What are the requirements to combine two parcels?

In most cases, the parcels to be combined must be contiguous to one another. In order to combine parcels, one must ensure that all real estate taxes currently due, payable, or delinquent, are paid in full. Parcel combinations must comply with the applicable zoning requirements of the jurisdiction in which the parcels are located.

Can you buy a single parcel of land?

If you want to purchase a single parcel of land, the process is fairly simple. There is a clearly-defined, well-understood system for purchasing a single piece of property.

How can a landowner of two adjacent residential plots?

I own two houses that are on adjacent parcels. I want to sell one house (House A), but before I do so, I want to change the property line to provide more land to House A. It seems like I should be able to do this inexpensively and without a lawyer, and I am trying to figure out the steps that I need to take.

Do you have to transfer title before combining parcels?

The parcels to be combined must be owned by the same owner prior to filing a parcel combination application. If the parcels are owned by separate and distinct owners, a transfer of title must take place prior to combining the parcels so that title to both parcels is in the same name.

What is required when the property has multiple parcels?

An improvement that has been built across lot lines is acceptable. For example, a home built across both parcels where the lot line runs under the home is acceptable. The mortgage must be a valid first lien that covers each parcel. For additional information, see B2-3-04, Special Property Eligibility Considerations.

Is it legal to combine two parcels in Michigan?

The answer is yes under certain circumstances. In the event an assessor determines that two or more parcels should be combined, a combination process is explained in the Michigan Assessors Manual Volume III. The current edition of this manual is from February 2018.

Can a lot be adjoined to a parcel?

Parcels must be adjoined to the other, unless they comply with the following exception. Parcels that otherwise would be adjoined, but are divided by a road, are acceptable if the parcel without a residence is a non-buildable lot (for example, waterfront properties where the parcel without the residence provides access to the water).

Can a vacant lot be sold into a separate parcel?

If the appraised area contains multiple legally-conforming platted lots that are under one legal description and ownership, then the second vacant lot could be divided and sold or developed as a separate parcel, assuming the division will not result in a break from zoning regulations for the second vacant lot.