Land subdivision is the first step in the process of community development. Once land has been divided into streets, blocks, lots and open spaces a pattern has been established which determines how well community needs for residence, business and industry will be met. It also determines to a great extent how well the community will be able to handle its traffic circulation problems, how well it will be able to meet the demand for home sites and how efficiently and economically it will be able to provide the many services that are required.
After land has been subdivided and publicly recorded, it is very difficult and costly to correct defects and deficiencies in the subdivision layout and in the facilities provided. In addition, a subdivided area sooner or later becomes a public responsibility. The roads and streets must be maintained and various public services customary to urban areas must be provided. The welfare of the entire community is affected in many important respects. The guidance of land development through subdivision regulation is therefore a matter of public concern. It is in the interest of the public, the developer and future owners that subdivisions be conceived and designed and developed in accordance with sound rules and proper minimum standards.
These subdivision regulations are designed to provide for harmonious development of a subdivided area; for a coordinated layout; for the proper arrangement of streets; for adequate and convenient spaces for traffic, utilities, recreation, light, air and access for firefighting equipment; and for adequate provision of water, drainage, sewer and other sanitary facilities. These regulations shall not apply to land used only for agricultural purposes. (Ord. 365, 11-3-1970)