(A) Discussion of requirements. Before preparing the sketch for a subdivision, the applicant is encouraged, but not necessarily obligated, to discuss with the Commission or Zoning Officer 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 Commission or Zoning Officer shall also advise the applicant, where appropriate, to discuss the proposed subdivision with those officials who must eventually approve these aspects of the subdivision plat coming within their jurisdiction. It is the intent of this section that such discussion is necessary and desirable to advise the applicant of all requirements so that future problems and questions can be reduced.
(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 Zoning Officer;
(2) Include all contiguous holdings of the owner including land in the “same ownership” as defined in § 152.011, with an indication of the portion which is proposed to be subdivided, accompanied by an affidavit of ownership, which shall include the dates the respective holdings of land were required, together with the book and page of each conveyance to the present owner as recorded in the County Clerk’s office. The affidavit shall advise as to the legal owner of the property, the contract owner of the property, the date the contract of sale was executed, and, if any corporations are involved, a complete list of all directors, officers and stockholders of each corporation owning more than 5% of any class of stock;
(3) Be accompanied by a minimum of seven copies of the sketch plat as described in these subdivision regulations and complying in all aspects with these subdivision regulations;
(4) Be presented to the Zoning Officer in duplicate;
(5) Be accompanied by a fee as established by the city; and
(6) The application shall include an address and telephone number of an agent who shall be authorized to receive all notices required by these subdivision regulations.
(C) Classification.
(1) Tentative classification of the sketch plat shall be made at this time by the Commission, as to whether the subdivision is a major or minor subdivision as defined in these subdivision regulations. Subsequent to classification of the subdivision, the Commission shall place the matter on the next available regular meeting agenda of the Commission for formal approval of the sketch plat.
(2) Subsequent to such approval by the Commission, the applicant may proceed directly with the filing of an application for approval of a final subdivision plat as provided in these subdivision regulations if classified as a minor subdivision, and, if classified as a major subdivision, the applicant shall first file an application for approval of a preliminary plat, as provided in these subdivision regulations, before filing for final subdivision plat approval.
(D) Study of sketch plat.
(1) The Commission shall transmit the sketch plat for review to appropriate officials or agencies of the city, adjoining counties or municipalities, school and special districts, and other official bodies as it deems necessary or as mandated by law, including any review required by metropolitan, regional or state bodies under applicable state or federal law. The Commission shall request that all officials and agencies, to whom a request for review has been made, submit their report to the Commission within twenty days after receipt of the request. The Commission shall consider all the reports submitted by the officials and agencies concerning the sketch plat.
(2) The Commission shall study the sketch plat, taking into consideration the requirements of the subdivision regulations and the best use of the land being subdivided. Particular attention shall be given to the arrangement, location and width of streets, their relation to the topography of the land, sewage disposal, drainage, lot sizes and arrangement, the further development of adjoining lands as yet unsubdivided.
(E) Field trip. After the regular Commission meeting at which the subdivision is first discussed, the Commission may schedule a field trip to the site of the proposed subdivision, accompanied by the applicant or his or her representative. In order to facilitate field inspection and review of the site of the proposed subdivision, temporary staking along the centerline of all proposed roads in the subdivision will be required in time for such field trip, or if impracticable, the Commission shall permit a suitable alternative procedure.
(F) Approval of sketch plat. After reviewing and discussing the sketch plat and other reports, as submitted by invited agencies and officials, the Commission shall advise the applicant of the specific changes or additions, if any, it will require in the layout, and the character and extent of required improvements and reservations which it will require as a prerequisite to the approval of the subdivision plat. The Commission may require additional changes as a result of further study of the subdivision in final form. Such approval shall constitute authorization to prepare and submit a preliminary plat in the case of a major subdivision and a final subdivision plat in the case of a minor subdivision. Such approval or disapproval shall be made by the Planning Commission within 30 days after receiving the application for approval of a sketch plat.
(Ord. passed 2-2-2010)