§ 42-62. Sketch plan.

(a)

The subdivider should present such general subdivision information as will outline the existing conditions of the site, utilities, and available community facilities. A simple rough sketch should indicate the location of the proposed subdivision, number of residential lots, typical lot width and depth, commercial areas, park and playground areas, proposed protective covenants or restrictions, and proposed utilities and street improvements.

(b)

The sketch plan is a plat used for discussion purposes between the subdivider/developer and the planning staff, and is intended to discover any development problems prior to the subdivider making extensive commitments.

(c)

Before submitting the sketch plan the applicant should discuss with the city secretary the procedure set for the adoption of a subdivision plat and the requirements of any pertinent city ordinances. The city secretary shall also advise the applicant of existing conditions which may affect the proposed subdivision, such as existing or proposed streets, adjacent subdivisions or properties, floodplain and drainage, sewage, fire protection, reservation of land, and similar matters, referring the applicant to the proper agencies if services are not provided by the city. The sketch plan may be drawn in pen or pencil to a convenient scale on a sheet not larger than 24 inches by 36 inches and shall show the following:

(1)

Name of the subdivision.

a.

Name of the subdivision if property is within an existing subdivision.

b.

Proposed name if not within a previously platted subdivision. The proposed name shall not duplicate the name of any plat previously recorded.

c.

Name of property if no subdivision name has been chosen.

(2)

Ownership.

a.

Name and address, including telephone number, of legal owner or agent of property.

b.

Name and address, including telephone number of the surveyor responsible for preparation of plat submittal.

(3)

Description. Location of property by lot, block, or survey abstract and graphic scale, north arrow and date.

(4)

Features.

a.

Location of property lines, existing easements, right-of-way, watercourse, and existing wooded areas; location, width, and names of all existing or platted streets or other public ways within or immediately adjacent to the tract.

b.

Location of significant existing sewers, water mains, culverts, and other underground structures within the tract and immediately adjacent thereto; existing permanent buildings on or immediately adjacent to the site and utility rights-of-way.

c.

Approximate topography suitable to understand general drainage patterns. This may be obtained from previous topographic maps.

d.

The approximate location and proposed widths of all proposed street right-of-way.

e.

Preliminary concept for connection with existing water and sewer system and preliminary concept for collecting and discharging surface water drainage.

f.

The approximate location, dimensions, and area of all parcels of land to be set aside for park or other public use, or for common use of property owners in the proposed subdivision.

g.

The location of temporary stakes to enable the city staff to find and appraise features of the sketch plan in the field if other landmarks are not present.

h.

Whenever the sketch plan covers only a part of an applicant's contiguous holdings, the applicant shall submit a sketch of the proposed subdivision area, together with its proposed street system, and an indication of the probable future street and drainage system of the remaining portion of the tract.

i.

A vicinity map showing streets and other general development of the surrounding area. The sketch plan shall show all zoning district boundaries within or adjacent to the tract if proposed to be changed from current boundaries.

(d)

Five copies of the sketch plan shall be required for any subdivision or replatting of a subdivision. It may be drawn at a standard scale and size suitable for discussion purposes, and shall show the location of the subdivision, number of lots, typical lot depth and width, proposed utilities and streets, and any other information which may be necessary.

(e)

Upon receiving the sketch plan, the city secretary shall classify the subdivision as major, minor, or replat, review and discuss the plat along with its accompanying reports and other relevant material with the applicant, and shall advise the applicant in writing of the specific changes, if any, required by city ordinance or regulation as a pre-requisite for approval, and any additional changes required. The applicant should make every effort to comply with the suggested changes or to respond in writing to the city secretary as to why the changes will not be made. These suggestions and responses will be made a part of the staff report on any future plat submittal where the discrepancy remains. Variances from these requirements will require a variance under the terms of this article. Conflicts with the comprehensive plan shall be resolved by requesting an amendment to the comprehensive plan before proceeding with the plat. Appeals on suggested design changes will remain the discretion of the city council. Approval of the sketch plan does not constitute acceptance of the subdivision, but is merely a review procedure prior to submittal of the formal preliminary plat.

(f)

Any applicant which disagrees with the classification of the plat or any requirements imposed on the sketch plan may appeal first to the planning and zoning commission and then to the city council for a review. Upon appeal, the city council shall have final authority on any requirements imposed.

(Code 1994, ch. 9, art. 22; Ord. No. 248, exh. A(art. 22), 3-24-1997)