Title
Subdivision Code Briefing
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the state law and City of Olympia subdivision code.
Staff Contact:
Joyce Phillips, Planning Manager, Community Planning and Economic Development, 360.570.3722
Presenter(s):
Joyce Phillips, Planning Manager
Background and Analysis:
State law
The state has requirements that pertain to the subdivision of land. The primary statute that applies is RCW 58.17, Plats - Subdivisions - Dedications. Related statutes address things like survey requirements and impact fees. The 1937 statute was replaced in 1969 with this current statute, which has been updated over the years.
It created two main types of land divisions.
* A short plat, or short subdivision, was originally the creation of four or fewer lots or tracts of land. The number of lots allowed to be created through an administratively reviewed short plat was increased to 9 lots or tracts for cities or the portions of counties in an urban growth area.
* A preliminary plat, or subdivision, is also known as a "major" or "long" subdivision. It requires a public hearing, so it is not administratively reviewed. These subdivisions create ten or more lots and tracts.
A land division known as a Binding Site Plan (BSP) is for the division of commercial or industrial properties. It may be combined with a land use review of the proposed uses and layout for how the land will be developed.
The statute also addresses processes to amend, alter, or vacate a subdivision once it has been recorded.
The movement of a property line is typically known as a Boundary Line Adjustment (BLA). The elimination of a property line is generally known as a Lot Consolidation, which is a type of BLA.
In the last few years, the Subdivision Statute and the Growth Management Act have been amended to require jurisdictions to allow additional land divisions, such as "Unit Lot Subdivisions" and "Lot Splits". Additional amendm...
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