In determining whether an application for approval shall be granted, the Plan Commission shall determine if the plat conforms to the principles and standards required in this chapter, which shall be deemed as the minimum; and whenever the applicable requirements of other town ordinances are higher or more restrictive, those requirements shall control any application for plat approval.
(A) Natural features. In the subdividing of any land, due regard shall be shown for all natural features, such as tree growth, watercourses, historic spots, or similar conditions which, if preserved, will add attractiveness and value to the proposed development.
(B) Pollution prevention. Due consideration shall be given to the prevention of air and stream pollution, proper treatment and disposal of refuse and other waste, and the elimination of other blighting characteristics.
(C) Design. The subdivision layout shall be of a character that protects the health, safety, and general welfare of the county and its residents. In designing a street system, the subdivider shall be guided by the following principles:
(1) Adequate vehicular and pedestrian access shall be provided to all parcels;
(2) Local or residential street systems shall be designed to minimize through-traffic movement, but street connections into and from adjacent areas may be required;
(3) Local street patterns shall provide reasonable direct access to the primary circulation system;
(4) Local circulation systems and land development patterns shall not conflict with the efficiency of bordering arterial and/or collector routes;
(5) Elements in the local circulation system should be designed with the least amount of interruptions possible in order to function effectively and safely;
(6) Traffic generators within residential areas shall be considered in the design of the circulation pattern;
(7) Planning and construction of residential streets shall clearly relate to their local function;
(8) Local streets shall be designed to discourage excessive speeds;
(9) Pedestrian-vehicular conflict points shall be minimized;
(10) The number of intersections shall be minimized;
(11) Local streets shall be related to the topography;
(12) All subdivisions shall be designed so as to facilitate the most advantages development of the entire neighboring area by protecting and enhancing the stability, character, and environment of the area;
(13) All residential subdivisions shall provide specialized open space as defined in this chapter, that encourage frequent use, attention, and the presence of people through placement and design. Where possible, the natural terrain, drainage, and vegetation of a site shall be preserved;
(14) Streets shall extend existing streets into and through the development. Reserve strips adjoining street rights-of-way for the purpose of preventing access are prohibited;
(15) Streets and development sites should be designed to protect and preserve stands of significant trees and vistas from high ground or to water; and
(16) Pedestrian and bike paths shall be designed to connect with similarly planned or existing local facilities. Streets, pedestrian paths, and bike paths shall contribute to a system of fully connected and interesting routes to all destinations. Their design should encourage pedestrian and bicycle use by being small and spatially defined by buildings, trees, and lighting, and by discouraging high speed traffic.
(Ord. 121410A, passed 1-11-2011)