Land Division (i.e., lot splits)
Demand for low-density residential housing often prompts land division (i.e., lot splits) in rural residential areas.  While Michigan’s Land Division Act, Public Act 288 of 1967 as amended in 1996 provides private land owners the right to subdivide their land, local jurisdictions can minimize the impact of land division by revising zoning ordinances to establish width-to-depth ratios which promote better utilization of land while maintaining the rural character. This can reduce sprawling, fragmented development that often results from the division of large parcels of land.

Lot width-to-depth ratio regulates lot depth in relation to road or lake frontage. A minimum lot width-to-depth ratio prevents the creation of long and narrow lots, as well as the crowding of buildings along access roads while leaving the land behind buildings vacant and unserviceable.  Except in critical areas (e.g., parcels with steep slopes, shorelines with a high risk of erosion, sensitive natural ecosystems) lots should not exceed a 1:4 ratio.

Local jurisdictions are responsible for verifying that newly created parcels meet the applicable zoning district’s minimum standards regarding lot setbacks, road frontage, and size requirements.  Furthermore, local jurisdictions should look for opportunities to promote infill development in established hamlets and villages, as well as support projects which include conservation planning techniques.  Refer to Critical Design Practices: Conservation Planning for additional information.
 

Lot with width-to-depth ratrio of 1:2