(a) Land Suitability. Land which the Commission finds unfavorable for development due to flooding, improper drainage, slopes, geology, soil conditions, water quality or quantity, utility easements or other features which may reasonably be harmful or detrimental to the safety, health and welfare of present or future residents of the subject or surrounding area, shall not be subdivided or developed unless measures adequate to resolve the problems are formulated by the applicant and approved by the Commission.
(b) Floodplain. When a portion of the property is in a floodplain, the subdivider shall include the location in the plans. The following sources shall be used to determine floodplain area:
(1) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) maps and data,
(2) County Soil Survey, and
(3) Data developed by a registered professional engineer using accepted engineering practices. The creation of new building sites in floodplain areas is discouraged.
(c) Watercourses and Drainage Ways. The applicant shall take steps to assure watercourses, drainage ways, streams, creeks, ditches or swales continue to function in their natural or intended manner.
(d) Soils with Development Limitations. Soils with potential wetness, drainage or strength limitations are identified by the County Soil Survey. The Soil Survey notes limitations for home sites, roads and other development activities. Special street sections shall be required to deal with soil limitations. Plat wording or deed restrictions shall be required to alert future owners of lots of potential limitations or to otherwise specify development conditions or restrictions.
(e) Wetlands. In addition to these Regulations, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Ohio EPA have jurisdiction over wetlands. Subdivision approvals may be denied if the subdivider or developer fails to secure proper wetland permits.
(f) Wooded areas. When wooded areas are developed, the developer shall plan for the retention of as many trees and as much of the area's character as possible, consistent with the requirements of Chapter 1189. Care should be taken to maximize the aesthetic value of the trees and avoid safety and maintenance liabilities for future owners. Development impacts shall be minimized with proper construction and urban forestry management practices.
(Ord. 06-08. Passed 2-25-08.)