BACKGROUND:

Engineering review staff has identified more efficient and predictable review processes for subdivision plats involving minor changes to the Subdivision Ordinance.  These small improvements could benefit the public, applicants, staff, the Planning Commission and the Board by clarifying requirements and accomplishing the purposes of the regulations more efficiently.

STRATEGIC PLAN:

Goal 4:  Effectively Manage Growth and Development.

DISCUSSION:

The proposed process changes would provide a more efficient and predictable development review process for applicants, the public and staff.  The recommended amendments to the Subdivision Ordinance are:

·          Section 14-404 establishes the standards for subdivision lots having a single access from an internal street, shared driveway or alley and requires the county engineer to recommend an alternative standard when the Planning Commission is considering a waiver request.  Staff recommends that the county engineer’s recommendation no longer be required because the question of whether a lot should access an internal or an external street and the impacts therefrom is a planning, rather than an engineering, matter.

·          Section 14-412 establishes the standards for private streets and authorizes the Planning Commission to waive minimum easement and right-of-way widths.  Staff recommends that the scope of permissible waivers be expanded to include other private street standards (e.g., to allow one-lane bridges, narrow entry gates, and other common rural area features).  Staff also recommends that the county engineer be authorized to act on the waivers, subject to appeal to the Commission.

·          County Code Chapter 17, Water Protection, was recently amended to establish standards for lot access (stream crossings).  Staff recommends that a new section be added to the Subdivision Ordinance to provide that a plat cannot be approved if it does not meet the stream crossing requirements in Chapter 17, and that this requirement apply to subdivisions, rural subdivisions, and family subdivisions.

BUDGET IMPACT:

Although no specific budget changes are anticipated, these proposed amendments would provide for a more orderly and organized process that ensures fairness to all applicants.  It will allow for limited staff resources to be used most effectively and provide greater predictability for applicants and the public.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution of Intent to initiate the text amendment discussed herein.

ATTACHMENTS

A – Resolution of Intent

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