Michigan Land Splits

I recently had a call from a gentleman wishing to sell his land. His intention was to divide his property and sell portions to multiple owners… It sounded like a good idea.

As we discussed his situation, it became clear he had no idea of what was involved to accomplish this. After doing some investigation, I discovered his parcel was not a parcel that could be divided.

In Michigan there are three main ways to divide land. The platting of land known as a subdivision, site condominiums, and what we call natural splits. Site condominiums, which is a very lengthy process, and platting of land for a subdivision will both subjects for a future post.

But, today we will talk about natural splits. Natural splits are splits of land where the only approval needed is that of the township where the property is located. Townships will have requirements which the property must meet before the property can be split. The requirements will vary from township to township.

Common requirements are a minuim lot size of each newly created parcel, as well as a minuim amount of road frontage, minuim amount of width, a minuim amount of road frontage in ratio to the depth of the lot. A common requirement is one foot of road frontage for every four feet in depth of lot.

The number of splits permitted is based upon the size of the parent parcel. The parent parcel is a parcel that was in existence as of March 31, 1997.

The rule goes like this: you receive four splits for the first ten acres or portion thereof, one split thereafter for each additional full ten acres up to one hundred twenty acres. After one hundred twenty acres, one additional split is allowed for each forty acres, providing all newly created parcels meet township requirements.

One exception to the rule is that the owner can divide his parcel into as many parcels he desires, so long as each newly created parcel is forty acres in size (or larger) and that each parcel is assessable. This type of split can occur anytime without township approvals.

Two bonus splits are available if the owner completes one of the two following: If one of the newly created parcels retained 60% or more of the parent parcel, or if the owner creates a new road where ALL the newly created parcel have access off that newly created road and no parcels have access off the main road.

Sound confusing? It can be. There are so many variables, but I hope this gives a brief overview of the process.