Want to Subdivide?

This page is intended to provide an overview of the process to help you get started but is not comprehensive. If at any step you are unsure, call the Gallatin County Planning Department at (406) 582-3130 or email planning@gallatin.mt.gov.

Step 1: Determine if you should go through the Exemption or Standard Subdivision process

  1. Common exemptions include:
    1. Agricultural exemption (in which the created parcel is used exclusively for agricultural purposes)
    2. Aggregation of Lots and/or Relocation of Common Boundaries (CBR) within a Platted Subdivision (may not create new lots with CBR)
    3. Aggregation of Lots and/or Relocation of Common Boundaries (CBR) outside of a Platted Subdivision (may not create any additional lots with CBR)
    4. Family Transfer
      1. Can only be done outside of a platted subdivision
      2. Parcel can only be conveyed to spouse, child, or parent
    5. Mortgage Survey/Security for Construction Financing
    6. Creation of Townhouse lots
    7. Creation of Condominiums  
  2. If you do not qualify for an exemption, then you will go through the standard subdivision review process.

Step 2: Check the Zoning of your property

  1. Use our interactive mapper to determine the zoning on your property (instructions for use here)
  2. If zoned, check sub-district for development restrictions such as
    1. Minimum lot width
    2. Minimum lot width and area
    3. Allowed density (e.g. dwelling units per acre)
    4. Other standards as they apply
  3. Check for restrictions from covenants on your property. For a comprehensive list of recorded covenants, contact the Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder at (406) 582-3050.
  4. If the mapper indicates you are UNZONED (no color) please continue to contact the Gallatin County Planning Department for Subdivision processes.
  5. If the interactive mapper indicates that you are located in the planning jurisdictions of Belgrade, Manhattan, or Three Forks, or West Yellowstone, contact their office for all Subdivision inquiries.

Step 3: Start Application Process

IF you are going through the Exemption from Subdivision Review Process:

  1. Review application instructions with special attention to “Claimant’s Responsibilities” here, then proceed to the application form here.
  2. Call or email the Gallatin County Planning Office to determine next steps.

IF you are going through the Subdivision Review Process:

  1. Call or email the Gallatin County Planning Office to schedule a Pre-Submittal Meeting, and/or turn over the subdivision process to a qualified professional.
  2. Review Subdivision Pre-Application here.
  3. Review the Subdivision Regulations here.