§ 15-77 EXCEPTIONS TO REGULATIONS.
   1.   Lot splits. Whenever there is a tract or previously subdivided parcel of land, under single ownership, which is to be re-subdivided into three or fewer lots, the proposed subdivision may be excepted from the procedural requirements of these regulations (i.e., preliminary and final plats are not required); however, this shall not constitute an exception from the design and improvement requirements herein contained. These exceptions, or lot splits, shall be permitted under the following provisions.
      a.   An accurate survey (in a final plat format) of the proposed tract, and the re-subdivision thereof, prepared by a land surveyor registered in the state, shall be submitted to the Planning Commission.
      b.   The Planning Commission shall review the proposed lot split to ensure compliance with all design and improvement requirements of these regulations.
      c.   Upon approval, the Planning Commission Chairperson shall certify the survey as a final plat by signing said document.
      d.   Upon denial, the Planning Commission Chairperson shall submit the reasons for denial, in writing, to the applicant.
      e.   Whenever a deviation is required from improvement standards, or a street or other element is to be dedicated, the City Council shall have final approval and acceptance rights; for all other lot splits, the action of the Planning Commission shall be final, although the applicant may elect to appeal to the City Council.
      f.   A tract of land which has been subject to lot splits over any period of time involving more than five lots, shall not be allowed further use of the lot split exception; said tract shall be subject to the procedures contained herein for the platting of land.
   2.   Lot line adjustments. For the purpose of adjusting the size of building sites, lot line adjustments to lines of platted lots shall also be excepted from the procedural requirements of these regulations; however, it is not intended that extensive replatting be accomplished under this exception. Said lot line adjustments shall be subject to the following provisions.
      a.   No additional lot shall be created by any lot line adjustment.
      b.   No lot line adjustment shall be allowed unless all required improvements are either completed and accepted by the city, or their construction is secured under the applicable provisions of these regulations.
      c.   All proposed parcels or building sites involved in a lot line adjustment shall abut on either an existing alley or adequate utility easement, and on a publicly-dedicated street.
      d.   Unusable or land-locked parcels shall not be created as a result of any lot line adjustment.
      e.   Lot line adjustment requests shall be reviewed, and approved or denied by, the Planning Commission, with the right of appeal to the City Council.