(A) Purpose. Prior to formal submittal of a preliminary plat as outlined below, the subdivider shall submit a conceptual subdivision plat for review by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The purpose of such submittal is to gain tentative approval prior to expending time and resources on a preliminary plat. This review process is not binding on either the city or the subdivider.
(B) Criteria. The subdivision design shall reflect the following:
(1) Preservation of the character of the land;
(2) Economy of construction;
(3) Inclusion of special facilities;
(4) Variation in design;
(5) Privacy and sociability;
(6) Individual lot sizes that are practicable and desirable;
(7) Low impact development;
(8) Energy efficiency and green construction; and
(9) Mobility and walkability.
(C) Conceptual subdivision plat content. The following items shall be provided by the applicant as part of the conceptual subdivision plat submittal:
(1) Vicinity map;
(2) Name of development and sketch plan;
(3) Location by section, township and range;
(4) Legal description: dimensions are to be shown by either a metes and bounds description or description by aliquot part or by reference to a tract or parcel shown on a previously recorded subdivision or results of survey plat. There must be a tie (by scale or legal description) to at least 2 aliquot corners (section, quarter-section, etc.), or by reference to a tract or parcel shown on previously recorded subdivisions or results of survey plat;
(5) Boundaries of development clearly identified;
(6) North arrow;
(7) Scales (both graphic and equivalent inch to feet) using standard engineering intervals. Not to exceed 1 inch = 200 feet. Sheet size no smaller than 24 inches x 36 inches;
(8) Date of preparation plus date of any amendments since original submittal;
(9) Contact info: names, addresses, phone numbers and notation of relationship to development for landowners, subdivider/development agents, engineers, surveyors, land planners, landscape architects, architects, hydrologists or others responsible for design (include registration numbers);
(10) Zoning: existing and proposed zoning;
(11) Proposed land uses and densities by area as well as ownership patterns, surrounding land uses and zoning within 300 feet;
(12) Tentative lot and tract layout;
(13) Proposed circulation plan: the applicant shall submit a proposed vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian and equestrian circulation plan. The circulation plan shall include:
(a) Show all existing and proposed streets (public or private) and their classification (arterial, collector, local street) within the project's proposed connections to the existing streets network, scale not to exceed 1 inch = 500 feet. The map shall also demonstrate legal primary and secondary access as well as existing or proposed street right-of-way widths; and
(b) Existing or proposed sidewalks and pedestrian and equestrian trail networks and open space features affected by or intended to be implemented as part of future subdivision design.
(14) Land data table: identify in chart or note form on the conceptual subdivision plat the following:
(a) Total acreage and acreage for each use and each phase;
(b) Number units/lots for each type of use and phase;
(c) Average area per lot/unit proposed;
(d) Percent open space, exclusive of streets, building envelopes, and parking areas; and
(e) Identify unique site conditions including major drainage features, fissures, etc).
(D) Evaluation of conceptual subdivision plat.
(1) Eighteen (18) copies of the conceptual subdivision plat in addition to an electronic copy in PDF format shall be submitted to the Development Services Department. Within 15 working days of submittal, the conceptual subdivision plat shall be evaluated and discussed in a meeting that may include the applicant(s), reviewing agency representatives and city staff.
(2) Fees. Application for conceptual subdivision plat approval shall include payment of the filing fees as set forth in Chapter 4, Fees, Article 4-4, Vol. I, Apache Junction City Code.
(3) The Development Services Department shall route the conceptual subdivision plat to the city's other departments and agencies.
(4) Upon receipt of reviewing departments and agencies comments, the Development Services Department staff shall compile all comments and respond to the applicants or agents as the proposed project relates to the following:
(a) Conformance to City of Apache Junction general or specific area plan(s);
(b) Suitability of the site for development, proposed/existing and potential development opportunities and constraints;
(c) The improvements, design and dedications required by city improvement standards;
(d) Zoning requirements; and
(e) Drainage requirements.
(E) Approval of conceptual subdivision plat.
(1) The Planning and Zoning Commission shall make a recommendation whether or not the conceptual subdivision plat meets the purposes of these regulations and related city ordinances and design specifications and shall make specific recommendations to be incorporated by the applicant into a preliminary plat submittal.
(2) Approval of a conceptual subdivision plat is approval of the proposal in concept only, and is not final project approval.
(F) Denial of conceptual subdivision plat. If the Planning and Zoning Commission determines that the conceptual subdivision plat submittal is not consistent with the city's general or specific area plan(s) and/or determines that the proposed development does not meet city improvement/design specifications, the Planning and Zoning Commission may deny the conceptual subdivision plat application or request modifications to be incorporated into a preliminary plat submittal.
(G) Appeal. If the project developer objects to a decision by the Planning and Zoning Commission to deny a conceptual subdivision plat or recommended modification to same, the Planning and Zoning Commission decision may be appealed to the City Council. Upon submittal to the Development Services Director of a written statement of objection, the matter shall be placed on the agenda for the next available Council meeting.
(Ord. 1503, passed - -2021)