A subdivision is an area of property that a landowner divides into two or more smaller parcels of land. The purpose of subdividing is generally to make a large area of land ready with adequately sized lots for building homes. In this case, a subdivision is usually referred to as a housing development, a housing tract or even a community. Properties intended for commercial developments are also subdivided prior to land sales. The commercial property classification is used for areas considered appropriate for shopping malls, office buildings or other industries and businesses of some sort. A landowner typically brings the concept and design for a subdivision to a town or city master planning commission to seek approval for the overall project. It is generally the job of the planning commission to determine the best possible land usage based on a community's roadways, water and sewer systems and public utilities.