Lot Split Process

1. No lot, outlot or other parcel of land located in a recorded plat shall be further partitioned or divided or a building permit issued for a partitioned or divided lot unless such partition or division is first approved by the Township Zoning Board of Appeals.

2. The applicant / property owner shall fill out the Planning and Zoning Application provided by the Cascade Charter Township Planning Department and submit an initial application fee.

3. Along with the Application, the applicant / property owner must also provide the following information:

A. A detailed statement of the reasons for the requested partition or division.

B. A survey or plot plan showing the proposed land split. This item should include the proposed dimensions of the parcels before and after the proposed split and all adjoining lots, streets and parcels of land.

C. A Vacant Land Evaluation from the Kent County Health Department. This evaluation determines if the property to be split can sustain a private septic disposal system. This is also called a "Perk Test."

D. A driveway permit from the Kent County Road Commission.. This is necessary if you are establishing a new private road, a new driveway, or if you intend to share a driveway with an existing lot or residence. A permit is not necessary if your driveway accesses onto a private road.

E. All easements for private streets must be a minimum width of 66 feet if they serve 2 or more parcels.

F. Any other information required by the Township Planning Director to assist in reviewing the proposed partition or division.

4. The application and required submittals are returned to the Planning Director for review and approval.

5. Prior to the decision being made, a hearing shall be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Prior written notice of the hearing shall be given to the owners of all property located within 300 feet of the property at issue at least 5 days prior to the hearing.

If the application is approved, the Zoning Board may condition the approval with such reasonable conditions as are deemed necessary and as are in accordance with the provisions of the Subdivision Control Act and Township Ordinances.

1. The property owner shall fill out the Lot Split Application provided by the Cascade Charter Township Planning Department and submit an application fee.

2. All fees incurred by the township (above the initial application fee) for legal, engineering or other types of review of the lot split request will be billed to the applicant. Township staff review time will be billed consistent with the fee structure adopted by the Township Board, which may be modified from time to time.

Along with the Application, the applicant / property owner must also provide the following information:

1. A survey or plot plan showing the proposed land split. This item should also include the proposed dimensions and size of the parcels being created. The proposed parcels must meet the minimum lot size requirements of their Zoning District, excluding any right-of-way easements. The survey or plot plan must also show all existing and proposed private drive easements leading to the subject property, if any.
2. A Vacant Land Evaluation from the Kent County Health Department. This evaluation determines if the property to be split can sustain a private septic disposal system. This is also called a "Perk Test."
3. A driveway permit from the Kent County Road Commission. This is necessary if you are establishing a new private road, a new driveway, or if you intend to share a driveway with an existing lot or residence. A permit is not necessary if your driveway accesses onto a private road.
4. All easements for private streets must be a minimum width of 66 feet if they serve two or more parcels.
5. If you are intending to create two or more parcels, the Subdivision Ordinance also requires that a private road maintenance agreement be created and recorded with the lot splits that will regulate the proposed splits and the road which will serve them. The maintenance and private road construction plans will be reviewed by the township attorney and township engineer to assurance compliance with the Cascade Township Engineering Design Requirements and Standards for Private Streets as Regulated by the Cascade Charter Township Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance.

3. The application and required submittals are returned to the Planning Director for review and approval. Action on the application will be taken within 45 days of submission of a complete application. Approval (or denial) will be given in written form.