(A) Blocks.
(1) The lengths, widths and shapes of blocks shall be determined with regard to the following:
(a) Provision of adequate building sites suitable to the special needs of the type of use contemplated.
(b) The need for convenient access, circulation, control and safety of traffic and utilities.
(c) Limitations and opportunities of topography.
(2) Block lengths shall not exceed 1,000-feet and shall normally be wide enough to allow 2 tiers of lots of an appropriate depth.
(B) Lots.
(1) Lot dimensions shall be appropriate for the location of the subdivision and conform to the requirements of the city zoning regulations.
(2) Corner lots for residential use shall have extra width to permit appropriate building setbacks from both sides.
(3) All interior lot lines shall be a straight line or a series of straight lines. Curved interior lot lines are prohibited.
(4) Side lot lines shall be at right angles to the street.
(5) Each lot shall abut to a dedicated street right-of-way, or shall include an approved private street, or shall include a mutual access easement.
(6) Whenever residential lots abut an existing or proposed arterial street, they shall be double frontage lots in order to provide access off a road with a lower classification.
(7) Lot development that creates reverse frontage lots is prohibited. The required front yard shall be on the same side as the neighboring properties.
(8) Lots abutting major drainageways, detention basins or a railroad right-of-way shall be designed with an increased depth to allow for extra setback.
(C) Public parks and open spaces. Where a proposed park, playground, school or other public use, shown in the comprehensive development plan, is located in whole or in part in a subdivision, the City Planning Commission may require the reservation or option acquisition by the appropriate public agency of the right to purchase such an area within the subdivision. Necessary information related to the possible sale or transfer of land to a public agency shall be as follows:
(1) The size and location of the parcel and its relationship to the subdivision design and purpose.
(2) The topography of the parcel to include elevations, drainage, wetlands, floodplains, soil suitability, tree cover and other vegetation.
(D) Utility easements.
(1) All easements for utilities shall be shown on the final plat.
(2) Standard utility easements shall be 8 feet in total width. Each lot shall have an 8 foot easement around the perimeter of the property and within the lot.
(3) Easements wider than 8 feet shall be noted on the final plat.
(4) Easements along lot lines shall be arranged in such a manner as to eliminate unnecessary jogs or offsets and to facilitate the distribution of all utilities.
(5) Easements shall conform substantially to the boundaries of watercourses, drainageways, channels and streams and shall have adequate width for proper access and maintenance.
(E) Maintenance agreements. Where a subdivision contains sewers, lift stations, water supply systems, park areas, road systems or other facilities or services which are necessary to the area, and which are of common use or benefit and which are not accepted for maintenance by an existing public agency, provisions shall be made by written agreement for the proper and continuous maintenance and supervision of such facilities. A signed copy of the agreement shall accompany every plat having a facility or service covered by such an agreement.
(F) Final drainage plan. The final drainage plan for the subdivision shall conform to the city approved master drainage plan. If a master drainage plan is not available for a proposed subdivision location, and, if the city deems it necessary, a drainage study will be conducted by the city for the drainage basin of which the proposed subdivision is part. All drainage facilities including storm sewers, on-site detention, drainageways, detention ponds and detention channels shall be designed in compliance with approved engineering design standards and are subject to approval of the City Engineer.
(G) Final grading plan. The final grading plan shall, as much as possible, be designed to conform to the natural contours of the land. The plan shall be submitted to and approved by the City Engineer.
(H) Erosion. Wherever possible, development plans should coincide with the existing topography in order to create the least erosion potential. Stripping of vegetation, duration of exposure, regrading and cut and fill operations should be kept to a minimum. Erosion from developments or individual building sites shall be prevented from being deposited on public streets or other adjacent property. Public ditches and drainageways shall not be disturbed without prior approval of the City Engineer.
(I) Preservation of natural landscape. Existing natural features such as trees, water courses or similar amenities, which would add value to a development or to the community as a whole, should, to the extent possible and practical, be preserved and integrated into the design of the subdivision. Sensitive environmental areas shall be reviewed with regard to promoting harmonious design.
(Ord. 1251, passed 4-18-2011; Am. Ord. 1369, passed 5-21-2018)