There are a few ways to divide land, depending on what type of parcel you have and what you want to end up with.
Make Like a Banana: The Lot Split Subdivision
The simplest route to dividing land is a lot split. Within the incorporated boundaries of Victor and Driggs, land owners may enact a lot split that results in two parcels. On unincorporated County parcels, owners may utilize an agricultural land division, which may result in two parcels at least 140 or 80 acres, depending on the zoning.
To apply for a Lot Split, you will need a survey of the parcels with the proposed boundary lines, as well as draft deeds for the resulting parcels to be recorded upon approval. Lot splits are administratively reviewed and usually don't require a public meeting or public hearing. Lot splits usually take 1 to 3 months to complete.
Eligibility for a Lot Split
Requirements in Driggs, ID:
Lot must have been recorded prior to December 1, 1992
Each resulting lot must meet setbacks, dimensional requirements, and have existing access to a public road
No new public right of way, new public streets, or extension of utilities
Requirements in Victor, ID:
Lot must have been recorded prior to January 1, 1990
Each resulting lot must meet setback and dimensional requirements, and have existing access to a public road
No new public right of way, new public streets, or extension of utilities
Requirements in Teton County, ID:
The parcel must be zoned RA-35, LA-35 or RR-20
Resulting parcels cannot be smaller than 140 acres for RA-35 and LA-35, and not smaller than 80 acres for RR-20
No extension of utilities or new public right of way or road
Resulting parcels do not acquire building rights. Average residential density requirements will apply
Short and Sweet: Short Plat Subdivision
A short plat subdivision is an expedited process to achieve four or fewer lots. The resulting lots should require no new public utilities or roads, and meet all the dimensional requirements of the code. Two public hearings are required, one with the Planning & Zoning Commission and one with the City Council or Board of County Commissioners. A short plat subdivision will require a survey, draft deeds, documentation of utilities access, draft CCRs, and documentation of soils and any potential geographical hazards. It takes roughly 6 months for a short plat, from start to finish.
The Full Monty: Full Plat Subdivision
If your parcel lies within certain sensitive areas, has been divided previously, or you're thinking on a larger scale, you'll likely need to undertake a Full Plat Subdivision Process. A full plat subdivision has three parts: Concept Plan, Preliminary Plat, and Final Plat. It will require at least two public hearings and one public meeting, as well as working with Planning Staff throughout to make sure everything is in conformance with the Land Development Code, Comprehensive Plan, Capital Improvements Plan, and Public Works Standards. To see a detailed breakdown of what's involved, check out our Full Plat Subdivision page. To complete this process, expect to invest 12 to 18 months.
Subdividing a parcel in Teton County, Idaho, requires careful planning, adherence to regulations, and patience. By understanding the zoning requirements, conducting due diligence, collaborating with professionals, and navigating the entitlement process diligently, you can successfully divide your land and unlock its potential for development or investment and preserve valuable resources for future generations.
Need Help with your Subdivision Project?
Let Harmony help you explore what's possible and define how to get there.
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.