(A) Discussion of requirements. Before preparing the sketch plat for a subdivision, the applicant should discuss with the administrative official the procedure for adoption of a subdivision plat and the requirements as to general layout of streets and for reservations of land, street improvements, drainage, sewerage, fire protection, and similar matters, as well as the availability of existing services. The administrative official shall also advise the applicant, where appropriate, to discuss the proposed subdivision with those officials who must eventually approve those aspects of the subdivision plat coming within their jurisdiction.
(B) Application procedure and requirements. Prior to subdividing land, an owner of the land, or his or her representative, shall file an application for approval of a sketch plat. The application shall:
(1) Be made on forms available at the office of the administrative official;
(2) Include all contiguous holdings of the owner, including land in the same ownership, as defined in § 154.006, with an indication of the portion which is proposed to be subdivided, accompanied by an affidavit of ownership; and
(3) Be accompanied by a minimum of 7 copies of the sketch plat as described in these regulations and complying in all respects with these regulations.
(C) Approval of sketch plat. After reviewing the sketch plat, the administrative official will advise the applicant within 15 days after application that the sketch plat is approved, disapproved, or approved with certain modifications. If approved, the approval shall constitute authorization to prepare and submit a preliminary plat. If the administrative official fails to act on the sketch plat within 15 days after application, the sketch plat shall be deemed approved and a certificate to that effect shall be issued by the Planning Commission upon demand; provided, however, that the subdivider may waive this requirement and consent in writing to extension of the period.
(D) Appeals of the decisions of the administrative official. If an applicant disagrees with the disapproval or approval with modifications of his or her sketch plat by the administrative official, he or she may submit the sketch plat to the Planning Commission at its next regular meeting. The Planning Commission shall review the sketch plat at the meeting at which it is presented and act on the appeal within 30 days of the date of the meeting, with pertinent comments and recommendations, and a written decision, with findings of fact, being promptly delivered to the applicant and to the land owner. Notice of the hearing at which the Planning Commission is to consider the sketch plat will be mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person designated to receive notice of the hearing on behalf of the applicant at least 10 days prior to the meeting, although the notice may be waived by the applicant or landowner.
(E) Distribution of sketch plat.
(1) Sketch plats shall be distributed for purposes of notification to the following agencies and departments when appropriate:
(a) Administrative official (file copy);
(b) County Health Department;
(c) County Engineer;
(d) City Engineer or Public Service District (if either is involved due to a tie-in to a water or sewer system);
(e) County Public Works Department; and
(f) Central Midlands Regional Planning Council.
(2) In addition, 1 copy shall be returned to the applicant showing any modifications needed.
(Ord. 105, passed 12-29-1988) Penalty, see § 154.999