Subdivision Review Process

A survey is required for creating a new lot, unless a nominal 40 acre section piece is being split equally in half.

Creation of 1-4 parcels within a five-year period is a minor subdivision, needing review and approval from the Land Information Office.

Creation of 5 or more parcels within a 5-year period is a major subdivision, needing review and approval by the Environmental Services Committee.

As a general rule, the Minimum lot size is 1 acre (43,560 sq ft), unless larger lots are required by other County ordinances or Town requirements.

Up to two lots may be served by one private driveway.  Driveways serving more than two lots must be served by a road built to minimum Town Road specifications, whether public or private.

The parent parcel number(s) must be located somewhere on the survey map or plat.

Once the preliminary map is complete, contact the town, in which the proposed subdivision is located in, to get on their planning commission or town board agenda. The town will review your subdivision and complete a town checklist. The town checklist indicates the town’s requirements on certain design standards to the county.  If necessary, your surveyor will make any required changes to the preliminary map.

Submit the preliminary certified survey map along with a completed subdivision application to the Department of Land Information for review. The Department shall review the subdivision for the zoning and surveying compliance of the Polk County’s land use ordinances. Once the zoning and surveying requirements have been met, if necessary, a final survey map shall be required. The county review process includes a $400 review fee.

The Department of Land Information shall approve and record the final survey in the Polk County Register of Deeds office. ($30 recording fee)