A subdivision is classified as a major subdivision if more than five (5) lots are created, or if any subdivision or resubdivision involves the opening, widening or extension of any street, the allocation of land for open space for common use, or the granting of easements for the extension and maintenance of water distribution, sewage disposal or other public facilities in connection with the improvements of one or more parcels of land for residential, business or industrial development.
(a) Sketch Plan Application and Approval. An application for sketch plan approval including those items specified in Section 1174.02 (Sketch Plans and Data) shall be submitted to the Chief Building Official for each proposed subdivision. The purpose of the sketch plan is to explore the best subdivision design considering the natural features of the development area, adjoining developed or vacant land, and to establish a program of development acceptable to the Engineer and Commission before a preliminary subdivision plan is prepared. The Commission shall review and approve or disapprove the sketch plan within thirty (30) days of the filing of same or within such longer period of time as the applicant may agree in writing.
If the Commission finds upon its review and the recommendation of the Engineer that the sketch plan as submitted or revised meets the intent of the standards and criteria of these Subdivision Regulations, it shall approve the sketch plan, and the applicant may proceed with the preparation of a preliminary subdivision plan. The approval of a sketch plan is valid for six (6) months and unless the preliminary subdivision plan, based on such sketch plan, is filed within such six (6)-month period then a new sketch plan or reapproval of the old one is necessary prior to the preliminary subdivision plan filing.
(b) Preliminary Subdivision Plan Application and Approval. An application for preliminary plan approval including those items specified in Section 1174.03 (Preliminary Plan and Data) shall be submitted to the Chief Building Official. The Chief Building Official shall schedule a meeting for preliminary discussion and public hearing within thirty (30) days of the filing of the application.
(1) The Chief Building Official shall refer one copy to the Commission's planning consultant and one copy to the Engineer for review and report with respect to compliance with all relevant regulations, standards and criteria, relative to coordination of the design with the natural features of the site and surrounding developments and in conformance with the Municipality's Official Map and the Land Use and Thoroughfare Plan. The planning consultant and Engineer shall provide and furnish reports of such review and recommendation to the Commission.
(2) The Chief Building Official shall notify the owners, as shown upon the preliminary plan, of adjoining unsubdivided land and owners of adjoining lots if a street connection is involved of the time and place of such public hearing. The owners shall be notified by first-class mail, of the date of mailing, which shall be at least ten (10) days prior to the public hearing at which the proposed subdivision is to be considered. Failure of delivery of such notice shall not invalidate the proceedings.
(3) The Commission shall review and approve or disapprove the preliminary plan within thirty (30) days of the filing of same or within such longer period of time as the applicant may agree in writing. If the Commission, after an evaluation of the preliminary plan and reports of the planning consultant and Engineer, and after the public hearing, approves the preliminary plan, the Chairman and Chief Building Official shall affix their signatures to five (5) copies of the plan with a notation of any special conditions, as the Commission may attach. Upon approval, the Chief Building Official shall return one copy to the subdivider. Notice of the approval shall be sent to the Board of Education by the Chief Building Official.
(4) If the Commission fails to approve the preliminary plan, it shall state in its records the reason or reasons for such disapproval.
(5) Effect of authorization to proceed. The approval of the preliminary plan by the Commission authorizes the subdivider to proceed with the preparation of the final subdivision plat, including improvement plans, and assures him that within a one year period from the date of such authorization:
A. The layout of streets, lots and other features of the preliminary plan may serve as the basis for the preparation of the final subdivision plat;
B. Any special conditions under which the approval of the plan was granted shall not be changed; and
C. The subdivider may submit a final subdivision plat and drawings and specifications for improvements for the whole or part of the subdivision.
(Ord. 2016-07-24. Passed 8-3-16.)
(Ord. 2016-07-24. Passed 8-3-16.)