A. Sketch Plan:
1. The property owner shall submit three (3) copies of a sketch plan of the area to be subdivided to the planning and zoning administrator for review of the site plan, natural features and general conditions. The sketch plan shall include the following:
a. A map showing the location of the proposed subdivision, the property boundaries and true north.
b. A vicinity map showing significant natural and manmade features on site and within one-half (1/2) mile of any portion of the proposed subdivision, including, but not limited to, surface water features, floodplains, wetlands, mines, and structures.
c. Topographic contours from maps such as USGS topographic maps. The topographic contour interval to be utilized on the preliminary plat shall be determined at the sketch plan stage.
d. A lot and street layout showing street widths and scaled dimensions of lots to the nearest foot.
e. The type, ownership and management of the water system proposed, together with documentation of water rights and historic water use.
f. The type of sewer or sanitary waste system proposed.
g. The locations of fire hydrants.
h. The acreage of the area to be subdivided with a legal description.
i. A draft copy of any proposed covenants, and a description of any proposed homeowners' association.
2. The planning and zoning administrator shall review and provide comments on the sketch plan within sixty (60) days of submission of a complete sketch plan application. Acceptance of the sketch plan by the planning and zoning administrator shall be staff approval of the subdivision concept only, and does not constitute approval of the preliminary or final plat.
B. Preliminary Plat:
1. Upon acceptance of the sketch plan concept, the property owner shall submit three (3) copies of a surveyed preliminary plat of the subdivision on white paper drawn to a scale of one inch equals one hundred feet (1" = 100'). The preliminary plat sheets shall measure approximately twenty four inches by thirty six inches (24" x 36"). The preliminary plat shall be submitted at least fourteen (14) days prior to the planning commission meeting scheduled for review of the preliminary plat. The preliminary plat shall be certified by a registered professional engineer and shall include the following:
a. Certification from the county treasurer's office that property taxes on the subject property are paid to date;
b. The proposed subdivision name, and the names of the property owners, with the owners' addresses and telephone numbers;
c. A map (USDA or NRCS) showing soil types and their boundaries with a table of interpretations, and high water table information for each lot within the subdivision showing areas where the water table is within five feet (5') of the ground surface.
d. The topography of the area to be subdivided, shown at a contour interval specified by the planning and zoning administrator.
e. The signature of a registered land surveyor certifying plat accuracy and correctness, and the signature of a professional engineer to certify routing for installation of utilities and soil excavation.
f. A copy of a percolation test and the design proposed for water, sewer and storm drain systems. (See section 11-4-4 of this title.)
2. When a complete preliminary plat and supporting information has been properly filed, it shall be placed on the agenda of the next available planning commission meeting.
C. Final Plat:
1. Time Limit For Submission: A final plat shall be submitted for review by the planning commission within twelve (12) months from the date of planning commission action on the preliminary plat. No final plat will be accepted for review and approval after one year from the date of planning commission approval of the preliminary plat unless the property owner has requested and been granted an extension by the planning commission.
2. Phased Developments:
a. The final platting of a subdivision containing more than twenty five (25) lots shall be done in phases, except as provided herein. Each phase shall consist of the number of lots for which required subdivision improvements can be completed within a two (2) year period, or twenty five (25) lots, whichever is larger. The phase development shall be sequential, and the required improvements shall be made available for the full, effective and practical use of all the lots created in the phase approved before additional phases will be approved.
b. When required phase improvements have been one hundred percent (100%) completed within the boundaries of the recorded plat, and have been approved by the county surveyor, and when lot owner improvements have been completed on seventy percent (70%) of the lots in the phase, the property owner may submit the next phase of the proposed subdivision for review in accordance with the requirements of this title.
3. Required Documents: The final plat shall include and be accompanied by the following:
a. An exact copy of the certificate of a title company or attorney which shall set forth mortgages, judgments, liens, easements, contracts, and agreements of record which affect the subject property for review by the county attorney or his designee;
b. A certificate of property tax clearance from the county assessor indicating that all taxes, interest, and penalties owing on the subject property have been paid;
c. Surety for the installation of required subdivision improvements in the form of an escrow, performance bond, letter of credit as approved by the county attorney and accepted by the county commissioners;
d. The final plat shall contain signature blocks for approval by the chair of the planning commission, chair of the county commissioners, county engineer, and the county attorney.
4. Approval Prior To Construction Activities: No vegetation removal, grading, improvements or construction shall commence on the subject property until the final plat has been approved by the county commissioners, the required surety for installation of required subdivision improvements has been posted with the county, and the final plat has been properly recorded with the county recorder. These requirements may be specifically waived by the planning commission upon a showing of extraordinary circumstances. Any vegetation removal, grading or construction on the subject property prior to approval and recordation of the final plat, or without the waiver of the planning commission, may constitute grounds for vacation of the subdivision plat.
5. Completion Of Improvements: All required subdivision improvements shall be completed within two (2) years of the date of approval by the county commissioners.
6. Expiration Of Unrecorded Plats: Unrecorded final plats shall expire one year from the date of approval by the county commissioners, and shall not be entitled to recordation after that time. (Ord. 01-08-27A, 8-27-2001, eff. 10-8-2001)