Site plan review shall be required in addition to the other applicable requirements of this Code before building permits will be issued.

(Ord. of 4-23-96)

The intent of these regulations is to provide for a review of:

(1)

The project's compatibility with its environment and with other land uses and buildings existing in the surrounding areas.

(2)

The quantity, quality, utility, size and type of the project's common space, impact upon existing natural environment and proposed landscaping improvements.

(3)

The ability of the project's traffic circulation system to provide for the convenient and safe internal and external movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

(4)

The location and adequacy of the project's provision for drainage and utilities.

(5)

The protection of public safety and location and adequacy of necessary utilities, drainage, and erosion and sediment controls.

(Ord. of 4-23-96)

(a)

Site plans involving rezoning or subdivision shall be submitted to the office of the city planner in sufficient time for conducting staff review, prior to consideration by the planning commission.

(b)

Site plans involving review for compliance with current regulations shall be submitted to the office of the zoning administrator at least twenty (20) working days prior to a decision regarding the building permit.

(c)

The zoning administrator may waive site plan review by city staff and also fees where it can be clearly shown that the application for the building permit involves building and safety regulations rather than "substantial zoning interpretation." Minor residential alterations or additions, construction and placement of accessory buildings, etc., which are not critical to the purpose and intent of the city zoning ordinance, may be waived.

(d)

The following fees shall be required for site plan review unless otherwise waived by this section. Such fee is payable upon submission of the site plan(s) for review:

(1)

Site plan of all new commercial, industrial and institutional sites: Three hundred dollars ($300.00) plus twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per acre or portion thereof.

(2)

Site plan for new multifamily residential and all other residential: Four hundred dollars ($400.00) plus ten dollars ($10.00) per dwelling unit.

(3)

Revised site plan: One hundred dollars ($100.00) each submittal.

(4)

Resubmittal of rejected site plan: Same as (1) or (2) above.

In addition, if the site plan requires a traffic impact analysis review by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), then all additional fees for that review shall be made payable to the Virginia Department of Transportation. If the site plan requires a traffic impact analysis review, only by the city, then one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) shall be made payable to the city. The site plan application shall not be considered accepted until the TIA has been reviewed.

(e)

An approved site plan shall expire and be null and void unless a building permit for the construction of the same substantial elements of the site plan has been issued within a period of five (5) years.

(Ord. of 4-23-96; Ord. of 7-22-08(4); Ord. of 4-27-10(4))

(a)

The site plan shall include items (1), (2) and (3) below:

(1)

The proposed title of the project and the names of the engineer, architect, surveyor and other applicable professional services and the name of the developer.

(2)

The north point, scale, date, vicinity map, gross acreage or square footage of the area to be developed and metes and boundary description of said area.

(3)

Existing zoning and zoning district boundaries on the property to be developed and on immediately adjacent properties.

(b)

In cases of subdivision where parts of this section do not apply, the planning director may waive certain requirements if provisions of the city subdivision ordinance are met.

(c)

In addition, site plans which are considered for rezoning or overall approval for a plan of development shall contain the following:

(1)

All existing property lines, setback lines, existing and proposed streets and other existing and proposed physical features within the project.

(2)

Topography of the project area with contour intervals of five (5) feet or less may be required to address potential problems of contours and grade, such as drainage controls, etc.

(3)

The proposed nature and manner of grading of the site, including proposed treatment of slopes in excess of ten (10) percent, to prevent soil erosion and excessive runoff. In cases where erosion and sedimentation control is required, the necessary plans and data shall be submitted.

(4)

The location and dimensions of proposed recreation areas, open spaces and other amenities and improvements beyond natural physical features.

(5)

The location, character and orientation of principal proposed signs as proposed to be erected in accordance with district regulations and the city sign ordinance. Signs which are approved in accordance with this section shall be considered a part of the site plan. Thereafter, supplementary signs shall be in compliance with the city sign ordinance and district regulations.

(6)

Adequate lighting shall be provided for proposed developments and lighting installations shall not have an adverse impact on traffic safety or on the character of the surrounding neighborhood

(7)

The location and screening for dumpsters or other outdoor trash facilities.

(8)

The proposed and required off-street parking and loading areas relative to other physical features (i.e. buildings, etc.).

(9)

All details for meeting requirements of section 10-3-30.1, parking lot landscaping.

(Ord. of 4-23-96; Ord. of 4-24-12(2))

In addition to other requirements of this chapter and other regulations of the city, the comprehensive site plan review will evaluate the following:

(1)

The unnecessary destruction of trees and other natural features.

(2)

Adequate screening along common boundaries where necessary.

(3)

Preservation and treatment of on-site natural watercourses

(Ord. of 4-23-96)

If an approved site plan is changed, the applicant's request can be either administratively approved or, if the proposed change will substantially affect the terms of the original approval, an amended site plan shall be submitted for review by the appropriate body.

(Ord. of 4-23-96)