2008-08-05 P & Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ 153.15 GENERAL. Subdivision design shall comply with the following general design standards: (A) Natural ftatures. Existing natural features which would add value to the subdivision and the city, such as trees, steep slopes, watercourses, historic spots and similar irreplaceable assets, shall be preserved, insofar as possible, through harmonious design of the subdivision. (B) Land dedication. In all new subdivisions, ten percent of the gross area subdivided shall be dedicated for public recreation space, with this ten percent being in addition to property dedicated for streets, alleys, easements or other public ways. No areas may be dedicated for public use until the areas have been approved as being suitable and needed for the public health, safety, convenience and/or general welfare. When the subdivision is too small for practical dedication of public land or if no land in the subdivision is suitable for that use, the subdivider shall be required to pay a fee as per schedule in effect per lot created or ten percent of the subdivision land value, whichever is greater, prior to subdivision; the value (market) of the land shall be determined by negotiation between city and developer. Lots created in any manner that are larger than five acres or 300 feet in width shall not be subject to dedication of land for public use. A fee according to the current schedule will be charged on every building permit issued pertaining to new housing units for parks and playgrounds. (C) Planned unit development. These design standards of this chapter may be modified by the City Council in the case of a plan utilizing an unusual concept of development which meets the requirements of the section. The planned unit development provision is intended to encourage original and imaginative subdivision design which preserves the natural amenities of the site and provides for the general welfare of the city. It shall conform to the planned unit development requirements of the city zoning chapter. (D) Soil tests. The city may require soil tests prior to the final approval of any plat. These soil tests shall consist of test holes to a depth necessary to determine the various types of soil to be encountered before reaching a stable base. The test holes, when ordered by the city authorities, shall be drilled at the expense of the owner or developer and the information disclosed shall be furnished to the city together with a copy of the proposed plat showing the location of each test hole. The information required by the city shall include a report as to the various types of soil encountered and their depths, the level of the groundwater and a seepage test and may include additional information. The number of test holes to be drilled and their location on the property which is proposed to be platted will be as directed by the city or its authorized representative. In questionable cases, the owner shall be required to furnish to the City Council a report from a recognized engineering laboratory as to the safety and practicability of the use of the area for building construction, including the feasibility for installation of sewage facilities. (E) Restriction on filing and recording conveyances. (1) Restriction. State law states that a municipality with adopted subdivision regulations, no conveyance of land shall be filed or recorded if the land is described in the conveyance by metes and 7