Applicant told to revise survey and consult city after commission guidance on subdividing parcels

James Bailey met with the Fountain Green Planning and Zoning Commission on April 10 to discuss a proposed four-lot division of his property. The commission did not vote on the proposal but gave detailed guidance on next steps, including a recommended lot-line change and requirements for utilities and frontage before subdivision approval.

Bailey presented a recent survey showing a property line and four proposed parcels, each roughly one-half acre per the survey. Commissioners and staff reviewed frontage measurements and access. Commissioners noted that some parcels meet the city's 0.5-acre and 50-foot frontage minimums while others fall short on frontage, and discussed moving a property line slightly to bring two parcels to a 0.455-acre threshold that engineers indicated would satisfy code requirements.

On utilities, staff explained that for a formal subdivision application the city requires sewer and water to be stubbed to the property (service laterals extending to the property line) before final approval; county building permits and records are required for subsequent development. Commissioners clarified the difference between having a mainline in the street and service laterals (stubs) to each lot. Staff said sewer would need to be extended to the corner of the subject area and a fire hydrant exists nearby; electrical and gas are available in places noted on the map but sewer extension would be required for some parcels.

Commissioners described two pathways: (1) a lot-line-change recorded at the county, with a surveyorcertified submittal and likely a planning-commission letter of support, which would make the parcels more saleable to a developer; or (2) a full subdivision application, which requires utilities stubbed to the property and a formal plat submittal, review and recording. The commission emphasized that because state law changes now treat some splits as subdivisions, property owners should plan accordingly.

Bailey said he will work with his surveyor to adjust the lines and return to the commission once revised documents are prepared. Staff advised that detailed engineering and certified survey figures will be required for any official submittal to the county. No formal action was taken at the April 10 meeting; the applicant was advised to prepare documentation for a future formal submittal.

"If you sold it the way it is right now, you can't get four lots out of it," one commissioner said while explaining the need for a line change or subdivision work. Staff and commissioners agreed to provide a letter or sign-off for a county lot-line change if Bailey proceeds with that route.