What is the difference between a minor, family or exempt subdivision, and how can I get one recorded?

Exempt Subdivisions

Per State statute, the following divisions of land are exempt from traditional local government subdivision regulations:

  1. The combination or recombination of portions of previously platted lots where the total number of lots is not increased and the resulting lots meet or exceed requirements of the zoning district in which they are located
  2. The division of land into parcels greater than ten acres where no street right-of-way dedication is involved, and all parcels have legal ingress and egress
  3. The public acquisition by purchase of strips of land for the widening or opening of streets
  4. The division of a tract in single ownership whose entire area is no greater than two acres into not more than three lots, where no street right-of-way dedication is involved and where the resulting lots meet or exceed the standards of the zoning district in which they are located

Minor Subdivisions

Minor subdivisions are those that involve the creation of 10 or fewer lots that meet the standards of the zoning district in which they are located, and:

  • Front on an existing public street
  • Do not require new public streets, waterlines, or sewer lines
  • Do not adversely affect the development of adjoining property
  • Do not commit the expenditure of City funds to serve the lots

Family Subdivisions

Family Subdivisions are permitted only in the City's Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), and are intended to convey lots to members of the owners' lineal family (children, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents) without requiring the extension of public infrastructure such as streets, water lines, and sewer lines. The tract of land from which the Family Subdivision is to be made must be at least three acres in size and no more than 20 acres in size. All lots created for a Family Subdivision shall have a duly recorded 45 feet wide ingress and egress easement, including general residential utility easements, extending to a public street.

Review Process for Minor, Family, and Exempt Subdivisions

Once the plat (or survey for exempt subdivisions) has been signed by the property owner and surveyor, the Planning Department will review it to ensure that it meets the requirements of the zoning ordinance. Following Planning Department approval, the plat can be taken to the Caldwell County Mapping Department for approval by a Map Review Officer, and then recorded with the Register of Deeds.

Minor, family and exempt subdivisions can typically be reviewed the same day they are submitted to the Planning Department. If no changes are necessary, then the plat can be signed and released for recording.

Show All Answers

1. Who do I call for code enforcement?
2. Do I need a permit for an Accessory Structure (Garages, Pools, Storage buildings, etc.)?
3. Can I make improvements to my property if it's located in a Flood Zone?
4. Do I Need a Zoning Permit for Single-Family Residential Construction?
5. What is the difference between a manufactured home and a modular home? What can I place on my residential lot?
6. Does Lenoir allow multifamily developments?
7. What is a privilege license and when do I need one?
8. What is the process to open a billiard / pool hall?
9. Does the city allow alcohol sales and how do I get my Alcoholic Beverage Control permit?
10. Do I have to undergo a background check to practice massage therapy?
11. What is conditional zoning?
12. What is a conditional use permit?
13. How do I apply for a zoning variance?
14. How can I verify the address of my property or get assigned a new address?
15. What is the difference between a minor, family or exempt subdivision, and how can I get one recorded?
16. When is a subdivision considered "major" and what is the approval process?
17. Can I appeal a decision of the Planning Department?