McPherson County planning staff presented a package of proposed changes to subdivision and zoning rules intended to tighten exceptions that allow some small‑lot splits to avoid full subdivision review. The planning commission discussed three linked items: removing the “small tract” subdivision exception, adding time limits to boundary‑line adjustments, and narrowing criteria for historic farmstead splits.
Planning staff explained that the current small‑tract exception lets landholders split parcels that already have road access and utilities without full subdivision review, which can bypass neighbor notice and checks for flood claims or pipeline easements. Staff noted county sanitation rules set a 5‑acre minimum for private sanitation in unincorporated areas, and that removing the small‑tract exception would require sketch and preliminary plats for those splits going forward. A public commenter, Daryl Larson, asked why the change was proposed and what minimum acreages would be affected; staff confirmed the sanitation code sets a practical minimum of 5 acres for septic and private water in most unincorporated areas.
On boundary‑line adjustments, staff said many recorded adjustments never completed the subsequent conveyances that consolidate parcels, leaving substandard parcels on the books. Staff proposed an affidavit and a 60–90 day completion requirement after recordation; commissioners asked for examples and information about how other counties handle enforcement and typical completion timelines. Staff reported they currently have roughly 49 outstanding boundary‑line adjustments that remain uncompleted and recommended a time limit to reduce the number of orphaned parcels.
For historic farmstead splits (HFS), the committee recommended requiring visible evidence of a house or structure to qualify, rather than relying solely on historical references such as mapped foundations or prior utility hookups. Commissioners raised concern that eliminating evidence categories could exclude legitimate building sites and reduce opportunities for individuals to build on smaller existing homesteads. The commission discussed adding criteria tied to visible, above‑ground remnants and whether the remainder parcel should be required to remain at least 40 acres or instead proceed with an affidavit restricting future building until formal subdivision occurs.
After discussion, the commission voted to table changes to the small‑tract exception and to request additional information and comparative examples on boundary‑line adjustment time limits and historic farmstead criteria. Staff said they will collect examples of how other counties manage the completion timeframe and bring revised language back for the next meetings.