Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Illegal Subdivision And Title Transfer topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident asks whether title transfers will trigger city review for 'Mona/Wilberson' property
Summary
Richard Wilkerson asked whether simple transfers of title for family-owned parcels of the 'Mona/Wilberson' property require city approval; staff said transfers alone usually do not, but that existing illegal-subdivision status and lack of water prevent building until parcels meet subdivision standards.
Richard Wilkerson asked the Planning and Zoning board whether the city must be involved in simple transfers of title for family parcels on the property referenced in the meeting as the "Mona" or "Wilberson" property.
Wilkerson said he and his siblings are aging and want to move parcels from their father’s trust to children or descendants and asked if title transfers without development require city involvement. The chair and planning staff responded that transfers of title alone generally do not require city action, but that development would trigger city review: “I don't believe we need to be involved in that. But if there's any development and we're moving forward with it, then it would have to be,” a staff speaker said.
Staff and other attendees also explained the property is considered an illegal subdivision under current ordinances, meaning no one may be able to obtain building permits until the whole parent parcel is brought up to current subdivision standards — most critically, that water and roads meet requirements. A planning speaker summarized the practical consequence: parcels can be recorded at the county, but when a property owner seeks a building permit, the entire parent parcel must comply with city subdivision standards before permits will be issued.
Wilkerson asked about creating smaller lots for inheritance (half-acre minimums were discussed); staff said the city requires survey and subdivision approval before lots can be legally made buildable. He also asked about using portions of the land for outdoor storage (shipping containers or camper storage); staff said the city had previously reviewed a similar proposal and decided it would not be allowed.
The board suggested trusteeships or a single trustee might simplify transfers among many descendants but said that is a private legal matter outside routine city authority. Staff noted an ordinance provision that places limits on redividing parcels (a restriction discussed in the meeting) and recommended that Wilkerson consult legal counsel or the county for deed and tax questions.
Next steps: Staff recorded the questions and clarified ordinance constraints; no formal city action was taken during public comment.
