(a) Generally. A developer shall file a preliminary plan prior to submitting an application for a site development plan and prior to submitting an application for a grading or building permit. A developer shall also file with the Office of Planning and Zoning a preliminary plan for development that does not require a permit.
(b) Contents. A preliminary plan shall be on a 24" x 36" sheet at a scale that is no smaller than 1"=100' and shall contain all information including attachments as required on the most recent preliminary plan checklist on file at the Office of Planning and Zoning or Department of Inspections and Permits. The preliminary plan shall show an initial location of development, including roads, buildings, parking, stormwater management, utilities, and forest conservation, and shall provide any other information required by the Office of Planning and Zoning and the Department of Inspections and Permits to clearly identify areas on the site that are suitable for development.
(c) Review; County report; developer re-submittal. As promptly as possible after the filing of a preliminary plan, the Office of Planning and Zoning shall provide the developer with a written report of the findings, comments, and recommendations of County agencies. Upon review of a completed preliminary plan the Office of Planning and Zoning will provide the developer with a written decision approving or denying the application. That approval or denial will resolve inconsistencies or conflicts among the agency comments and give the applicant direction on how to proceed to the next step in the process or give direction on what issues need to be addressed with a new application for a preliminary plan.
(d) Expiration of preliminary plan. A preliminary plan expires 12 months after the date that the Office of Planning and Zoning approves the preliminary plan unless a site development plan is submitted for review prior to preliminary plan expiration. Upon expiration of the preliminary plan a developer shall file a new application and fees for a preliminary plan application prior to any further review.
(e) Exemption from bicycle, pedestrian, and transit assessment. The following subdivisions or developments may opt to pay bicycle, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure fees in lieu of preparing a bicycle, pedestrian, and transit assessment:
(1) subdivisions of five or fewer dwelling units;
(2) non-residential developments comprising less than 5,000 enclosed square feet, other than warehouse developments; and
(3) warehouse developments comprising less than 15,000 enclosed square feet.
(Bill No. 59-10; Bill No. 65-17; Bill No. 78-18)