Can I subdivide?#
There are several factors that will dictate whether you are allowed to subdivide a property.
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Your zone district#
Is there a minimum lot size or minimum lot width in your zone district?
- Find your zone district.
- Read the Land Use Code to find any lot size and lot width rules for that zone district.
- Use our GIS mapping tool to find approximate measurements on your lot.
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Non-conforming uses#
Will subdividing the property create any non-conforming land uses? For example, any existing buildings need to meet rules about setbacks to property lines, including newly created property lines.
- Read the Land Use Code to find rules about setbacks in your zone district.
- Use our GIS mapping tool to find approximate measurements on your lot.
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The width of your street frontage#
All newly-created properties need to have frontage on a street.
"Flag pole"-shaped lots with only a driveway-wide street frontage are not allowed.
Dividing a lot front-to-back is not allowed unless both lots can meet their lot width and frontage requirements (this may be possible on some corner lots, for example).
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Other access requirements#
Generally, our lot size, lot width, and street frontage requirements prevent this, but occasionally there may be utility access, fire access, traffic safety, or other requirements that make subdividing a property in a particular way challenging or impossible.
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Impervious surface considerations#
If you are adding impervious surface to a property as part of the subdivision process, additional regulations may be triggered in order to prevent flooding on your or neighboring properties. Common impervious surfaces include buildings, driveways, paved patios, etc.
How can I get started?#
An applicant typically hires an engineering/surveying company to prepare and submit the new subdivision plat to the City along with associated application and review fees.
Once submitted, City review staff will ensure the plat requirements, lot legal description, and any easements line up correctly before recording the new plat with Larimer County.
A typical minor subdivision may take several rounds of review and 2 – 3 months to complete, although each application is unique.
I'd like more guidance prior to getting started.#
While not required for a minor subdivision, the City offers free Conceptual Design Review meetings where you can submit a development idea or proposal and receive feedback and fee estimates and process information.
This is would be done prior to formally submitting an application and may be particularly helpful if you’re planning to submit the minor subdivision application yourself.
If you decide to work with an engineering or surveying company, many are already familiar with the minor subdivision process and may advise you to forego a Conceptual Design Review meeting to speed up the overall timeline.