7.09.01 Purpose: Purpose and intent of subdivision regulation is to assure that future growth, development and redevelopment in the City conform to certain minimum criteria. Standards provided under this Code are designed to protect the general health, safety, and welfare of the city and its citizens; to ensure the beneficial impacts of growth and guard against the negative impacts of growth, and to protect neighboring properties as well as the general public from potential adverse impacts from a proposed use.

7.09.02 General Design Standards (See also Article 8, Section 8.03.00):

A.

Subdividers shall make every effort to conform to the natural topography and features of the tract.

B.

Residential blocks shall not be more than one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet in length. Where block length exceeds eight hundred (800) feet, consideration will be given to the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk.

1.

Blocks shall have sufficient width to provide for two (2) tiers of lots except when prevented by unique topographic or natural conditions.

7.09.03 Drainage: A complete drainage plan shall be submitted by the subdivider that shows capability for the system to collect, control, and dispose of stormwater runoff. The drainage system will include all catch basins, manholes, inlets, headwalls, street grades, bridges, pipes, settling basins, greenbelted open space, etc.

The drainage system shall be based upon the facilities necessary to retain the first inch of run-off on site. Post development run-off shall not exceed the pre-development run-off for a 25 year storm event up to and including an event with a 24-hour duration. Detailed requirements are contained within Section 10.03.00, et. seq., of this Code.

7.09.04 Utilities: The subdivider is encouraged to place all utilities underground.

7.09.05 Sewer:

A.

Subdivisions developed in the vicinity of operating collector systems shall connect into that system if sewage capacity exists. The developer must provide necessary collection lines, lift stations, etc. to provide sanitary sewer collection service to each home located in the subdivision.

1.

Where sewer collections lines are not available via gravity flow, force mains (including lift stations) shall be installed by the developer/builder.

2.

Subdividers shall install a collection system designed to tie in with the central system.

3.

Septic tanks are prohibited in Coastal High Hazard areas (Policy 11.A.6.2) and elsewhere within the City.

7.09.06 Water:

A.

Subdivisions developed in the vicinity of operating water systems shall connect into that system if capacity is adequate.

7.09.07 Utility Easements (Policy 7.A.7.2):

A.

An easement for utilities, if required, shall be made available at no expense to the city and shall be at least fifteen (15) feet in width. Easements of greater width may be required for the extension and/or construction of utilities.

B.

Where utility facilities such as sewer lift stations are required for a service area greater than the subdivision subject to development, the City may acquire land from the subdivider/developer under negotiated terms approved by the City Council.