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Subdividing Lots in Austin- What I learned about subdividing SF3 lots from the City of Austin’s Development Services Center

2/13/2018

8 Comments

 
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Today, I went to the City of Austin’s Development Service Center to see if a property my client is considering purchasing could be subdivided.  I had already done preliminary research, and came to the center with a survey of the property and the knowledge that it’s zoned SF3.  Anyone considering purchasing a property that they want to change should of course do their own research.  However, I wanted to do a little due-diligence before I sent my client to the city to ask questions himself.
 
I was told that a lot can be subdivided as long as the new lots meet all of the lot requirements for that particular zoning.  For an SF3 lot, that means the new lots must each have a minimum lot size of 5,750 square feet. For SF3 lots in the City of Austin, there are building setbacks.  There are 15ft street side setbacks, 5 ft. interior side setbacks, and 10 ft. rear setbacks.  In order to subdivide a lot, the new lots must also be at least 50 ft. wide at the 25 ft. front set back. If the width is less than 50 ft. wide, you can subdivide the property with one lot becoming a flag lot.  Flag lots require a minimum lot width of 20ft or 15ft if two or more contiguous lots share a common driveway and there is room on the other sides of driveway for emergency/utility use.
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Building on the newly subdivided lots must also conform with current regulations for City of Austin SF3 lots. The maximum building on the lot is 40%, and the maximum impervious coverage on the lot is 45%.  The subdivision process for normal lots (minimum 50 ft. wide) takes about 3-6 months with the City of Austin.  For flag lots it can take 6-9 months.  Normal subdivision costs approximately $6-7K in city fees.  The flag variance would cost an additional $4k.  For any subdivision you will also need civil engineer drawings, and new surveys which would be an additional cost.
 
If there are any other unique site characteristics that would impede your ability to develop the site in accordance with city regulations such as steep slopes, drainage systems, trees, or existing non-compliant structures, you can request a variance through the City of Austin’s Board of Adjustment.  This would entail additional fees and time.
 
If you’re wondering what you can do on a lot within the City of Austin, The City of Austin’s Development Services Department is a great place to start.  You may also be interested in reading my article, What can one do on this property? Considering land characteristics, zoning, and restrictions. If you’re considering purchasing a property in Austin, contact me today.  I’d be happy to walk you through the process.
8 Comments
benjamin
7/9/2019 05:09:05 pm

If you have a SF3 lot, do you know how large it needs to be in order to be allowed to build a duplex? I think I read 7,000sf but can no longer find that info. Thanks

Reply
Erika
7/9/2019 06:18:36 pm

I think it's 5,750, but I'm not sure. You're best bet is to try searching through this link... https://library.municode.com/tx/austin

Reply
Kl0
9/5/2019 01:28:48 am

I don’t want to sound discouraging, but please note that if you go into the development assistance center to ask such a question, there is a good chance that the person who you ask won’t know.

They’ll definitely give you an answer; you’ll then base all of your prep work on that response only when you go to submit it, somebody else will tell you your numbers are wrong.

You’ll be puzzled and exclaim, no no! I got those numbers directly from the DAC. Only it won’t matter because nothing you are told has legal weight and so the burden will be on you to correct whatever has gone wrong. At your continued financial expense I might add.

I mention it just to say, make sure you get confirmation from every department head that you can before you accept that some size is required for what you want to do. I’ve experienced the above too many times to count, sometimes despite how many people I get to confirm the situation.

Reply
Mohamed Amiri
5/24/2020 05:50:05 pm

If i want to divide 1 acre of land into 4 lots, how much would it cost and how long would it take?

Reply
Erika Rae Albert
5/26/2020 08:27:40 am

Hi Mohamed, I'd recommend reaching out to the city for more information on your specific property.

Reply
Mohamed
5/26/2020 09:21:20 am

Ok thanks

Lluis
6/29/2020 06:54:06 pm

A lot, we did two subdivisions similar too that/ Each is taking 12-18 months in best case. If is in COA they'll probably ask you to build a detention pond, only that is 20-50k.
City Fees will run you around 15-20k, once you try to tap water/sewer, around 10k per home.
Engineering will be 50k+
All in all, be ready to put 100k+ on the table.

Reply
Gilbert Franco
3/24/2022 04:46:47 pm

I have a 2.54 acre Lake Travis Waterfront lot in Hudson Bend that I want to break up into 3 separate lots. Who would you recommend to handle the subdivision dealing with a couple of easements.

Reply



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