(a) If a tract of land 10 acres or greater in area is being subdivided or resubdivided into lots, it may be developed with a minimum average lot size of 5,000 square feet and with minimum lot sizes of 4,000 square feet. For the purpose of meeting the average lot size requirement, lots with more area than 7,500 square feet shall be calculated as having 7,500 square feet. Lots less than 5,000 square feet in area shall be developed with one (1) wall of a dwelling unit having a zero (0) side yard.
(b) Development with two or more provisional uses, conditional uses, or a combination of uses on a lot larger than two (2) acres shall be approved by the Planning Board and the City Commission in the same manner as amendments to the Springfield Zoning Code, meeting the procedural requirements of Chapter 1174. The plan shall be submitted in the manner and with the information described as follows:
(1) A conceptual plan of the development showing, at a minimum, the following:
A. Size of the tract to be developed.
B. Existing topographic features of the land, including drainage ways, wooded areas and contours.
C. General location of uses.
D. General location of any public uses, if any.
E. Traffic circulation patterns within the development.
F. Methods of buffering the development from adjacent uses.
G. General treatment of signage for the development.
H. Anticipated accommodation for stormwater management.
I. Means of waste disposal.
(2) The conceptual plan is intended to be a guide for the development. Building permits shall be evaluated by the Community Development Director or his designee for compliance with the guidelines of the plan and the requirements of the development standards. Permit applications which do not meet the guidelines of the plan and the requirements of the standards shall be denied. Amendment of the plan shall be accomplished in the same manner as its original approval.
(3) In its review of the proposed development, the Planning Board and the City Commission shall make specific finding of fact relative to the following criteria:
A. That the development will be designed, constructed, operated and maintained as to be harmonious and appropriate in appearance with the existing or officially planned uses of the general vicinity and that such use will not change the essential character of the same area.
B. That the development will not be hazardous or disturbing to existing or officially planned future neighboring uses from the standpoint of noise, lights, congestion or traffic generation which would be incompatible with the neighborhood environment.
C. That the development will be served adequately by essential public facilities and services such as highways, streets, police and fire protection, drainage structures, refuse disposal, water and sewer, and schools; or that the persons or agencies responsible for the establishment of the proposed use shall be able to provide adequately any such services.
D. That the development will not involve uses, activities and conditions of operation that will be detrimental to any persons, property, or the general welfare.
E. Will have vehicular approaches to the property which shall be so designed as not to create and interfer with traffic on surrounding public thoroughfares.
(Ord. 03-244. Passed 7-8-03.)