Johnston City Zoning Code

Unless a performance bond is posted, the subdivider shall make and install the improvements described in this Section before the final plat of any area shall be approved by the Council and recorded. Construction plans as described in CHAPTER 199 Subdivision Procedures shall be prepared and approved by the Council prior to the installation of any improvements.

1. 1.
   Streets. The subdivider shall grade and improve all new streets between the right-of-way lines within the subdivided area. The paving of such new streets shall be built according to the most current version of SUDAS as adopted by the City.
2. 2.
   Improvement to Adjacent Streets. The following are adopted as general guidelines to be applied to development and their projected impact upon the existing and proposed transportation network of the City as envisioned in the Johnston Comprehensive Plan, as amended, and subsequent traffic analysis:

   1. A.
      The subdivider/property owner shall be responsible for improvement to collector street standard, any street adjacent to and in the interior of their project as noted on the Comprehensive Plan. The City shall be responsible for the balance of the improvements required.
   2. B.
      It shall be the subdivider/property owner’s responsibility to provide the required improvement at the time of development. In lieu thereof, the City may accept an assessment by consent for the improvement or a performance bond for its eventual construction.
   3. C.
      The required improvement shall include participation in appurtenant improvements including traffic signals, drainage facilities and turning lanes as required by the project.
3. 3.
   Lot Grading. The subdivider shall, whenever necessary, grade any portion of the property subdivided into lots so that each lot will be usable and suitable for the erection of residences or other structures thereon. Grading shall be in accordance with CHAPTER 88 Erosion and Sediment Control of this Code of Ordinances. Lot grading shall not commence until all required permits are obtained, including any permits required from the Department of Natural Resources.
4. 4.
   Sanitary Sewers. The subdivider shall construct sanitary sewers according to the most current version of SUDAS as adopted by the City and provide a connection for each lot to the sanitary sewer. Sanitary sewers shall be extended as far as necessary to accommodate future extension. Where existing sewer outlets are not within reasonable distance, installation of private sewer facilities or septic tanks may be permissible as a temporary measure pending future sewer service. In situations of on-site sewage disposal, the subdivider shall provide to the City appropriate permits issued by Polk County or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Plans shall be prepared by a registered Civil Engineer in the State of Iowa.
5. 5.
   Storm Sewers, Drainageways, and Stormwater Management Facilities.

   1. A.
      All storm drainage flowing through the site and from within the site shall be conveyed through storm drains and appurtenant facilities.
   2. B.
      In compliance with CHAPTER 88, Erosion and Sediment Control, and whenever any stream or major surface watercourse is located in an area that is being developed and/or subdivided, the applicant shall, at the applicant’s expense, make any required modifications to existing storm drainage channels to properly carry the surface water, and address erosion control issues to ensure the protection of all improvements within the proposed subdivision.
   3. C.
      The facilities shall be constructed in accordance with the most current version of SUDAS as adopted by the City for storm drains.
   4. D.
      Plans shall be prepared by a registered Civil Engineer in the State of Iowa and verified by the City Engineer.
6. 6.
   Water Mains.

   1. A.
      The subdivider shall provide for the installation of water mains and fire hydrants in the subdivided area, and such installation shall be made prior to the street pavement construction and shall be in accordance with the most current version of SUDAS as adopted by the City. Water main shall be extended as far as necessary to accommodate future extension.
   2. B.
      Plans shall be prepared by a registered Civil Engineer in the State of Iowa.
7. 7.
   Sidewalks. The subdivider shall provide for the installation of sidewalks along all newly created lots, including sidewalks on adjacent existing streets. The sidewalks shall be built according to the most current version of SUDAS as adopted by the City. The subdivider shall indicate in the application for approval of a preliminary or final plat those sidewalks that will be constructed at the time of installation of public improvements, and those that the subdivider would like the Council to defer until a later date. If the Council agrees to defer construction of the sidewalks, sidewalks shall be constructed at the time a principal structure is built upon the adjacent lot or lots or within five (5) years of plat approval, whichever is earlier. Notwithstanding the above, the Council may require the sidewalk’s construction at the time adjacent roadway construction takes place or at any other time as noted in the final plat approval. At the time sidewalk construction is required as provided above, such construction shall be completed at the sole cost and expense of the person or entity that owns the property or lot at the time of construction.
8. 8.
   Trails. The subdivider shall provide for the installation of trails in accordance with the trail design standards listed in Section 196.05 NON-MOTORIZED CONNECTIONS.
9. 9.
   Street Signs. The City shall furnish and cause to be erected at all intersections, street identification signs, and posts in accordance with the most current version of SUDAS as adopted by the City. The subdivider shall reimburse the City for all costs associated with the purchase and installation of the required street signs.
10. 10.
    Planting. Planting may be proposed by the subdivider or required by the City along rear or side lot lines which border any divided highways, major arterials, or frontage roads, and shall be illustrated on the preliminary plat.
11. 11.
    Streetlights. Installation of streetlights shall be required in accordance with the most current version of SUDAS as adopted by the City. Plans for steel pole streetlights with underground distribution shall be submitted by the subdivider to the City for approval. The subdivider shall pay the cost of streetlights with underground distribution lines.
12. 12.
    Monuments. Permanent monuments shall be set at each corner of the perimeter of the subdivision and at the corner of each block within the subdivision and at the corner of each lot. All monuments shall be made of permanent material, sensitive to a dip needle and at least 30 inches long.
13. 13.
    Private Utilities.

    1. A.
       All private utilities, including but not limited to, gas, electric power, telephone, communications, and broadband lines shall be located underground throughout all zoning districts.
    2. B.
       All private utilities except gas shall be located in the rear yard unless otherwise approved by the Zoning Administrator.
    3. C.
       The availability of these facilities and their existing location shall be shown on the preliminary plat.
    4. D.
       The subdivider shall be responsible for complying with the utility requirements of this Code of Ordinances. The subdivider shall also be responsible for making the necessary arrangements including any construction or installation charges with each of the serving utilities.
    5. E.
       Transformers, switching boxes, terminal boxes, meter cabinets, pedestals, and other facilities necessarily appurtenant to such underground utilities shall be underground if possible. Such facilities shall be placed within easements or public rights-of-way provided for each particular facility.
14. 14.
    Fencing. The subdivider shall furnish and install fences required by the Zoning Ordinance or otherwise required by the City Council.
15. 15.
    Debris and Waste. No cut trees, debris, earth, rocks, stones, soil, junk, rubbish or other waste materials of any kind shall be left or deposited on any lot or street at the time of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy on a subdivision. Nor shall any of the above be left or deposited in any area of the subdivision at the time of expiration of the performance bond or dedication of public improvements.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

1. 1.
   Bond. In lieu of final completion of the minimum improvements before the plat is finally approved, the subdivider shall post a performance bond, approved by the City Attorney and Director.

   1. A.
      The bond will insure to the City that the subdivider will complete the improvements within one (1) year after final approval of the plat.
   2. B.
      The amount of the bond shall not be less than 125 percent of the estimated cost of the improvements and the amount of the estimate must be approved by the Public Works Director or Community Development Director. If the improvements are not completed within one (1) year after the approval of the construction plans or the approval of the final plat, the Council, at its sole discretion, may use the bond or any portion thereof to complete the improvements.
   3. C.
      Subdivision bonds for improvements shall be in full force and effect until acceptance of the improvements by the City, at which time the maintenance bonding period shall commence.
2. 2.
   Maintenance Bond.

   1. A.
      The subdivider shall warrant the design, material, workmanship, installation, and/or construction of such improvements for a period of four (4) years from and after acceptance of the roadway paving, and four (4) years for sanitary sewers, storm sewers and water mains.
   2. B.
      Such warranty shall be by bond or other acceptable collateral, shall be subject to review by the City Attorney, and shall specifically assure the expedient repair or replacement of defective improvements under warranty; and shall indemnify the City from any and all costs or losses resulting from, attributed to, or otherwise arising from such defective improvements.
   3. C.
      The contractor may post the required maintenance bond in lieu of the subdivider.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

1. 1.
   The Public Works Director shall inspect all construction.
2. 2.
   Laboratory and field tests shall be taken when necessary.
3. 3.
   Inspection costs will be paid by the subdivider to the City.
4. 4.
   No construction will be permitted or accepted without proper inspection.

Effective on: 5/1/2023