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Short
Platting Your Property |
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| This page outlines the
Short Plat process, when it can be used, and how to apply. A
Short Plat (also referred to as a short subdivision) is used to
divide land into four or fewer parcels or lots, any one of which is
less than five acres, for the purpose of sale, lease, or other
transfer of ownership. Everyone who shares an ownership
interest in the property with you (spouse, partner, real estate
contract holder, etc.) must agree to the short plat and sign the
application. |
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| WHY IS SHORT PLATTING
REQUIRED TO SUBDIVIDE LAND? |
| Short Platting is
regulated by the State Subdivision Law, RCW 58.17 and Kitsap County
Short Subdivision Ordinance #108-E-1991. State and County laws
require short platting for several reasons: |
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To make sure that the new lots are acceptable building sites. |
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To solve or prevent water drainage problems |
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To ensure legal and safe access. |
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To ensure compliance with County land use policies. |
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To plan wisely for continued community growth. |
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To maintain reliable public ownership records. |
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To promote accurate and precise legal description of each lot to
protect the consumer. |
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| WHAT DIVISIONS AND
TRANSFERS OF LAND ARE EXEMPT FROM SHORT PLATTING? |
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When ALL new parcels created are 1/128th of a section of land (five
acres) or larger. In this case, a Large Lot Subdivision would be
required. |
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When you are making a property line adjustment, provided that no new
lots or building sites are created. |
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When the property is divided (with specific legal descriptions) and
transferred as a result of executing a will. |
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If you are creating and transferring five or more lots. |
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Division of land for the purpose of public benefit, such as a
government entity. |
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| CAN A LOT WITHIN A
SUBDIVISION BE SHORT PLATTED? |
| Subdivision lots may be
further divided, into four or fewer lots, using the short plat
process. An environmental checklist is required in addition to the
short plat application. |
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| CAN I SHORT PLAT A
PREVIOUSLY SHORT PLATTED LOT? |
| You must wait at least
five years to short plat a lot(s) that has been created by short
platting, and in this situation an environmental checklist is
required. As an alternative, you may use the regular subdivision
(also known as long plat) process to further divide a parcel
anytime. |
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| CAN A SECOND DWELLING
BE PLACED ON A LOT OR PARCEL WITHOUT SHORT PLATTING THE PROPERTY? |
| In order to place a
second dwelling unit on an existing lot, that lot must be short
platted. (However, accessory living quarters, accessory dwelling
units, and/or special care mobile homes, are permitted under certain
conditions, see Title16.48 of the Kitsap
County Code, or contact DCD Staff (360) 337-7181. |
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| Details on the Kitsap
County Short Plat Process |
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