It’s no secret that land is a valuable commodity. As the world population continues to grow, the demand for land will only increase. By subdividing land into multiple usable lots, the possibility of reaping additional profits is highly likely. This has led many people to ask the question, “How do I subdivide land?”
You need to know a few things before you can answer that question. In this article, we’ll go over the things you need to know about subdivisions.
Check for Restrictions
In some areas, restrictions exist on how small you can subdivide a lot. The local zoning commission, building department, or the previous developer may have set restrictions. You’ll need to check with your city and county offices to obtain any information about any restrictions.
Most restrictions are in place to keep the area from becoming too cluttered and to fit the design guidelines set forth by the city or county general plan. If there are a lot of small lots, it can make the area seem like it’s overdeveloped. The restrictions help to keep the area looking nice.
Evaluate the Market
When you’re looking at the market, you need to see if there’s a demand for these types of lots. If there is, you can feel good about investing in this land. If there isn’t, you might want to hold off and see if the market changes.
Get in Touch with the Local Planning, Zoning, and/or Development Office
You’ll want to contact the local planning department and ask about zoning restrictions. What can you build on the land? What can’t you build on the land? Are the utility lines already adjacent to the lot? What off-site improvements would be required?
You should also ask about any future developments for the surrounding land. What if there’s a school planned next to the land? What if the city wants to build a new highway? These are all things you need to know before you buy the land.
Once you’ve decided that there aren’t any burdensome restrictions with the land, you can move forward with your purchase.
Determine if New Infrastructure Will be Needed
Depending on how the land is currently used, it might need some new infrastructure before you can move forward with building. This could include installing a new access road, adding a septic system, or installing new utilities.
If you’re building a home, you must connect to a water supply, power, gas, and sewer system. In some rural areas, you may need to drill your own water well, add a propane tank, and install a septic system.
You can have a land surveyor do an initial evaluation of the land to identify any potential issues that might need to be addressed. You may need to do a soil test to ensure these utilities can be installed.
Hire a Land Surveyor
A land surveyor will determine the exact boundaries of the land you plan to buy. They will also identify any easements or other restrictions on the land.
The land surveyor will also identify any improvements made to the land, such as a house or other structures. They may also identify any old improvements, such as capped wells or historical oil drilling activity.
If you’re buying a lot that has never been developed, the surveyor will also identify any potential issues that need to be addressed, such as a septic system or power lines.
Upon completion of the survey, a report will be furnished to you by the surveyor. This report will contain all the necessary information, along with the identification of the buildable areas on the lot.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, subdividing land is a complex process that requires careful thought and planning. There are many things to consider when subdividing land, such as the property’s size and shape, the land’s topography, the availability of utilities, and the zoning regulations in the area.
If you are thinking about subdividing your land, it is important to consult with an experienced land developer or surveyor to help you navigate the process. There are many things to consider, and getting it done right can save you time and money in the long run.
California Builder Services is your land subdivision consultant. We also specialize in DRE public reports processing, HOA budgeting, and reserve studies. Get in touch with us.
