Preliminary Plat refers to a preliminary drawing or drawings, indicating the manner or layout of lots for subdividing land into more than two lots. The purpose of the Preliminary Plat is to ensure the proposed subdivision conforms to the Town's Subdivision Regulations, the Zoning Ordinance, the Major Thoroughfare Plan, and other related plans and regulations.

Preliminary plats show the proposed location of streets, infrastructure and stormwater requirements and present detailed survey and engineering information concerning design and ultimate operation of the proposed development.

Preliminary plats are reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission. 

*Effective June 1st, 2026, all planning requests/ applications will be processed through our online submittal portal GeoCivix.

Click here to be taken directly to GeoCivix for more information & to submit your request.

PROCEDURE

Step 1. Preliminary Meeting (Optional)
A meeting with staff prior to submittal is not a requirement but is often helpful to applicants. To schedule a meeting, please contact the Planning Department at (615)776-6704 or via email at Planning@nolensvilletn.gov

Step 2. Preliminary Plat Application Submittal
Applicants* shall submit a Preliminary Plat application in accordance with the time schedule established by the Planning Commission which is noted on the PC Meeting Calendar.   All of the required supporting documents that are applicable must accompany the application. A list of the requirements can be found on the Preliminary Plat checklist.

*An Applicant refers to the landowner or developer who is responsible to filing with the Town an application for approval of a Preliminary Plan, or the representatives, assigns, successors, transferees, heirs or agents of such landowner or developer.

Step 3. Staff Review and Comments
Staff shall review the submittal for completeness and adherence to both the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations. Comments will be returned to the applicant according to the submittal schedule which is generally within 10 days of the submittal deadline due date. 

Step 4. Resubmittal of the Preliminary Plat - Addressing Staff's Comments
On the date determined by the submittal schedule the applicant should resubmit the plat addressing the comments provided by staff that includes a written response to each comment. 

Step 5. Planning Commission - Final Action
The Planning Commission will take final action on the approval request for a Preliminary Plat as the approving body.   It is recommended that the Applicant is present to answer any questions the Planning Commission may have.

Step 6. Submittal of Plans Resolving Conditions of Approval
If the Preliminary Plat is conditionally approved the applicant should submit the plat with all conditions resolved. 

Construction may proceed following approval of a Preliminary Plat by the Planning Commission and approval of Construction Plans by the Town Engineer.

Step 7. Next Step
Applicants may proceed with a Final Plat submission.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you intend to utilize a Surety for the required improvements in lieu of completing such please refer to the Surety - Site Improvement Guarantee page for more information to better prepare you. Approval for the use of Surety requires approval from the Planning Commission following a recommendation by the Town Engineer simultaneously with a Final Plat approval. There are additional steps to take for the use of Surety that are necessary and shall be done at the same time as a Final Plat submission.

Revisions to an Approved Preliminary Plat

Any modification or revision to an approved Preliminary Plat shall be presented to the Planning Commission for their approval.

Revisions to a Preliminary Plat previously approved by the Planning Commission shall be applied for in the same manner as the initial approval request through the Town's online submittal portal utilizing the Preliminary Plat Revision Application in accordance with the time schedule established by the Planning Commission allowing the Planning Commission to take action on the request and shall include a narrative noting the requested changes in detail.

The Planning Commission may specify conditions, changes, modifications, or additions that it deems necessary or appropriate in response to proposed revisions.