(A) Pre-application meeting. Prior to submitting a preliminary plat application, the property owner/applicant shall meet with city staff to discuss the preliminary plat application process. Through this meeting, the city staff may summarize the city's concept plan review comments and offer suggestions pertaining to additional information or design changes that may assist in expediting the preliminary plat review.
(B) Neighborhood meeting. On large subdivisions or developments with uses significantly different from adjacent properties, the city recommends the property owner/ applicant hold a neighborhood meeting for informal comment and feedback prior to submitting a preliminary plat application. The developer is responsible for organizing and conducting the meeting. The developer shall give the city notice of the time, place, and location of the meeting.
(C) Environmental review. The developer shall determine if the proposed plat meets or exceeds the mandatory threshold for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) pursuant to Minnesota Rules, and if necessary, the developer shall immediately complete those requirements. No further action will be taken by the city until the environmental review process is completed.
(D) DNR review. Preliminary plats located within a Shoreland District or Floodplain District shall be subject to review by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
(E) Transportation and Highway Department review. A preliminary plat abutting any existing or proposed trunk highway, county road or highway or county state-aid highway rights-of-way shall be subject to review of the Minnesota Department of Transportation and/or the County Highway Department. Written notice and a copy of the proposed preliminary plat shall be filed with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and/or the County Highway Department for review and comment.
(F) Watershed review. Preliminary plats located within a Watershed District shall be subject to review and comment of the Watershed District.
(G) Parks, Trails, and Lakes Commission meeting. The developer shall attend a Parks, Trails, and Lakes Commission meeting to review the draft preliminary plat and available comments from city staff. The Parks, Trails, and Lakes Commission shall make an determination as to the park needs and/or location. This determination shall be forwarded to the Planning Commission and City Council for review and consideration.
(H) Advisory committees. The draft preliminary plat may also be reviewed by additional city advisory committees. The city advisory committees' recommendations will be forwarded to the Planning Commission and City Council for their consideration at a public hearing and public meetings.
(I) Application and placement on the Planning Commission agenda.
(1) The city must receive a preliminary plat application form, 5 copies of the preliminary plat along with 2 copies of the required accompanying information.
(2) Upon receipt, the matter will be placed on the next Planning Commission meeting agenda which is at least 30 days after the date the application was received. The Community Development Department shall submit copies of the preliminary plat and required accompanying information to other staff, committees, consultants, or agencies, as appropriate, who may make written comments to the Planning Commission. If substantial changes are required to the preliminary plat, it may be advisable to submit a revised preliminary plat to city staff prior to submitting one to the Planning Commission.
(J) Incomplete application. The city shall have the authority to request additional information. An application will not be heard by the Planning Commission if incomplete. The city staff will notify applicant of missing information within 15 days of application submittal. If the requested information is not received within 60 days of notification, the application will be considered null and void and will be returned.
(K) Planning Commission meeting. The preliminary plat shall be submitted to the Planning Commission for its review and recommendation. The Planning Commission shall review and comment on the project's acceptability in relation to the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, Airport Zoning Regulation, official map, and this chapter. A recommendation may be made at that time or the matter may be tabled to allow further time for review and consideration.
(1) Report. The Community Development Department shall prepare a report of the findings and recommendations for the Planning Commission. The report may include specific conditions of approval or findings related to denial of the plat.
(2) Public hearing. The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the proposed preliminary plat. Notice of the public hearing shall be published in the official newspaper designated by the City Council at least 10 days prior to the hearing. The city shall mail written notification of the public hearing on the proposed preliminary plat to property owners located within 350 feet of the subject site at least 10 days prior to the hearing. The failure to give mailed notice to individual property owners or defects in the notice shall not invalidate the proceedings, provided a bona fide attempt to comply has been made.
(3) Recommendation. The Planning Commission shall take public testimony at the public hearing and evaluate the requested preliminary plat against the premature subdivision criteria of § 152.074(B), applicable city standards, the Zoning Code, the Comprehensive Plan and other city requirements. The Planning Commission shall make findings and offer a recommendation for either preliminary plat approval, modification or denial. The Planning Commission may offer a recommendation of approval with conditions necessary to satisfy city regulations.
(L) City Council meeting. The Planning Commission's recommendation shall be conveyed to the City Council. The City Council shall review and comment on the project's acceptability in relation to the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, Airport Zoning Regulation, official map, and this chapter. Action may be taken at that time or the matter may be tabled to allow further time for review and consideration.
(1) Council action. The City Council shall take action on the application within 120 days following delivery of a complete application in accordance with the regulations of this chapter, unless an extension is agreed to in writing by the applicant. The City Council may act on the preliminary plat if it does not receive a recommendation from the Planning Commission within 60 days of receipt of a complete application. In approving the preliminary plat, the City Council may impose conditions it considers necessary to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare.
(2) City Council findings. The City Council shall take action on the application which shall include findings of fact, and shall be entered in the proceedings of the City Council and transmitted to the applicant in writing.
(M) Generally. Upon recommendation of the city staff and submittal of an executed interim development agreement, including all required subdivision fees and financial securities, the city may, at its discretion, authorize site grading as a condition of pre-plat approval and allowable activity prior to final plat approval.
(Ord. 550, passed 5-22-2006; Am. Ord. 640, passed 6-8-2015; Am. Ord. 642, passed 6-22-2015)