By changing to the 40 acre exemption, Franklin County could catch up with its peers in Miami, Leavenworth and Osage counties and try to control and manage urban sprawl. Franklin County, like many others, has experienced a number of land splits during the past 18 months. The majority of the property exceeded 10 acres and essentially circumvented the subdivision requirements. More than 500 land splits occurred which don't have to meet subdivision requirements. Subdivision requirements are important to preserve land values and ensure compliance with the county's comprehensive land use plan.
Land use plays an important role in protecting the environment, too.
No land in the county, despite its ownership, is an island and should therefore be treated in a manner that looks out for the general welfare. Some landowners may believe that the proposed exemption would trample on their private property rights, but it is more likely to protect them than hurt them. The amendment doesn't change a landowners' ability to sell his or her land. It does, however, require property owners turned developers to file final plats on subdivisions. Planning Director Sandy Dickson argues that subdivision requirements provide an important management function for local government by reviewing proposals in an organized, efficient and uniform fashion.