(a) Blocks. Block length and width or acreage within bounding roads shall be such as to accommodate the size of lots required in the area by the Zoning Code and to provide for the convenient access, circulation control and safety of street traffic, but in no case shall be less than 400 feet nor more than 1,200 feet in length. For commercial, group housing or industrial use, block size shall be sufficient to meet all area and yard requirements for such use.
(b) Lots.
(1) Lot dimensions and area shall not be less than the requirements of the Zoning Code.
(2) Side lot lines shall be substantially at right angles to straight street lines and radial to curved street lines. Lot lines should coincide with municipal boundary lines rather than cross them.
(3) Where extra width has been dedicated for the widening of existing streets, lots shall begin at the new street lines, and all setbacks shall be measured from the new street lines.
(4) Where there is a question as to the suitability of a lot or lots for their intended use, due to factors such as rock formations, topography, internal drainage, flood conditions, wetlands, or similar circumstances, the Planning Commission may require certification by a professional engineer, substantiated with soil borings, that the soil has sufficient bearing capacity for building foundations and that the lot will be suitable for the intended uses.
(5) Corner lots for residential use shall have additional width in order to accommodate the requirements of the Zoning Code.
(6) Double frontage lots. Double frontage lots shall not be permitted except where extreme conditions in elevation prevent access to the lot from one of the streets or where it is necessary to separate residential lots from major arterial thoroughfares by means of a reserve strip which prohibits access.
(c) Reserve Strips. Reserve strips controlling access to streets, abutting land, water plants or sewage treatment plants or other facilities, or to other land dedicated or to be dedicated to public use, shall be prohibited, except where their control is definitely placed in the City under conditions approved by the Planning Commission and City Council.
(d) Easements.
(1) Easements along the side of a rear property line or elsewhere for utility installation and maintenance or for access to a public use area or facility may be required and for other public purposes. Such easements shall be at least ten feet wide and located after consultation with the companies or Municipal departments concerned. All such easements must meet with the approval of the City Engineer.
(2) A ten foot utility easement is required along the front of each lot abutting and parallel to the road right-of-way.
(3) Where a subdivision is traversed by a new or improved ditch, storm sewer, detention/retention basin, watercourse, drainageway, channel or street, there shall be provided a storm water easement or drainage right-of-way conforming substantially to the lines of such watercourse, and such further width or construction, or both, as will be adequate for the purpose and conform to comprehensive plans for these facilities in the City, if such exist or should hereafter be adopted.
(4) Easements shall be provided as required for fire ponds.
(Ord. 2-2004. Passed 2-23-04.)