat review and e-recording as part of our development review process. As of 2026, electronic submittal, digital signing and e-recording of plats is preferred.
This updated process allows surveyors and applicants to submit plats electronically for review, obtain required signatures digitally, and complete recording through an approved e-recording vendor. This change helps streamline reviews, improve turnaround times, and reduce the need for hard-copy submittals.
Please note the following:
- Digital plat submittals are now accepted for preliminary review.
- All professional certifications must be applied electronically.
- Surveyor stamps and seals must be digital.
- Digital signatures must meet North Carolina requirements and be verifiable.
- Once all required signatures are completed, plats may be recorded electronically through an approved e-recording service.
Unless specifically requested, paper plats are no longer required for City review.
This new process does not change the City’s approval requirements — only how plats are signed by staff and submitted for recording to the Rockingham County Register of Deeds Office.