WHAT IS A SUBDIVISION?
A subdivision of land or land so divided which creates one or more parcels containing less than 160 acres, exclusive of public roadways, so that the title to the parcel may be sold or otherwise transferred and includes any re-subdivision and a condominium. The term also means an area regardless of size, that provides or will provide multiple spaces for rent or lease on which recreational vehicles or mobile homes will be placed.
PURPOSE OF SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
The purpose of the Flathead County Subdivision Regulations is:
- To promote public health, safety, and general welfare by regulating the subdivision of land;
- To prevent the overcrowding of land;
- To lessen congestion in the streets and highways;
- To provide for adequate light, air, water supply, sewage disposal, parks and recreation areas, ingress and egress, and other public requirements;
- To require development in harmony with the natural environment; to minimize impacts on wildlife and to promote the preservation of wildlife habitat;
- To promote the preservation of open space;
- To promote cluster development approaches that minimize costs to local citizens and that promote the effective and efficient provision of public services; to protect the rights of property owners; and
- To require transferring interests in real property by reference to a plat or certificate of survey.
MINOR OR MAJOR?
A major subdivision creates six or more lots. A minor subdivision creates five or fewer lots. Easy right? It is a little more complex than that. To determine the number of lots being created, we look at the total number of lots divided from the original tract of record since July 1, 1973.