Minor Subdivision Definition and Applicability
Summary
Splitting a parcel with a road used to let landowners multiply the number of lots they could create without a major subdivision — Commissioner Baucom noted one two-road parcel could have yielded up to 24 houses. Now the 8-lot cap applies to the original tract.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Nov 2, 2026.
Impact analysis
Modifying subdivision thresholds could significantly reduce engineering and review costs for small property owners and local builders.
Rural residents concerned about piecemeal development get a real limit on lot splitting.
Property owners looking to easily divide larger family tracts into multiple parcels without full engineering reviews.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Board of Commissioners — November 2, 2026
Splitting a parcel with a road used to let landowners multiply the number of lots they could create without a major subdivision — Commissioner Baucom noted one two-road parcel could have yielded up to 24 houses. Now the 8-lot cap applies to the original tract.
Land Use Board — October 20, 2026
Union County is closing a loophole that allowed property owners to multiply minor subdivision lots by dividing land with a road right-of-way. The change ensures the eight-lot limit applies to the original 1978 tract size.
Land Use Board — February 24, 2026
The Land Use Board discussed reforming county rules on minor subdivisions, including lowering lot thresholds and eliminating the restrictive 1978 parent parcel date to help local families and small builders.
Board of Commissioners — January 12, 2026
The county is looking at tightening rules on land splits by changing how many lots you can carve out before triggering heavy county review. Right now, cutting up to eight lots is considered a minor subdivision with minimal hassle, but commissioners want to drop that to four lots to help slow down farmland loss and manage rural traffic.
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