§ 155.281 STANDARDS FOR SITE PLAN APPROVAL.
   (A)   All elements of the site plan shall be harmoniously and efficiently organized in relation to topography, the size and type of plot, the character of adjoining property and the type of plot, the character of adjoining property and the type and size of buildings. The site will be so developed as not to impede the normal and orderly development or improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in this chapter.
   (B)   The landscape shall be preserved in its natural state, insofar as practicable, by minimizing tree and soil removal, and by topographic modifications which result in maximum harmony with adjacent areas.
   (C)   The site plan shall provide reasonable, visual and sound privacy for all dwelling units located therein. Fences, walks, barriers and landscapings shall be used, as appropriate, for the protection and enhancement of property and the privacy of its occupants.
   (D)   All buildings, or groups of buildings, shall be so arranged as to permit emergency vehicle access by some practical means to all sides, if determined necessary by the Fire Chief.
   (E)   Every structure or dwelling unit shall have access to a public street, walkway, or other area dedicated to common use.
   (F)   There shall be provided a pedestrian circulation system which meets the intent of Chapter 95 of this code. All constructed sidewalks must meet the requirements of the city's engineering and construction standards.
   (G)   The access routes for vehicular circulation shall respect the pattern of existing pedestrian or bicycle pathways in the area. Shared parking and interior connecting drives shall be required wherever feasible.
   (H)   All streets shall be developed in accordance with the city specifications unless otherwise approved by the City Commission.
   (I)   Any development affecting existing city streets shall comply with city specifications as to curb, gutter, walkways, paving, catch basins and underground utility locations.
   (J)   Appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that removal of surface waters will not adversely effect neighboring properties or the public storm drainage system. The construction of storm sewer facilities including detention basins, catch basins, manholes, sewer piping, and infiltration systems shall follow the provisions of Chapter 55 of this code.
   (K)   All appropriate measures shall be taken, by the developer, to complete a water loop system when deemed advisable by the City Engineer, Water Department and Fire Department.
   (L)   Underground utilities may be required in all areas for distribution of utilities including water, sewer, electric, gas, telephone and cable TV when deemed advisable.
   (M)   All loading and unloading areas and outside storage areas including areas for the storage of trash which face or are visible from residential districts or public thoroughfares shall be screened by an opaque wall not less than six feet in height.
   (N)   Exterior lighting shall be so arranged that it is deflected away from adjacent properties and so that it does not impede the vision of traffic along adjacent streets. Flashing or intermittent lights shall not be permitted.
   (O)   Each site plan shall conform to the applicable provisions of this chapter and the standards listed below:
      (1)   Site plans shall fully conform with the published surface water drainage standards of the County Drain Commissioner.
      (2)   Site plans shall fully conform with the driveway and traffic safety standards of the Michigan Department of Transportation and/or the city.
      (3)   Site plans shall fully conform with the applicable fire safety and emergency vehicle access requirements of the State Construction Code and/or the city.
      (4)   Site plans shall fully conform with the Clinton County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance.
      (5)   Site plans shall fully conform with the requirements of the Michigan Department of Public Health and the District Health Department if these agencies have jurisdiction over a site plan project.
      (6)   Site plans shall fully conform with all applicable state and federal statutes.
   (P)   Sites at which hazardous substances are stored, used or generated shall be designed to prevent spill or discharges to the air, surface of the ground, groundwater, streams, drains or wetlands. Secondary containment for above ground storage of hazardous material shall be provided.
   (Q)   In approving the site plan, the Planning Commission may require a bond or other financial guarantee acceptable to the city of ample sum be furnished by the developer to ensure compliance for such requirements as drives, walks, utilities, parking, landscaping and the like.
(Ord. 616, passed 9-23-2013; Am. Ord. 634, passed 2-12-2018; Am. Ord. 657, passed 12-14-2020)