Surveyor outlines Lydia's Canyon parcel split; commission advises zone-change applications due to minimum-acre rules

Glendale planning staff and a surveyor briefed the Planning and Zoning Commission on April 8 about proposed parcel divisions in Lydia's Canyon tied to family land transfers. The surveyor said an updated map shows the original ~14.16-acre tract reconfigured into two parcels: new Parcel A at about 6.89 acres and Parcel B at about 7.25 acres, with a 20-foot ingress/egress and public-utility strip that would provide access for Parcel B.

Commissioners and participants noted that zone minimums in the area commonly require larger parcel sizes (participants referenced 5, 10 and in some conversation 20-acre thresholds depending on hillside vs. meadow zones), which would prevent a simple split into buildable lots without either a rezoning or other approvals. "If it's less than that, you're not allowed," a commissioner said, noting applicants would need to petition for a zone change.

The surveyor (speaking remotely) described terrain constraints including a higher water table in the valley portion of the property, which complicates septic installations. The commission explained that sewer service is not available in that location and that special septic/holding-tank systems with additional sand and site work may be required; those installations can add cost and complexity for future building plans.

The commission advised the applicants to submit formal zone-change applications, pay applicable fees and consult the ordinance book for procedural requirements; staff said they would provide application materials and assist with next steps. No formal vote was taken on a subdivision or rezoning at the meeting; the item was handled as a review and guidance session.

The surveyor and staff agreed to follow up with updated legal descriptions and application forms. The commission noted older, smaller parcels may be grandfathered for some uses but that any new splits or buildable-lot approvals will require compliance with current subdivision law and council action if a zone change is needed.