Land subdivision is the first step in the process of community development.  Once land has been cut up into streets, lots, and blocks and publicly recorded, the correction of defects is costly and difficult.  Subdivision of land sooner or later becomes a public responsibility, in that roads and streets must be maintained and various public services customary to urban areas must be provided.  The welfare of the entire community is thereby affected in many important respects.  It is, therefore, in the interest of the public, the developer, and the future owners that subdivisions be conceived, designed, and developed in accordance with sound rules and proper minimum standards.