(A) No land shall be subdivided unless adequate access to the land over improved streets or thoroughfares exists or will be provided by the subdivider, or if such land is considered by the Plan Commission to be unsuitable for such use by reason of flooding or improper drainage, objectionable earth or rock formation, topography or any other feature harmful to the health and safety of future residents and the community as a whole.
(B) The Plan Commission may require either a general or operational soil survey, with interpretations, where it is not readily apparent from existing information that the land to be subdivided is not subject to flooding or does not contain poor drainage characteristics. If required, the survey shall be conducted by a qualified person or agency acceptable to the Plan Commission. In the event that the Plan Commission finds the land to be subdivided unacceptable due to the results of the soils survey, the Plan Commission shall not approve the plat. The Plan Commission may, however, prescribe conditions that the subdivider must meet to obtain approval and these conditions may be incorporated into an agreement between the Plan Commission and the subdivider.
(C) The subdivision design and layout shall be such that it protects the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents in the jurisdiction of the Plan Commission.
(D) The Plan Commission may require improvements to streets and intersections adjacent to or in the vicinity of the subdivision as determined by the required traffic impact study and in accordance with the city thoroughfare plan. Additional dedication of right-of-way may also be required.
(E) Tree planting is encouraged where trees within the right-of-way are proposed, the planting plan shall have been submitted with the preliminary plat and approved by the Board of Public Works and Safety or its designated city department.
(F) In addition to the requirements established herein, all subdivision plats shall comply with the following rules, laws, and regulations:
(1) All applicable statutory provisions.
(2) The local Zoning Ordinances, building and housing codes, and all other applicable laws of the appropriate jurisdiction.
(3) The comprehensive plan, thoroughfare plan and any other appropriate plans of the city.
(4) The rules and regulations of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Department of Natural Resources, Aeronautics Commission, Howard County Drainage Board, and other appropriate agencies.
(5) The rules, regulations, and standards of the Indiana Department of Transportation if the subdivision or any lot contained therein abuts a state highway.
(6) All applicable planning and regulatory guidelines, including access control, driveway manuals, parking and traffic control ordinances, and other applicable guides published by the local governmental units.
(7) The Indiana Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (or its replacement) shall be used or the design and installation of traffic control devices.
(Ord. 6405, passed 4-10-06)