Subdivision is the surveying operation via which the designated use of a parcel of land, usually vacant land, is amended to allow for the construction of streets (with or without services), the creation of smaller individual land units (lots), parks and, ultimately, the construction of homes or other buildings.

Subdivisions must comply with a large number of criteria established by the municipality in its by-laws. Among other things, they must be consistent with the land use program, in order to prevent unstructured urban spread.