(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. Plans for changes to Drainage ways, etc. shall be submitted for approval.
(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 may be required to deal with soil limitations. Plat wording or deed restrictions may 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 may have jurisdiction over wetlands. Subdivision approvals may be revoked if the subdivider or developer fails to secure proper wetland permits.
(f) Sites for Public Uses. Consideration shall be given to preserving natural features such as scenic areas, watercourses, stands of trees, and to providing suitable areas of playgrounds, schools, parks and recreational facilities. Sites may be dedicated to the public or reserved by deed or plat wording.
(1) Where a proposed park, playground, school or other public use shown in the comprehensive plan is located in whole or in part in a subdivision, the Planning Commission may require the reservation of such area within the subdivision in those cases in which the Commission deems such requirements to be reasonable. Such sites shall be reserved for acquisition by the proper agency for a period of up to three years.
(2) Where deemed essential by the Commission, upon consideration of the particular type of development proposed in the subdivision, and especially in large-scale neighborhood unit developments not anticipated in the comprehensive plan, the Commission may require reservation of such other areas or sites of a character, extent and location suitable to the needs created by such development for schools, parks and other community purposes.
(g) 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, pursuant to Chapter 1173. 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. 95-36. Passed 6-20-95.)