(A) All proposed subdivisions subject to the regulation of this chapter shall comply with this subchapter and shall be so planned as to facilitate the most advantageous development of the entire community and shall bear a reasonable relationship to the Land Development Guidelines and Thoroughfare Plan of the city or be consistent with the current Gaston-Cleveland-Lincoln MPO Standards.
(B) (1) The general design of the subdivision shall take advantage of and be adjusted to the contour of the land so as to produce usable building sites and streets of reasonable gradients. Subdivision plans shall be drawn in consideration of the suitability of the land and its capability to support and maintain the proposed development.
(2) Due consideration shall be given to such factors as water supply, watershed requirements, topography, rock outcrops, flood damage prevention, erosion control, wetland preservation, sewage collection systems, storm water management, solar energy, tree preservation, noise and pollution control, habitat for endangered species, areas of historical, archaeological or architectural significance, and land use relationships in addition to other factors including those prescribed by this chapter.
(C) (1) The City Council may require the subdivider and/or applicant to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) pursuant to G.S. § 113A-8 as part of the preliminary plan for any subdivision of two acres or more where, in the City Council’s opinion, one or more of the suitability factors outlined in division (B) above, or any similar environmental factor, is a significant issue regarding the particular subdivision.
(2) The City Council may waive the EIS where an EIS or equivalent document is required by a state or federal agency for the same or essentially the same factor(s).
(D) (1) The subdivider and/or applicant shall install the improvements specified herein, and such improvements shall be constructed at no cost to the city, except as set forth herein and except as may be otherwise provided for in the City Utilities and Public Works Extension Policies.
(2) No improvements shall be installed until construction plans have been approved by the city and such other agency as may be appropriate or as required by law. As provided for in § 153.031(E), a final plat may be recorded prior to installation of any or all required improvements, provided that a financial guarantee in a form acceptable to the city is given by the subdivider and/or applicant as provided for in §§ 153.100 to 153.106.
(Ord. passed 9-27-2021)