So you want to create a new lot....what you need to know

Did you know Ashland Soil & Water Conservation District leads Ashland County Planning efforts? We do! Here’s an example of how the process works:

  • Is your new lot (and the remainder) over 20 acres? You get to bypass our office and go directly to tax map.

  • Is your new lot (or the remainder) under 20 acres? Your proposed lot will be reviewed by county planning.

Submit an application; those are available on our website.

So, what do we look for in these reviews?

Not sure what our county subdivision regulations are? A copy of those regulations are online.

This review is based on our County Engineering Code and Access Management regulations. They are both available online, too!

The health department now requires a soils evaluation on both parts of a split:

  • If there’s an existing septic, there must be a suitable replacement site identified.

  • If the land is vacant, a suitable site for a new system AND a replacement system must be identified.

  • Evaluations must be done by a soil scientist and submitted to county planning and/or the health department before your application is considered complete.

  • The health department maintains a list of soil scientists that can be used.

How can I tell if a property is in the floodplain? For a general idea, use the layers on our county auditor site.

Not sure who the appropriate zoning inspector is? There’s a listing on the county planning website.

Not sure what your township zoning requirements are? Those are online, too.

Now, let’s talk timelines:

  • 1-2 weeks in lot split review committee

  • Once surveyor submits final, it usually takes 1-1.5 weeks at tax map before a final is ready

  • But that only works IF you have everything prepared and submitted on time

Tips to make the process go smoothly:

  • Use a surveyor

  • Contact a soil scientist ASAP

So what if you don’t meet one of those requirements and your application is denied? That’s what a variance is for. There are 2 types:

  • Access variance (an appeal of the engineer’s denial)

  • General subdivision variance - 2 part process; required approval from township BZA AND county planning commission

What is an exemption?

What kind of timeline are we looking at for an exemption?1-1.5 weeks

Have more questions on county planning or the lot split process? Contact Jane or Jody at 419-281-7645

Ashland SWCD