A new proposal would grant property owners with at least 50 acres of agricultural land in smaller counties greater flexibility in how they use their land. The bill, HB 255, sponsored by Representative Scott Chew allows landowners in third-, fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-class counties to create “minor subdivisions,” permitting them to carve out lots as small as one acre from a larger parcel. This change represents a win for rural property rights, offering landowners more control over their land and the ability to adapt to changing economic and family needs.
By easing the restrictions that zoning imposes on land subdivision, this bill empowers agricultural landowners to make decisions that best suit their circumstances—whether it’s providing housing for family members, selling off a portion for extra income, or fostering small-scale development that aligns with local needs. Rather than a one-size-fits-all zoning approach, this reform recognizes that rural property owners deserve more autonomy.
More freedom to subdivide means more opportunities for rural communities to grow organically. With Utah’s rising housing costs and increasing demand for homes, enabling small-lot subdivisions in agricultural areas could help provide much-needed housing while preserving landowner rights. This commonsense change is a step in the right direction—promoting property rights and economic flexibility.
