It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation, proposing to make or have made a plat or subdivision of land, to enter into any contract for the sale of, or to offer to sell, any lot tract, or parcel or to proceed with any construction, including grading and excavation unless approval therefore has been made under this chapter. Construction of buildings and dwellings shall be started only after issuance of building permits, and no building permits shall be issued prior to recording of the final plat.