Subdivision and LAnd Development

The LVPC reviews every subdivision and land development plan for all 62 municipalities in Lehigh and Northampton counties. The LVPC serves as the regional expert on planning, zoning and development, and through development reviews aims to coordinate land use decisions across municipal boundaries and provide guidance on best practices to encourage an efficient development process that is responsive to regional needs. 

All subdivision and land development proposals, from lot line adjustments to land uses of regional significance, are reviewed for consistency with FutureLV: The Regional Plan, as well as other plans such as Livable Landscapes Open Space Plans for Lehigh and Northampton counties, Housing Plan, WalkRollLV Active Transportation Plan and municipal and multimunicipal comprehensive plans. The LVPC provides a review letter to municipalities that determines project consistency and often offers advisory guidance to improve upon the submittal.

Land uses of regional significance and other substantial projects are also reviewed by the LVPC's Comprehensive Planning Committee and the by the LVPC Full Commission, both in public meetings.

All subdivision and land development plans reviewed by the LVPC must be submitted with the required application and associated materials, in complete form, in order to be accepted by the Commission.

Effective March 1, 2023, a new application has been implemented to improve the efficiency of the review process for all parties involved. All submittals must include the new application.