Frequently Asked Questions

A subdivision is a division of land into three or more lots for the purpose of future development.

Minor Subdivision: A subdivision of land which creates no more than four lots from any single parcel of land; requires no-extensions of streets, sewers, utilities, or other municipal facilities; and complies with all zoning requirements. Major Subdivision: Any subdivision not defined and approved as a minor subdivision.

The division or re-division of a tract or parcel of land into two lots, building sites, or other divisions by metes and bounds description.

The approval process for Subdivisions consists of three stages: the preapplication process, the preliminary plat approval process, and the final plat approval process.

The City of Storm Lake shall also regulate subdivisions within two miles of the city limit. The procedure for subdivisions in this two mile jurisdiction is similar to subdivisions within the city limits with some differences in procedure state in Article 3 Section 3-2(g).

Sidewalk regulations can be found in Article 5 Section 5-3(d) and Table 5-3.

The following two types of alternative subdivision designs would require a Planned Unit Development (PUD): Conservation Subdivisions: Wholly or in majority, a residential subdivision that permits a reduction in lot area, setback, or other site development regulations, provided 1) there is no increase in the overall density permitted for a conventional subdivision in a given zoning district, and 2) the remaining land area is used for common space. Traditional Neighborhood District (TND) Subdivisions: Allow the development of urban neighborhoods that produce new development consistent with the patterns of historic or traditional parts of Storm Lake with appropriate civic space; or provide for the recreation of neighborhoods that follow the patterns of other traditional towns.

Street designs should follow the Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS) Manual where practical and the Subdivision Ordinance Article 5 Table 5-2 also contains 13 various street type drawings that can serve as additional guidelines for street types.

Article 6 regulates the necessity of public services including adequate water, waste management, storm water drainage utilities, and parkland resources.