In an effort to prevent delays for developers pursuing projects in Leander, the city is now combining two stages in its subdivision process.

Previously, developers had to submit concept plans and wait for City Council approval before submitting preliminary plats for council approval. Leander City Council voted unanimously April 18 to amend the city’s subdivision ordinance to allow for concept plans and preliminary plats to be submitted for review simultaneously.

Robin Griffin, planning director for the city of Leander, said having these as two separate steps was causing a lot of delay in the subdivision process.

“With this proposal, you’re submitting both together and both get approved together, so it’s just expediting,” Griffin said.

A concept plan is the first stage in the subdivision process, and it includes information about a project’s compliance with the city’s master plan and city ordinances, according to the city’s website. A preliminary plat is the second step in the subdivision process, and it provides information on the property such as boundaries, streets, drainage and utilities.

Griffin said this change is likely going to be most beneficial to commercial projects.

“With commercial, [say] you have three lots and all you want to do is extend a water line," Griffin said. "It makes more sense to combine the two [steps]. It’s an option. You don’t have to combine them.”