Who determines lot sizes on new development

Question

I have a general question about new construction. If you buy a parcel and develop on it, how are the lot sizes determined? Is that up to the developer or influenced by the municipality? Each lot would have its own address as well correct?

Appreciate any advice on this topic.

Thanks! Nick

Appreciate any advice on this topic.

Thanks! Nick

Johnathan Medina · Answer

@Nick Phillips The zoning ordinance of the local municipality will typically spell out the lot requirements for new development including the allowed density, minimum dimensions, setbacks, and lot area. Developers sometimes opt to change the zoning of the parcel to allow for higher density development (i.e. changing from 5 lots/acre to 10 lots/acre). However, any re-zoning will typically have to be approved by the local planning commission where the general public can provide their stance on the proposed development. Speaking to someone at the planning department can give you an idea of any possible opposition to the project or changes to the zoning.

Eliott Elias · Answer

By the city, there is a code of ordinance and gives specific guidelines on minimum lot size

Account Closed · Answer

I would re-read @Daniel Calderon’s post. Some municipalities are thirsty for investment in their communities, others will block any kind of development. I agree with others that you should read the “Comprehensive Plan” for the area—I think every municipality is supposed to have one. Keep in mind that these Plans are merely suggestions that the municipality can follow if they want to. Some communities strictly follow the Plan’s while others don’t even read them.

The plan will indicate the current zoning within the municipal boundaries and areas where re-zoning and development are suggested. You could get lucky if your property is located within or near one of these areas.

Ricardo Hidalgo · Answer

The zoning of the parcel will tell you the amount the density per acre. I would check with the county.

Nate Wiger · Answer

Others have said it, but there's no substitute for visiting the local county office and talking to all the departments. Just carve out a full day and go department to department. Zoning may have no problem with a high density development but then you talk to land use and there's some easement for spotted northern quail migration that cuts across the lot that you have to take into account.

JD Martin · Answer

There's actually no way of answering this without knowing where the property is located. For example, in my area (TN), if you are in a county (unincorporated) without zoning there's no limit to density or lack thereof, but if there's no infrastructure (water/sewer) nearby then you are going to be limited by your well size and your required acreage for septic tank leach fields. You might also be limited by the ability of the power company (a lot of ours out here are local) to serve the project. If you are in a city, most cities will have a zoning ordinance that will first determine what you can put on the property, and then how dense it can be, which can also change depending on what you want to build. They may also have overlay zones - opportunity, low income, open land/agriculture, etc - that partially dictates what you are going to be able to put there and how many. They can also dictate ancillary issues like traffic studies and school  impact that can determine what you can put on a particular property. At the same time, you can apply for variances or rezoning to change what's allowed there.

I think someone else said it, but your first stop is the city planning department if it's in municipal boundaries. If it's in the county generally your first stop is to your local utility providers to see what services are available.

Daniel Calderon · Answer

Nick,

The city or "municipalities", create a "development plan" for the ten year growth or 5-year growth,(some places probably vary). In the plan, the different areas of the city are "zoned" for different types of development; SFR, multifamily, duplexe, 4-units, condos, commercial, industrial, etc...

The city planning department designates the "zoning" depending on the neighborhoods and expected population growth and what type of people are anticipated to be migrating to the area. Certain more affluent areas will be zoned for less density construction and bigger lots for each house. These areas will have more custom builds with an over "guidelines" to build to.

The less affluent areas will be designated for higher density construction and smaller lots.

Other areas will have a need for apartments for affordable housing or high-density workforce or luxury living apartments. These will have a higher density or require that you build more units per acre.

I hope that answers your question. If you have a lot you are developing call the city planning department and ask then what you can build there. It's part of their job to make sure sure you know what you can build.

Feel free to connect if you have any questions or projects you are working on. I'm open to a quick call or collab.

Nick Phillips · Answer

Excellent information all, thank you!

Mike Dymski · Answer

IDK but some fool will probably make it 1/3rd acre or less.

Who determines lot sizes on new development

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