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Resident asks about subdividing 325 West; staff warn narrow easement may restrict separate lot access
Summary
A resident asked whether a 1‑acre parcel behind their home at 325 West could be subdivided and served by an easement; city staff said required minimum widths and side setbacks make a dedicated building lot with separate access unlikely without purchasing or dedicating additional frontage.
A resident seeking to purchase an acre behind their home asked city staff whether the parcel could later be subdivided and built on using an access easement across neighboring yards. The resident said power is available but was most concerned about bringing water and sewer to a rear flag lot if they later sold or developed it.
Staff explained that the city’s residential standards (RE‑15 zone) and right‑of‑way/easement requirements limit how narrow an access can be. Staff described a typical combined access/PUE easement width of roughly 28 feet and noted minimum separation requirements between water and sewer laterals (often 10 feet) plus side‑yard setbacks, which together create a practical minimum width for servicing a separate lot.
The resident asked whether a private easement could be used; staff said a private easement can work technically but the city requires that new lots have legal, guaranteed access that meets width and construction standards. Staff suggested alternatives: the resident could approach neighboring property owners about a land sale or easement swap or prepare for a formal subdivision application and process; the city noted the subdivision process is required when a new lot is created and that any new lot must meet access and setback rules.
No formal decision was recorded. Staff recommended the resident consult an engineer or surveyor to measure existing easements and show whether the required widths and separations can be achieved or whether purchasing/deeding additional frontage would be needed.
