In accordance with State law (65 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/11-12-5, 5/11-12-8, 5/11-12-12; 765 Illinois Compiled Statutes 205/0.01 et seq.), this title regulates the subdivision and development of land in order to implement the Comprehensive Plan and Official Map duly adopted by the City. This title assists in achieving the following specific objectives:
A. To preserve, protect, and promote the public health, safety, and welfare;
B. To provide a pleasant living environment by furthering the orderly and efficient layout and use of land by facilitating aesthetic urban design;
C. To establish accurate legal records, to avoid development in wetland areas, and to avoid legal and other problems by requiring that subdivided land be properly monumented and recorded;
D. To conserve and increase the value of land, improvements, and buildings throughout the City;
E. To preserve the natural beauty and topography of the City to the maximum feasible extent, including preservation of such features as stands of trees, streams, significant archaeological sites, and historical landmarks;
F. To provide adequate light, air, and privacy for all residents of new developments by preventing undue concentration of population;
G. To protect against injury or damage caused by fire, pollution, flooding, stormwater runoff, or erosion and sedimentation;
H. To provide safe and convenient access to new developments and to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary public expenditures by requiring the proper location, design, and construction of streets and sidewalks;
I. To provide an environment whereby the cost of installing and maintaining adequate water mains, sanitary sewers, stormwater sewers, and other utilities and services can be kept at a minimum; and
J. To ensure that adequate parks, schools, and similar facilities can be made available to serve the residents.
(2006 Code § 35-1-2)