Dickinson County updates ag lot split regulations to streamline land division process

The Dickinson County Planning Commission meeting on April 17, 2025, focused on the regulations surrounding agricultural lot splits and their implications for property owners. The discussion highlighted recent amendments to the agricultural lot split policy, clarifying that property owners can only split a parcel once unless they seek replatting or rezoning.

The commission explained that any parcel existing before January 1, 2017, is entitled to two splits: one administrative split and a second split requiring approval from the planning commission if a house is to be built. This change aims to streamline the process while ensuring that property divisions are managed effectively.

Commission members noted an increase in requests for agricultural splits, particularly from families wanting to create additional housing for relatives. Although the number of requests has been low since the policy change, it is expected to rise as more property owners seek to utilize their land for family housing.

The meeting also addressed the procedural aspects of land sales and splits. If a property owner sells a portion of their land, the new owner must adhere to the existing split regulations. This means that if the original owner had already utilized their one administrative split, any further splits would require approval from the planning commission.

Additionally, the commission discussed the importance of notifying local cities about text amendments related to subdivision rights, emphasizing that these changes are as significant as zoning regulations. This notification process is seen as a courtesy to ensure that city officials are informed of developments that may impact their jurisdictions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing adjustments in land use policies in Dickinson County, reflecting the community's evolving needs while maintaining regulatory oversight. The commission plans to continue monitoring the impact of these regulations and adapt as necessary to accommodate future demands.