A purpose of Chapter 18.600 et seq. is to provide for public spaces, parks and trails consistent with the adopted community vision and plans, thereby creating an integrated system of linked local and regional trails, public-rights-of-way and utility corridors for the use and enjoyment of all Ridgefield residents and the general public. In addition to those purposes set forth in the state statute (RCW 58.17.010), the following purposes are also essential to the regulation of the subdivision of land within the city of Ridgefield:

A.

To promote the effective utilization of land;

B.

To make adequate provision for the housing, commercial, and industrial needs of the city;

C.

To prescribe procedures for the subdivision of land in accordance with the RUACP, CFP, city engineering standards and this title;

D.

To provide for the efficient processing of subdivision applications without undue delay; and

E.

To limit development of sensitive lands, including wetlands, stream corridors, floodplains and steep slopes, and to mitigate the impact of road construction and utilities on such lands.

(Ord. 676 § 1 (part), 1995).

(Ord. No. 1108, § 2, 7-26-2012)

The following chapters shall apply to all divisions of land in the city unless expressly exempted by Section 18.600.040 or RCW 58.17.040.

(Ord. 676 § 1 (part), 1995).

(Ord. No. 1108, § 2, 7-26-2012)

Chapter 18.401, PUD, of this code allows for creative site planning and flexibility of design consistent with the policies of the RUACP. Whenever a proposed PUD involves the creation of one or more new lots, a separate subdivision or short plat application shall be filed and considered at the same time as the PUD application.

(Ord. 676 § 1 (part), 1995).

(Ord. No. 1108, § 2, 7-26-2012; Ord. No. 1406, § 2(Exh. A), 7-13-2023)

The city of Ridgefield Engineering Standards for Public Works are adopted herein by reference and supplement the design and improvement standards of this chapter. In the planning and final engineering of each subdivision regulated by this title, the developer shall comply with the engineering standards in effect at the time the application was determined to be technically complete.

(Ord. 676 § 1 (part), 1995).

(Ord. No. 1108, § 2, 7-26-2012)

A.

The provisions of this title shall not apply to those divisions of land governed by RCW 58.17.040 et seq., including: cemeteries and burial plots; divisions of land made by testamentary provisions, or the laws of descent; divisions of land into lots or tracts classified for industrial or commercial use, divisions of land made for the purpose of lease; boundary lines adjustments; or condominiums.

B.

In the case of boundary line adjustments, in addition to any requirements imposed by RCW 58.17.040.6, all applicants for boundary line adjustment shall demonstrate that the requested adjustment complies with the minimum lot area and dimensional requirements of the zoning district in which the property is located; provides access to a public right-of-way; and satisfies the applicable requirements in the city engineering standards. Applications shall include a survey of the existing and proposed boundary lines prepared by a licensed professional land surveyor. The planning director shall review boundary line adjustments through a type I procedure. Prior to approval, the city engineer shall find whether the adjustment will interfere with the extension of any planned right-of-way, public utility easement or capital facility identified in the CFP.

C.

Condominiums are exempted where divisions of land are made by subjecting a portion of a parcel or tract of land to the state condominium law found in RCW 64.32 or RCW 64.34 when the city council has recorded a binding site plan for the use of land in accordance with local ordinances and regulations.

D.

Division of non-residential land into lots, parcels or tracts, each of which is at least 20 acres or 1/32 of a section in area. (RCW 58.17.040)

E.

Any division of land for the purpose of public dedication is exempt from the provisions of this title.

(Ord. 676 § 1 (part), 1995).

(Ord. No. 1108, § 2, 7-26-2012; Ord. No. 1178, § 2(Exh. A), 2-12-2015; Ord. No. 1232, § 2(Exh. A), 4-27-2017; Ord. No. 1352, § 2(Exh. A), 11-4-2021)

An applicant may apply to modify standards as provided in Chapter 18.350. A request for modification shall be submitted with the preliminary plat. A preliminary plat application shall not be deemed technically complete if the planning director finds that: there are relevant standards which have not been met; that the applicant has failed to request modification to required standards; or that the application does not contain additional information requested during the pre-application conference.

(Ord. 676 § 1 (part), 1995).

(Ord. No. 1108, § 2, 7-26-2012)