(A) Concept review.
(1) In order to ensure that all applicants are informed of the procedural requirements and minimum standards of this chapter, and the requirements or limitations imposed by other city regulations prior to development of a preliminary plat, the subdivider shall meet with the Zoning Administrator.
(2) At least 14 days prior to the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Commission, the owner shall prepare and submit 7 copies of a concept plan containing the following information:
(a) Tract boundaries and approximate dimensions;
(b) Significant topographic and physical features on the property to be platted and within 200 feet of all property lines;
(c) Proposed general street and lot layout with lot sizes of individual parcels designated;
(d) General location of proposed public and private open space areas;
(e) General drainage plan;
(f) Current zoning of property; and
(g) An explanation of the proposed subdivision and its purpose.
(3) The Planning Commission shall review the sketch plan with the subdivider and provide comments on the concept plan. The Planning Commission will take no formal or informal action at the state of review and discussion which occurs at this meeting cannot be construed as approval or denial of the proposed plat.
(Prior Code, Ch. 401 § 601.01)
(B) Preliminary plat.
(1) After receiving comments from the Planning Commission during concept review, the applicant shall prepare and submit 7 copies of the preliminary plat to the Zoning Administrator. The preliminary plat submission shall contain the information as described in § 158.18.
(2) Prior to preliminary plat approval for property located in a Shoreland District or St. Croix River District, the proposed subdivision must have the approval of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Zoning Administrator shall be responsible for forwarding copies of the proposed plat to the DNR.
(3) Approval from the Watershed Management Organization in the area of the proposed platted property must be obtained prior to approval of the preliminary plat. The applicant shall take whatever steps are necessary to obtain approval from the Water Management Organization.
(4) If the property proposed to be subdivided abuts the right-of-way of a state highway, a copy of the preliminary plat shall be sent to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for its review and consideration.
(Prior Code, Ch. 401 § 601.02)
(C) Public hearing.
(1) Upon receipt of a complete preliminary plat application, the Zoning Administrator shall schedule a public hearing on the proposed preliminary plat. The hearing shall be scheduled no later than 30 days from the date of filing of the complete application.
(2) If the preliminary plat is approved, such approval shall not constitute final acceptance of the layout. Final approval will be required as specified in division (D) below.
(3) The City Council reserves the right to require changes to any subdivision plan when it feels an alternative plan would be more sensitive to environmental resources; or provide for a more efficient flow of traffic; or is not sensitive to topographical constraints of the property; or does not meet the standards contained in Chapters 154 through 159 or Comprehensive Plan.
(4) If the preliminary plat is approved by the City Council, the subdivider shall submit the final plat within 180 days after the approval or the approval of the preliminary plat shall be considered null and void. This 180-day time limit may be extended if requested by the applicant and approved by the Planning Commission. In the event the property is to be developed in phases, the preliminary plat approval for the undeveloped portion or phase shall be valid for 2 years from the date of preliminary plat approval.
(5) Should the subdivider desire to amend the preliminary plat as approved, he or she may submit an amended plat which shall follow the same procedure as a new plat. A public hearing and submission of a plat review fee shall not be required for amended preliminary plats unless, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, the amendment is of such scope as to constitute a new plat. In these cases, the plat shall be refiled with payment of appropriate review fees and shall require a public hearing.
(Prior Code, Ch. 401 § 601.03)
(D) Final plat.
(1) After the preliminary plat has been reviewed and approved by the City Council, 7 copies of the final plat containing the information detailed in § 158.18(B) shall be submitted to the Zoning Administrator; 3 copies of the final plat, along with the plat checking fee, shall be submitted to the County Surveyor for review.
(2) Prior to approval of the final plat by the Lakeland City Council, the subdivider shall have installed all required improvements or executed a development agreement (major subdivision) with the city for their installation. Required improvements shall conform to approved engineering standard and be in compliance with these regulations.
(3) The City Council shall consider the final plat no later than 30 days from the date that the complete final plat is received. The City Council's recommendation on the final plat shall be recorded in the proceedings of the City Council and transmitted to the applicant.
(4) If the final plat is recommended for approval by the City Council, the owner shall submit the final plat to the Washington County Recorder/Registrar of Titles within 120 days after approval. The final plat shall be as recommended by the City Council and shall be signed and acknowledged by each person owning a legal or equitable interest in the lands platted, including contract purchasers or those holding a security interest such as a mortgage or contract for deed, but excluding judgment or mechanic lien. In lieu of their signatures on the final plat, mortgage, or contract for deed vendors may sign and acknowledge a separate consent to plat.
(5) If the final plat is not presented to the County Recorder/Registrar of Titles within 120 days after approval by the City Council, approval of the final plat shall be considered null and void. An extension of this 120-day timeframe may be requested by the applicant and submitted in writing to the City Council. An extension must be approved by the City Council.
(Prior Code, Ch. 401 § 601.04)