Subdivision and Platting

The Lincoln County Subdivision Ordinance governs the division of land into smaller parcels.  This includes major and minor subdivisions of land, large lot splits, major and minor condominium plats, and certified survey maps (CSM).

• In the Towns of Birch, Somo, Rock Falls, Harrison and Pine River: The following types of divisions shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter, shall meet all provisions of this chapter and other applicable chapters in the Lincoln County Code of Ordinances, and shall subsequently record said plat or map with the County Register of Deeds:
  • Divisions defined as "subdivisions" under §236.02(12), Wis. Stats., which the County is required to review under §236.10(b)3, Wis. Stats.
  • Within the shoreland zone, all divisions or plats that will result in a major condominium, minor condominium, major subdivision or minor subdivision, as defined in this chapter.
• In the Towns of Corning, Harding, Scott, Merrill, Schley, Russell, King, Skanawan, Bradley: No person, firm, or corporation shall divide or plat any land located within such unincorporated areas of the County which shall result in a major subdivision, minor subdivision, major condominium, minor condominium or large lot split, as defined in this chapter, without first filing and receiving County approval of a subdivision plat, condominium plat, certified survey map, or large lot split description as provided in this chapter, meeting all provisions of this chapter and other applicable chapters in the Lincoln County Code of Ordinances, and subsequently recording said plat, map, or description with the County Register of Deeds

This ordinance includes requirements for layout, public streets, improvements, dedications and lot design. It applies if you create more than 4 lots of less than 10 acres in lot area; or where the act of division creates more than 4 lots of less than 10acres in lot area over a 5-year period from the same contiguous parcel. A certified survey map (CSM) is required if the division of land will create one to 4 lots of less than 10 acres in lot area from the same contiguous parcel

You or your surveyor may submit a CSM or plat to the Land Services-Zoning Department. The Land Services Administrator approves CSMs for the County, while the Land Services Committee approves plats. Your town must also approve the CSM or plat, and if your land is near a city, the city must also approve the CSM or plat. A lot is not legally created until the approved CSM or final plat is signed by all approving authorities and recorded at the Register of Deeds Office.

For more information regarding our Land Services Committee including the meeting and deadline schedule, please click the Land Services Committee link below.