Surveyor says he will seek allowance for minor subdivisions in A1 agricultural zones

Nicholas Northcut of Northcut Surveying used the planning commission's public-comment period on June 23 to announce he intends to file an application at the next meeting asking the commission to permit "minor divisions" in A1 agricultural zones.

Northcut said the county's recent five-acre minimums effectively eliminated many divisions in A1 and that his proposal would allow small, sporadic growth while keeping larger divisions in RS1 and C1 zones. He described minor divisions as "four lots or less on attractive land" and said, if the lots meet bulk requirements and fire-protection standards, they could be reduced to less than an acre each.

Commission staff and members reminded him that changing minimums would require amending the zoning resolution and completing the formal application process with the zoning office. Northcut said he preferred not to require a variance for minor divisions and planned to present an application next month; he offered to be available to answer questions from commissioners by phone in the meantime.

Why it matters: If the commission and the county legislative body adopt such an amendment, some A1 property owners could more easily divide land into small lots without seeking a variance. Commissioners noted such changes would need careful drafting to preserve infrastructure protections including fire access and water availability.

Next steps: Northcut said he will file an application for consideration at the next meeting; staff reiterated that an amendment to the zoning resolution and a recommendation from the planning commission would be required before the legislative body could act.