Department of Community Services

Subdivision

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Forms, Acts & Regulations

When do I need subdivision approval?

You must have Subdivision Approval to divide or reconfigure any privately titled lot. This generally includes dividing land into additional parcels, combining two or more lots into one, lot enlargements, making boundary adjustments, condominium surveys and in some cases, long term leases. You must also obtain subdivision approval to create a new parcel of land from unsurveyed Yukon Land.

May I subdivide my land?

There are a number of factors that determine if it is feasible or possible for you to subdivide your land. Besides physical site considerations such as topography, access and utilities, there may be planning, zoning or other regulations that control subdivision by specifying particular land uses or minimum or maximum lot sizes. If you are considering subdivision, you should first discuss the preliminary proposal with Community Land Planning.

Where do I apply for subdivision approval?

Three jurisdictions are responsible for subdivision approval in the Yukon:

Whitehorse and Dawson City control subdivision within their own boundaries. The Yukon Government, Community Land Planning is responsible for all other subdivision requests.

Contact the subdivision land use planner:

Community Land Planning
Tel: (867) 667-3531
Toll free: 1-800-661-0408 ext 3531
Fax: (867) 393-6258
Box 2703, C-9
Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 2C6

How do I apply for subdivision approval?

Submit your Subdivision Application Form [196KB ], along with a non-refundable filing fee of $100 plus GST, to Community Land Planning. Your application must include:

  • completed application form signed by all property owners;
  • sketch plan, drawn to scale, outlining the nature of the subdivision proposal, showing the lots, roads, existing and proposed structures etc.;
  • copy of the Certificate of Title (available from the Yukon Land Titles Office);
  • proof that the property taxes are paid.
  • in Whitehorse or Dawson, you must apply directly to the municipality for subdivision approval.

If you have already applied to purchase Yukon Land from the Lands Branch, and have received a letter authorizing you to proceed to subdivision application, you are not required to fill out a new form, but you must still pay the $100 + GST fee.

Are there any other fees?

If your subdivision is approved, there is a $100 fee for each additional new lot that is created (to a maximum of $1,000). For example, if only one lot is divided into 6 new lots, you must pay $500 for the 5 additional parcels created.

What happens after I submit my application?

First, your subdivision application is reviewed by Community Land Planning to make sure that your proposal meets Yukon laws and regulations. Then it is distributed to several agencies for technical review. It goes to the Subdivision Approving Officer who approves it, approves it with conditions or denies it. If you don't agree with the decision of a Subdivision Approving Officer, in most cases, the decision may be appealed.

After you have received subdivision approval, you must hire a Canada Lands Surveyor to have the land surveyed. The Plan of Survey must be registered with the Land Titles Office within 12 months of the Plan approval date.

How long will my application take?

The subdivision approving officer is required to make a decision within 90 days from when the application is considered complete, meaning all the required information has been received by Community Land Planning. Due to the high volume of subdivision applications, you should expect the process to take the full 90 days. If your application is approved, you must hire a Canada Lands Surveyor to have the land surveyed. The Plan of Survery must be registered with the Land Titles Office within 12 months of the Plan approval date.

What other consents might I need?

Before any sale can take place, you may have to provide the Land Titles Office with the consent of anyone who holds a mortgage or other interest against your property. Land Titles Office can provide you with more information.

When can I sell my newly subdivided land?

You're free to sell the new lot(s) when your survey is completed and after the final Plan of Survey is registered at the Land Titles Office. Your Canada Lands Surveyor will be able to advise you of when this process is completed. You would sell your new parcel(s) as you would any other property, either privately or through a real estate agent.