What is the process of converting larger parcels of land into smaller lots called?

The process of converting larger parcels of land into smaller lots is called subdivision. This term refers specifically to the act of dividing a single piece of land into smaller parcels, often for the purpose of selling them individually or for development as residential or commercial properties.

Subdivision is a common practice in real estate and urban planning, enabling the creation of individual lots that can be sold to buyers or developed as part of a larger community project. It typically involves a series of regulatory steps, including surveys, site plans, and often requires approval from local zoning or planning boards.

While development refers to the overall process of enhancing a piece of land, which can include subdivision, it encompasses a broader scope that includes construction and improvements. Zoning, on the other hand, pertains to the local government’s regulation of how land can be used, affecting what type of developments can occur but not specifically about splitting land into smaller sections. Negotiation pertains to discussions and agreements made between parties, but it is not related to the process of land division.