Pickens County's Simplified Subdivide One Tract into Two

Pickens County Parcel Splits

We want to clarify that we are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice, but we have extensive experience completing this type of subdivision many times in the past. Our expertise lies with larger acreage tracts, typically 20 acres or larger in total size. Anyone looking to subdivide their land in Pickens County should contact the Pickens County Planning & Development office as well as their surveyor to confirm their plan before proceeding with any capital expenditures.

In Pickens County, the term "Subdivision" refers to the division of a tract or parcel of land into two or more lots, building sites, or other divisions for any purpose, whether immediate or future, including but not limited to divisions for sale, rental, legacy, or building development. This definition also includes resubdivision and, when appropriate to the context, relates to the process of subdividing or the land or area subdivided.

As of the date of this posting and based on our research and experience, there are three types of subdivisions in Pickens County:

1. Minor Subdivision: A subdivision of land where no new roads are developed, no utility extensions are made, and the development contains seven or fewer lots. All minor subdivisions with three or more tracts must submit a final plat that complies with all of the provisions outlined in Pickens County Code of Ordinances Section 38-152, and will not have any further detail .

2. Major Subdivision: All subdivisions of land that are not classified as minor subdivisions. We will not detail any specifics on a Major Subdivision in this post.

3. Subdivision of One Tract into Two Tracts: Per Pickens County Code of Ordinances Sec 38-102, the subdivision of one tract into two tracts does not require the preparation of a plat. While technically a minor subdivision, this is a much easier process to complete and effectively constitutes a third type of subdivision plan for property. This can be completed once every twelve-month period. This is key! If you have the time, you can gradually subdivide your property with minimal hassle and sell off property as you go.

With correct planning, you could be more efficient. For example, a 100-acre property could be subdivided into two 50-acre tracts in Year 1 (immediately, as long as a parcel split has not recently been completed) and then those two 50-acre tracts could be subdivided into four 25-acre tracts in Year 2. This allows the landowner to sell four smaller tracts relatively quickly.

The subdivision of one tract into two tracts will need to be submitted and approved by the county development officer, so we recommend reaching out to them as early in the process as possible.

Consider your Land Use Intensity District and Department of Public Health rules for on-site sewage (i.e., septic systems). For large acreage tracts, you will most likely be classified as Agricultural (AG) with a minimum lot size of 10 acres, Rural Residential (RR) with a minimum lot size of 1.5 acres, or Suburban Residential (SR) with a minimum lot size of 1 acre. Please confirm this with Pickens County.

Road frontage is also crucial to check for the potential subdivision of the land. While subdividing off easements is possible, we typically aim to use road frontage minimum requirements to subdivide land. If you have any questions about road frontage, contact Pickens County Planning & Development for further guidance.

In summary, Pickens County’s provision allowing the subdivision of one tract into two tracts without the preparation of a plat provides landowners with a much simpler process for subdividing their property, especially if they can gradually subdivide and sell off portions over a timeline of a year or more.