Splitting land into smaller plots

[Harri Smith]

I have a 5 Acre land in Allegheny county in PA. The area is zoned as R2. Can I divide the land into say 10000 Sq ft lots and sell? I notice the neighborhood areas have 6000-10000 sq foot lots. I know, I have to have it surveyed and go through the county.
Thanks

[Jon Holdman]

Hard to say. First, you need to figure out who the controlling entity is. If you're not inside any city, it may well be the county. If you're inside some city, so, sometimes, close to a city, it may be that city.

Then, call the "planning and zoning commission" or whatever its called. Best if you ask to speak to a planner and discuss the specifics of what you want to do and whats allowed. If you're not comfortable doing that, you may want to just ask for information about the guidelines for lots in the area. They may have this information online.

Finally, you can make your plan. That really might be as simple as drawing out the chunks, filing a subdivision map with the county (which creates all the various parcels and makes them legally sellable) and then offering them for sale.

OTOH, it may be as complex as having to actually come up with a full blown development plan. That would include plans for streets, utilities, parks, drainage, wetlands, etc. Even worse, you might actually have to do the "horizontal development" and put in utilities and build the streets.

In any case, the planning and zoning commission is the place to start.