Richmond, VA · City of Richmond
Preliminary Plat Subdivision Application
This six-page application requests preliminary subdivision review or another listed subdivision action and is filed with the City of Richmond’s Land Use Administration Division by the applicant.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Use this packet to request preliminary approval of a new subdivision plat, an extension, a plat correction, or a subdivision confirmation letter. The applicant completes the application and checklist, supplies the required plats and fee, and obtains the required property-owner signatures; the packet also includes plat certificates and filing procedures. The city asks applicants to discuss potential land-use issues with staff before submission, and preliminary plat applications are subject to meeting deadlines.
Who needs it
Applicants seeking preliminary plat approval, an extension, a plat correction, or a subdivision confirmation letter in the City of Richmond need this packet.
Why it needs a notary
The plat’s acknowledgment block has a state and city/county venue and an acknowledgment before a notary public; the owner, mortgagee, or trustee signing the certificate appears before the notary.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download The Application
Download the preliminary plat subdivision application packet and review its checklist and filing procedures.
- 2
Complete The Packet
Fill out the application, checklist, and applicable plat certificate information; gather the required plans, owner details, and fee.
- 3
Book An Online Notary
Schedule a session with a commissioned online notary for the acknowledgment block in the subdivision certificate.
- 4
Sign On Video
The owner, mortgagee, or trustee signing the certificate appears before the notary by video and completes the acknowledgment.
- 5
Submit To The City
Submit the completed packet, required plats, and fee to the City of Richmond Land Use Administration Division.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Richmond. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get the subdivision certificate notarized online?
- Complete the certificate and book with a commissioned online notary. The owner, mortgagee, or trustee signing the certificate appears by video and acknowledges the signature before submitting the packet to the city.
- Do I need to notarize the application form?
- The packet includes a notarial acknowledgment in its subdivision certificate. The application separately requires property-owner signatures; follow the city’s instructions for which certificate pages must be completed.
- What must I submit with this application?
- The filing instructions call for the application form with a completed preliminary checklist, folded plans or plats, and the appropriate fee. The packet also specifies nine paper prints for preliminary plat review.
- Can an online notarization be used for a document submitted in Virginia?
- Virginia is widely credited as the first U.S. state to authorize remote online notarization, effective July 1, 2012. Virginia law also recognizes certain notarial acts performed in another state by a notary authorized there; confirm with the city, town, or county if unsure.