(A) R.C. § 711.001 specifically defines a SUBDIVISION as:
(1) The division of any parcel of land shown as a unit or as contiguous units on the last preceding tax roll, into two or more parcels, sites or lots, any one of which is less than five acres for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership; provided, however, that the division or partition of land into parcels of more than five acres not involving any new streets or easements of access, and the sale or exchange of parcels between adjoining lot owners, where such sale or exchange does not create additional building sites, shall be exempted; or
(2) The improvement of one or more parcels of land for residential, commercial or industrial structures or groups of structures involving the division or allocation of land for the opening, widening or extension of any street or streets, except private streets serving industrial structures; the division or allocation of land as open spaces for common use by owners, occupants or lease holders or as easements for the extension and maintenance of public sewer, water, storm drainage or other public facilities.
(B) Division (A)(1) of the above definition refers to two types of land subdivision, minor subdivisions (also known as lot splits or cut-ups) and platted subdivisions (also known as formal subdivisions) in which no improvements are required. It is noteworthy that all divisions of land in the state are deemed subdivisions except:
(1) The division of land into parcels of more than five acres in size that does not involve the creation of new streets or easements of access; and
(2) The transfer of parcels of land between adjoining property owners where additional building sites are not created.
(C) Division (A)(2) of the above definition refers to platted subdivisions in which improvements are required. Note that actual division of land is not a pre-requisite for qualification as a subdivision. Any improvement of land for residential, commercial or industrial purposes which involves the allocation of land for the following is legally a subdivision in the state:
(1) Streets except private streets serving industrial structures;
(2) Open spaces for common use by owners, occupants or lease holders; or
(3) Easements for the extension and maintenance of public sewer, water, storm drainage or other public facilities.
(D) The Ohio General Assembly has recognized the need for simple conveyance of property divisions in a limited number of instances. R.C. § 711.131 permits the division of a parcel of land along an existing public street, not involving the opening, widening or extension of any street or road, and involving no more than five lots after the original tract has been completely subdivided to be submitted to the planning agency exercising subdivision approval authority for approval without a plat. If such planning authority acting through a properly designated representative thereof is satisfied that such proposed division is not contrary to applicable platting, subdividing or zoning regulations, it shall within seven working days after submission of application approve such proposed division and on the presentation of a conveyance of such parcel, shall stamp the same “approved by (planning authority); no plat required” and have it signed by its clerk, secretary or other official as may be designated by it. Such planning authority may require the submission of a sketch and such other information as is pertinent to its determination thereunder. This method of subdivision of land is known as lot splitting and is often called a minor subdivision or a lot split.
(1997 Code, § 152.020)
Statutory reference:
Lot numbering and revision, see R.C. §§ 711.02, 711.06, 711.28 et seq.