Advertisement
I have a .6 acre lot zoned R-6 here in Boulevard Park. Does anyone have suggestions as to how to short plat? Is it possible to do this oneself or is it better to hire an engineering firm?
Does anyone know of a reliable/reputable firm that does this type of thing?
TIA
Dave
Does anyone know of a reliable/reputable firm that does this type of thing?
TIA
Dave
Advertisement
Advertisement
-
Re: Short Plat in unincorporated King Co.
Sat, January 21, 2006 - 1:39 PMHi David,
It is certainly possible to short plat without hiring an engineering firm, but you will "earn" everything you save in the process.
Your first steps begin with King County to determine requirements. I've been able to accomplish a lot on the phone, at least to determine where to begin, but then it will take some direct conversations with specialists.
Get a good parking spot, and plan on spending some time at the King County building on 5th (?).
I've had reasonably good experience there by sincerely seeking help. Likewise, I've watched pushy developers with lousy people skills get stonewalled. -
-
Re: Short Plat in unincorporated King Co.
Fri, February 3, 2006 - 6:47 AMThank you so much for your advice Pak. I have found some information on the King Co (www.metrokc.gov/ddes/) website.
At this point I am thinking of starting the process myself. From what I gather, the first step is to make an appointment for a pre-application meeting.
The DDES website lists estimated costs at $14,000 - does this sound correct? -
-
Re: Short Plat in unincorporated King Co.
Fri, February 3, 2006 - 12:40 PMI really don't have a handle on costs. You will need to determine just what that $14,000 includes. Is that just administrative costs and certain hook-up charges? I know that in the past, a ready to build-permit ready lot with curbs, sidewalks, utilities, etc., has cost $40,000 to get to that stage.
Everything always costs more.
What's the plan once they're done?
An essential element in your process is to determine the value of what can be built on the site. That gives you an idea of what the eventual lot value is. Factor in the costs to get there (don't forget costs of financing) and you can decide if the project is viable.
For example:
Lets say the neighborhood supports +/- $300,000, townhomes.
Lot value at 1/3 to 1/4= $80 - 100K? (finished lots, not raw land)
Cost of property that yields 8 lots: $300,000 ($37,500 each)
Cost to develop, including 12 months of carrying costs: $285,000 ($35,500 each)
Cost to sell 8- $100K lots (even if you build them out yourself, it costs to sell the finished product): $56,000 ($7,000 each)
So, the total cost of the lots is $80,000 each in this example. They better sell closer to $100,000 or it isn't worth the effort.
Obviously the numbers could be anywhere, you have to supply those, but the process is important. -
-
Re: Short Plat in unincorporated King Co.
Sat, February 4, 2006 - 7:35 AMThank you again for the information.
I am in unincorporated King Co. (Boulevard Park). Mayor Nikkels is pushing to Annex us into Seattle - which should happen in the next year or so. A neighbor down the street recently split his vacant lot 4-ways and built 300k+ townhomes. They all sold before the foundation was poured.
The property I currently own is a .6 acre plat - zoned R-6. I live in the existing Single Family Dewelling and rent out the MIL (which I converted from full daylight) beneath me.
The lot is much too big for me. I bought this property with intention of either splitting or building another unit or duplex on. I am just having trouble forming a 'next steps' plan. I currently owe 150k on the property, so I have a little room to work - but not a lot.
From what you say, I think I would be better of putting money into the construction of another dewelling. I could always short plat later down the line.
What do you think?
David -
-
Re: Short Plat in unincorporated King Co.
Sat, February 4, 2006 - 5:14 PMNot knowing the specifics of your lot, I'd reserve judgement on "what's best". If its a simple job of carving out some additional lots leaving your home in place on a "standard" lot, the chore is simple. If you have to remove your home to get the max number of lots, the question becomes more complex. Then you have to factor in what you loose by removal (the value of your home) compared to what you gain by add'l lots.
I suspect you're going to have to consult with someone, and spend a few $, re lot layout at some point. The issue of setbacks, access road/driveway, etc. needs to be addressed. You might be able to do some of that yourself, but it will require some research into how to carve it up. The more you can do yourself, the more you make, eventually, but it needs to be weighed against any complexity of the situation that requires some expertise. Sometimes its worthwhile to joint venture the project with a reputable builder who can provide that knowledge.
I would look into seeing how much I could do myself, first and then see if its too far over my head or if I want to invest the time in the project. The returns are great, but this is what I meant when I said you'd be earning your gains. Keep on with your research until you are stuck..or maybe you'll make it all the way to completion!
Feel free to ask questions as you go. I'll tell you what I know, but its not something I am intimately familiar with off the top of my head.
-
-
-
-
-
Re: Short Plat in unincorporated King Co.
Wed, February 8, 2006 - 2:07 PMFor those of us who are looking for something to develop later, what is "short plat?"
Thanks! -
-
Re: Short Plat in unincorporated King Co.
Wed, February 8, 2006 - 3:23 PMThe term "Short plat" refers to the process of dividing (Platting) a given property into smaller lots. The legal name is "Short Subdivision", but it is usually referred to as a short plat.
If the property is outside the Urban Growth area, the maximum number of lots in a short plat is 4. If it is within the Urban Growth Area, the maximum number is 9. If the property is to be platted into a larger number of lots, the process is called a Long Plat, or Long Subdivision.
Here's a King County doc (pdf file) that details Short Subdivision info: www.metrokc.gov/ddes/acrobat/cib/25.pdf
You can also get lots of information online with King County at this (and various other locations). www.metrokc.gov/DDES/lusd/cad.htm
-