(A) General. The standards contained in this section shall apply to all subdivisions. Subdivisions shall be designed with consideration given to the topography of the land and other natural characteristics of the site and surrounding property.
(B) Land suitability. If the Commission finds that the property requested to be subdivided is unsuitable for development because of flooding, topography, inadequate water supply, inadequate sewage disposal or other conditions which may endanger health, life or property, the Plan Commission shall not approve the land for subdivision.
(C) Criteria. As a minimum, the Plan Commission is empowered to approve the subdivision of land only after it finds that the land meets the following criteria.
(1) Steep slopes. Each lot shall contain a contiguous land area so as to provide a building site that is relatively stable. The soil survey of the county shall be used to determine steep slopes.
(2) Water bodies. Each lot shall contain a contiguous land area providing a suitable building site which is at least 75% of the minimum lot size established by the zoning ordinance. The remaining 25% of the required minimum lot size may contain permanent or seasonal water bodies.
(3) Sewage disposal. Each lot shall be connected to the public sewer system.
(4) Water service. Each lot shall be connected to the public water system.
(5) Flood hazards. Each lot will contain enough land which is not located in a floodway as defined by the zoning ordinance to accommodate the permitted use(s) of the property. The Plan Commission shall review all proposed subdivisions to determine whether the subdivision lies in a flood-prone area, as defined in Chapter 11. If the Plan Commission finds the subdivision to be so located, the Plan Commission shall forward pertinent plans and materials to the State Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) for review and comment. The Plan Commission may require appropriate changes and modifications in order to assure the following: it is consistent with the need to minimize flood damages; all public utilities and facilities such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage; and adequate drainage is provided so as to reduce exposure to flood hazards.
(Ord. 07-16, passed 12-10-2007)