Subdividing can unlock the potential of large land tracts, providing needed housing, amenities, and open space preservation. With the rapid pace of growth in Teton County, Idaho, the regulations and requirements for subdividing land are changing. Having a deep understanding of the process, requirements, and stakeholders involved in the application and approval process is essential for controlling costs and hitting deadlines.
Teton County, Idaho, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant communities, and a plethora of outdoor activities. We believe that if subdivisions are planned carefully, we can help preserve valuable natural resources while also providing space for homes.
This guide to subdividing land in Teton County, Idaho, will walk you through the process, steps, and considerations to get the most out of your land ownership or development vision.
Steps to subdividing your parcel: An Overview
The County's Land Development Code defines how a property owner divides land, what uses are allowed, and the administrative procedures for approving development entitlements. When considering a subdivision, the Code is the first place to look.
Making a feasible subdivision plan requires being familiar with all applicable regulations.
Each parcel is subject to set backs, dimensional requirements, residential density standards, and use standards, differentiated by the assigned zone.
Parcels also have a designation in the Comprehensive Plan, which will guide future development. Approval of subdivisions is dependent on whether the plan conforms to the guidance of this document. Various regulations defined by Wetlands and Waterway Protection, Wildlife Habitat, Hillsides, and the Driggs Airport may affect what's possible on your parcel as well.
Get in touch with us to discuss what's possible within the requirements of the Land Development Code for your unique situation and goals.
General Procedure
The timeframe, cost, and work involved can vary greatly depending on the type of subdivision you are undertaking. Most subdivisions will be either a lot split, short plat, or full plat. Regardless of the location and scale of your subdivision, it will follow a common procedure from concept plan to recording and sale of the lots. The basic steps are:
Concept Plan
Survey, Design, and Engineering
Application
Review
Approval
Improvements
Recording
Pre-Application Conference
Meet with the Planning Staff to discuss your ideas and determine requirements
Concept Plan
A rough draft of the subdivision, showing number of lots, proposed utilities, and road layout
Additional Studies Natural Resource Analysis for wildlife habitat, Nutrient/Pathogen studies for septic permitting, Wetlands Delineation, among other studies, may be required and should be identified during the Pre-App Conference
Survey, Design, and Engineering
Creation of the plat, which legally defines lot lines, as well as engineer's improvement plans for roads, water and sewer, and other infrastructure
Application
Submit all the required application materials, including draft legal documents, plat or survey, improvements plans, and additional studies
Review
Planning staff will review your application and if required, conduct one or two public hearings at the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council or Board of County Commissioners. This is the community's opportunity to voice their opinion on your project.
Approval
Whether the application is administratively reviewed or voted on by elected officials, the decision making body may require changes or conditions to approve the subdivision, and might require additional public hearings.
Improvements
Once approved, you must comply with special conditions and can install public improvements such as roads, and sanitary services. You may also build vertical construction at this time.
Recording
When construction is complete, improvements are inspected and accepted by the engineers. The final documents are recorded and lots can be sold.
Need Help Navigating the Land Subdivision Process?
Harmony Design & Engineering has been working locally to improve our community, focusing on the interface between the natural and built environments for almost twenty years. We have the expertise to efficiently navigate the requirements and procedures for subdivisions, and have seen dozens of high quality developments from pre-application conference to certificate of completion. We're constantly rewarded by seeing the impacts of sustainable, accessible, and responsible development in our physical landscape.
If you're curious about the potential of a piece of property, we can help determine what's possible, and the procedures to achieve your vision.