153A-335. "Subdivision" defined.

(a) For purposes of this Part, "subdivision" means all divisions of a tract or parcel of land into two or more lots, building sites, or other divisions when any one or more of those divisions are created for the purpose of sale or building development (whether immediate or future) and includes all division of land involving the dedication of a new street or a change in existing streets; however, the following is not included within this definition and is not subject to any regulations enacted pursuant to this Part:

(1) The combination or recombination of portions of previously subdivided and recorded lots if the total number of lots is not increased and the resultant lots are equal to or exceed the standards of the county as shown in its subdivision regulations.

(2) The division of land into parcels greater than 10 acres if no street right-of-way dedication is involved.

(3) The public acquisition by purchase of strips of land for widening or opening streets or for public transportation system corridors.

(4) The division of a tract in single ownership the entire area of which is no greater than two acres into not more than three lots, if no street right-of-way dedication is involved and if the resultant lots are equal to or exceed the standards of the county as shown by its subdivision regulations.

(5) The division of a tract into parcels in accordance with the terms of a probated will or in accordance with intestate succession under Chapter 29 of the General Statutes.

(b) A county may provide for expedited review of specified classes of subdivisions.

(c) The county may require only a plat for recordation for the division of a tract or parcel of land in single ownership if all of the following criteria are met:

(1) The tract or parcel to be divided is not exempted under subdivision (2) of subsection (a) of this section.

(2) No part of the tract or parcel to be divided has been divided under this subsection in the 10 years prior to division.

(3) The entire area of the tract or parcel to be divided is greater than five acres.

(4) After division, no more than three lots result from the division.

(5) After division, all resultant lots comply with all of the following:

a. Any lot dimension size requirements of the applicable land-use regulations, if any.

b. The use of the lots is in conformity with the applicable zoning requirements, if any.

c. A permanent means of ingress and egress is recorded for each lot.