(A) This chapter has been established for the purpose of guiding and accomplishing the coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the unincorporated territory of the county in order to promote, in accordance with present and probable future needs and resources, the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of the citizens of the county. In the accomplishment of this purpose, the regulations as herein established provide for, among other things: efficiency and economy in the process of development; the proper arrangement of streets in relation to each other and to the existing and planned streets and other features of the Comprehensive Plan of the county; the protection of water quality, wetlands, wildlife habitats, steeper slopes, shorelines, and other natural features; protection against flooding, erosion, and sedimentation; adequate open spaces for recreation, light, and air; convenient distribution of population and traffic; adequate provision for streets, public utilities, and other public facilities; and other requirements for land subdivision which will tend to create conditions favorable to the health, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of the citizens of the county.
(B) Toward this end, this chapter is adopted in order to:
(1) Establish procedures, design standards, improvement standards, standards for plats, fees, and penalties for violation as appropriate for the subdivision of land in the county;
(2) Provide for a review process which is coordinated with the review and permitting processes of other governmental agencies and jurisdictions;
(3) Ensure that purchasers of lots, tracts, and parcels purchase a commodity that is accessible and generally suitable for the intended use;
(4) Ensure proper maintenance of community facilities and spaces;
(5) Coordinate the subdivision process with review for compliance with grading, erosion, and sediment control regulations, and in general; and
(6) Ensure orderly and safe spacing, size, shape, design, and distribution of lots for residential, commercial, industrial, and other uses.
(Ord. passed 8-10-1989)