(A) Placement of monuments. Unless otherwise specified by this subchapter, the manual of practice for land surveying as adopted by the state board of registration for professional engineers and land surveyors, under the provisions of title 21 of the North Carolina Administrative Code, chapter 56 (21 NCAC 56), shall apply when conducting surveys for subdivisions; to determine the accuracy for survey and placement of monuments, control corners, markers, and property corner ties; to determine the location, design, and material of monuments, markers, control corners, and property corner ties; and to determine other standards and procedures governing the practice of land surveying for subdivisions.
(B) Grading.
(1) All subdivision grading shall be done in such a manner as to preserve natural topographic and vegetative features.
(2) Wholesale removal of topsoil from subdivision areas other than those to be paved shall not be permitted. Where extensive grading is required, the topsoil shall be removed and piled near the site until rough grading is completed after which the topsoil shall be spread over the portions of the site which are not to be paved.
(3) When grading is completed, the topography will generally agree with the contour changes shown and approved on the preliminary plat.
(C) Oversized improvements. The town may require installation of certain oversized utilities or the extension of utilities to adjacent property when it is in the interest of future development. If the town requires the installation of improvements in excess of the standards adopted by reference, the town shall pay the cost differential between the improvement required and the standards in this subchapter.
(D) Exclusive access easements. Exclusive access easements serving one lot shall only be permitted in minor subdivisions and shall meet the following standards:
(1) An exclusive access easement shall serve only one single-family dwelling and its uninhabited accessory structures;
(2) Lots to be served by an exclusive access easement shall not be created in an area served by public water or sewer;
(3) The minimum lot size shall be one acre (excluding the easement portion);
(4) The minimum easement width shall be 25 feet measured up the entire length of the easement;
(5) The minimum separation between the easement portion and any other platted access or right-of-way shall be 150 feet;
(6) The location of the easement shall be recorded and labeled on the plat as “private”;
(7) The exclusive access easement shall permit ingress, egress, and regress and necessary utilities required to serve the lot;
(8) Building setbacks shall be provided as illustrated in Figure 15-1. The easement portion of the lot shall not be used to calculate building setbacks.
(9) Further subdivision of lots accessed by an exclusive access easement shall be prohibited. A notice of this fact shall be placed on the final plat submitted for approval.
(E) Street name markers. Street name markers shall be provided at all subdivision street intersections. The placement and construction of such signs shall conform to the specification of the Town of Fairmont.
(F) Sidewalks. The Planning Board may required sidewalks to be constructed along officially designated major streets and along any minor streets in a manner that will provide convenient, safe
pedestrian circulation throughout the area. Where deemed necessary, the Planning Board may require the construction of sidewalks or walkways to connect with existing or future proposed sidewalks or walkways. All required sidewalks or walkways shall be constructed within the street right-of-way and installed according to specifications and standards established by the Board of Commissioners.
(G) Construction standards.
(1) All standards and specifications of the town shall govern the design, construction, and installation of all improvements. The Board of Commissioners may order suspension of work being performed if such standards and specifications are not being conformed to.
(2) Prior to the commencement of such construction, the subdivider shall advise the Subdivision Administrator in writing, at least 15 working days in advance of such work, that construction is to be commenced. The Subdivision Administrator, in conjunction with other applicable agencies, shall inspect such work. During construction, the building site shall be maintained by the subdivider in a safe and sanitary manner. Prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit, all stumps, litter, rubbish, brush, weeds, dead trees, roots, debris, and scrap building materials shall be removed by the subdivider.
(H) Construction procedures.
(1) Commencement. No construction or installation of improvements shall commence in a proposed subdivision until the preliminary plat has been approved, and all plans and specifications have been approved by the appropriate authorities.
(2) Permits. No building or other permits shall be issued for erection of a structure on any lot not of record at the time of adoption of this chapter until all the requirements of this chapter have been met.
(3) Access. The Subdivision Administrator shall have access to premises and structures during reasonable hours to make those inspections as deemed necessary by him/her to ensure compliance with this chapter.
(4) Inspection. The subdivider, prior to commencing any work within the subdivision, shall make arrangements with the Subdivision Administrator to provide for adequate inspection. The approving authorities having jurisdiction or their representatives shall inspect and approve all completed work prior to release of the sureties.
(5) Erosion control. The subdivider shall cause all grading, excavations, open cuts, side slopes, and other land surface disturbances to be so mulched, seeded, sodded, or otherwise protected.
(6) Existing flora. The subdivider shall make every effort to protect and retain all existing trees, shrubbery, vines, and grasses not actually lying in public roadways, drainage ways, building foundation
sites, private driveways, soil absorption waste disposal areas, paths, and trails. Such trees are to be protected and preserved during construction. Such trees are to be preserved by well islands or retaining walls whenever abutting grades are altered. Temporary vegetation and mulching shall be used to protect critical areas, and permanent vegetation shall be installed as soon as practical.
(7) Construction. Construction at any given time shall be confined to the smallest practical area and for the shortest practical period of time.
(Ord. 23-241, passed 7-18-2023)