The Michigan Land Division Act: What Property Owners and Developers Need to Know

David Manley
Oct 9, 2025
3 min read

Subdividing Land? There’s a Law for That

In Michigan, you can’t just draw a new property line and call it a day. Land divisions — whether creating a new lot, selling off acreage, or developing property — are governed by the Michigan Land Division Act (Public Act 288 of 1967, as amended).

It exists to make sure every parcel has safe access, utilities, and compliance with zoning laws before it can legally exist or be sold.

What the Land Division Act Does

The Act controls how land can be legally split, combined, or adjusted. In short: it prevents “wild” or poorly planned divisions that could leave lots without proper access or infrastructure.

You must get local government approval (usually through the township or city assessor’s office) before recording a new deed that creates a new parcel.

The Basic Rules for Land Splits in Michigan

While each municipality adds its own local ordinances, the statewide Land Division Act requires:

Minimum Lot Size & Width: Must meet zoning requirements.
Access: Each new parcel must have road frontage or recorded easement.
Public Services: Some areas require proof of utility access or septic approval.
Survey: Must clearly show the new parcel lines, acreage, and dimensions.
Parent Parcel Reference: The new parcel’s legal description must trace back to the “parent parcel” on record.

Example: If you own a 10-acre parcel in Fruitport Township and want to sell off two 2-acre lots, you’ll need township approval, survey documentation, and a new legal description for each child parcel.

How Many Splits Are Allowed

The number of allowable land splits depends on:

The size of the parent parcel, and
Whether it was already divided after March 31, 1997 (the effective amendment date).

Quick Guide:

Parcels under 10 acres = up to 4 splits
Larger parcels may qualify for additional divisions based on acreage

Each municipality keeps track of remaining “available splits” for a property — something you can confirm with the assessor’s office.

Common Terms to Know

Parent Parcel: The original tract of land before division.
Child Parcel: A newly created lot resulting from a split.
Outlot: A parcel created but not intended for building.
Combination: When two or more parcels are merged into one.
Land Division Approval: The signed form or letter authorizing the split.

Pro Tip: Always file the approved survey and new legal description with the county Register of Deeds — unrecorded splits are not recognized.

Why Land Division Compliance Matters

If a split isn’t properly approved:

The new deed is invalid.
The property can’t be sold or financed.
It may not qualify for building permits.

Case Study: A developer in Ottawa County sold off 3 lots from a 12-acre parcel without township sign-off. The sales were later voided, forcing full replatting and reapproval — a 6-month setback.

The Difference Between Land Division and Subdivision

Land Division: Simple splits (usually under 10 lots).
Subdivision: Larger developments requiring roads, plats, and planning commission approval.

For subdivisions, a full plat review process applies under the same Act — including preliminary plans, public hearings, and utility design approval.

How Realtors Can Help

A good Realtor should:

Verify allowable splits before listing large parcels
Connect clients with local surveyors and assessors
Review title work for access easements
Coordinate with planning and zoning staff early

Michigan Advantage: Some municipalities offer pre-application reviews where the zoning administrator previews your split proposal — saving you weeks of processing time.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re carving off a lot for family or developing an entire site, understanding the Land Division Act keeps your deal legal and clean.

If you’re planning to buy, sell, or divide land in West Michigan, I can help you confirm eligibility, coordinate with surveyors, and prepare township-ready documents.

Because smart development starts with the right lines on paper.