A large piece of land can offer plenty of opportunities. Maybe you want to sell a portion of your property, create a lot for a family member, or prepare the land for future residential or commercial development. Whatever your plans may be, dividing one parcel into multiple lots requires careful preparation.
Before moving forward with a subdivision, property owners should understand how access, zoning, lot dimensions, surveying, and existing site conditions can affect what is possible.
Understand the Property You Have
One of the first steps is getting an accurate picture of the existing parcel. A professional land survey can confirm property boundaries and provide important information about the land.
Surveying may also identify existing structures, easements, roads, utilities, elevation changes, and other features that could influence a subdivision. Starting with accurate information can prevent you from planning new lots around incorrect assumptions about the property.
Make Sure Each Lot Has Proper Access
Every new parcel needs appropriate access. While some lots may have enough frontage along an existing public road, others may require a shared driveway, private road, or access easement.
Access should be considered from the beginning rather than after proposed lot lines have already been established. A parcel that looks perfectly suitable on paper may be much less practical if reaching it creates complications.
Pay Attention to Lot Dimensions
Simply having plenty of acreage does not guarantee that the property can be divided exactly as you envision. Local regulations may establish minimum lot sizes, road frontage requirements, setbacks, and other dimensional standards.
Lot shape is important too. Creating a narrow or unusually shaped parcel could limit where a future owner can place a home, garage, driveway, septic system, or other improvements.
Check Local Zoning Requirements
Subdivision rules vary between municipalities, so zoning and permitting requirements should be researched early. Depending on the location and proposed use, the approval process may involve additional reviews or documentation.
Physical characteristics of the property can also influence the plan. Wetlands, steep slopes, drainage patterns, septic requirements, and existing easements are just a few factors that may need consideration.
Evaluate the Land Before Drawing New Lines
A successful subdivision begins with understanding the entire property, not simply choosing where new boundary lines should go.
BLAZE Design Inc. provides land surveying, site development, and land use planning services throughout Vermont and New York. By evaluating the property before creating new lots, owners can make informed decisions and develop a subdivision plan that works with the land, local requirements, and their long-term goals. Contact BLAZE Design Inc. at 802-442-2892 today or visit us online for more information!