(A) The process of dividing raw land into home sites, or separate parcels for other uses, is one of the most important factors in the growth of any city. Few activities have a more lasting effect upon its appearance and environment. Once the land has been subdivided into urban lots and the streets, homes and other structures have been constructed, the basic character of this permanent addition to the city has become firmly established. It is then virtually impossible to alter its basic character without substantial expense. In most subdivisions, roads and streets must be maintained and various public service must be provided. The welfare of the entire city is thereby affected in many important respects. It is, therefore, to the interest of the general public, the developer and the future owners that subdivisions be conceived, designed and developed in accordance with sound rules and proper standards.
(B) All subdivisions of land hereafter submitted for approval shall fully comply, in all respects, with the regulations set forth herein.
(C) It is the purpose of these regulations to:
(1) Encourage well planned, efficient and attractive subdivisions by establishing adequate standards for design and construction;
(2) Provide for the health and safety of residents by requiring properly designed streets and adequate sewage and water service;
(3) Place the cost of improvements against those benefiting from their construction;
(4) Secure the rights of the public with respect to public lands and waters; and
(5) Set the minimum requirements necessary to protect the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare.
(D) In order to integrate new subdivisions with the development objectives of the city and to contribute to an attractive, stable and wholesome environment, adequate public services and an integrated safe road and highway system, the subdividing of land in the city shall be required. The provisions of this chapter shall not be in effect until the provisions of Chapter 157, Zoning, become effective. If the city has in effect as of the effective date of this chapter, any ordinances regulating the subdivision of land within shorelands or floodplains, the provisions of those ordinances shall supersede the provisions of this chapter within the areas regulated. The provisions of this chapter shall not be in effect until a certified copy of this chapter is filed with the County Recorder as required by M.S. § 462.36, as it may be amended from time to time.
(E) Legal Authority. This chapter is enacted pursuant to M.S. § 462.358, as may be amended from time to time.
(F) Compliance.
(1) Any subdivision creating parcels, tracts, or lots which results in one or more parcels, tracts or lots of less than five acres shall be platted, except as provided in this chapter.
(2) The provisions of M.S. Ch. 505 shall prevail over any inconsistent provisions in this chapter.
(3) No conveyance other than those described in division (A) above, shall be recorded unless it meets the requirements of § 152.11 herein.
(4) No conveyance or other document creating a subdivision of any real property other than by a duly approved plat, shall be recorded unless accompanied by a registered surveyor's drawing for recording. The surveyor's drawing shall accurately illustrate the subdivider's entire lot, parcel or tract which is subdivided by the conveyance or other document, and shall illustrate the location of any wetlands, lakes, rivers, streams or other public waters on that property. No conveyance or other document shall be recorded unless accompanied by this surveyor's drawing.
(5) Any surveyor performing a survey in the city shall file a copy of that survey with the County Recorder and the Clerk.
(6) No deed or other document purporting to subdivide property shall be recorded or certified for recording by the County Auditor, County Treasurer or County Recorder unless it meets the requirements set forth in this Chapter.