Standards for lots are as follows:

(a) Size. The minimum lot size and dimensions shall be in accordance with the zoning ordinance requirements for the zoning district in which the proposed subdivision is located. This does not apply to open space developments (cluster techniques) in accordance with section 24.1-402 of the zoning ordinance.  All newly created lots located within Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas, whether in a conventional or open space development, shall be of sufficient size to meet the special lot size requirements applicable in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas (reference section 23.2-7 of this code).

(b) Arrangement, design and shape. The lot arrangement, design and shape shall relate to the natural topography and features of the land so that each lot has an acceptable building site with direct access from an improved street and adequate buildable area outside any Resource Protection Area (RPA) buffers. Unusually shaped or elongated lots established primarily for the purpose of meeting minimum lot size requirements, when such area would be unusable for the usual purposes to which such area would normally be placed, shall not be permitted by the agent.

(c) Location. Each lot shall abut and have access to either a proposed public street right-of-way to be dedicated by the subdivision plat or an existing public street, unless otherwise specifically provided for in section 20.5-102 or article IX of this chapter. If the existing streets to which lots abut do not meet the minimum width requirements established by the department of transportation for street of that functional classification (traffic volume), the subdivider shall dedicate the necessary right-of-way and construct the necessary pavement for such purpose in accordance with the standards established by section 20.5-93 of this chapter.

(d) Sidelines. Side lot lines shall be approximately perpendicular to or radial to the street right-of-way line. This does not apply to open space developments (cluster techniques) in accordance with section 24.1-402 of the zoning ordinance.

(e) Access to arterial streets. Lots within major subdivisions shall not front on or have direct access to arterial streets as defined in this chapter. Lots in minor and other subdivisions shall, to the degree possible and practical as determined by the agent, not front on arterial roads. In no case shall direct access at a ratio greater than one (1) access point per two (2) non-residential lots be permitted.

(f) Through lots. Except as may be otherwise provided in section 20.5-126© of this chapter, through lots shall contain a restricted access easement ten (10) feet in width along the frontage of the street right-of-way having the greater estimated average daily traffic (ADT) volume across which easement there shall be no right of vehicular access to or from the right-of-way. This easement area shall be used for the cultivation of buffer plantings.

(g) Remnants. All remnants of lots not meeting minimum lot size requirements remaining after the subdividing of a tract shall be added to adjacent lots or dedicated to a duly constituted property owners’ association for the common use of all residents of the subdivision, in which case a minimum ten foot (10') wide easement or other form of access shall be provided from a public street right-of-way or other property dedicated to the common use. The subdivider shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the agent, that remnants proposed for dedication to a duly constituted property owners' association shall be of some usefulness to said association; otherwise such remnants shall be added to adjacent lots.

(h) Lots adjacent to county boundaries. Generally lots shall follow the boundaries of the county and shall not cross such political boundary lines.

(i) Numbering. Lot, section, and block numbering shall be approved by the agent and shall conform with the county parcel identification numbering system.