§ 22-35. Preliminary sketch plats and preliminary plats.

(a)

Preliminary sketch plats. The subdivider shall submit to the administrator two copies of a preliminary sketch plat showing, but not limited to, the following information:

(1)

Name of subdivision, owner or subdivider, date and north point.

(2)

Location of proposed subdivision by an inset map drawn approximately to scale showing adjoining roads, towns, subdivisions, and sufficient other landmarks to clearly identify the location of the proposed subdivision.

(3)

The boundaries of the tract or part thereof to be subdivided drawn to scale with sufficient survey information to reproduce said boundary at another scale.

(4)

Sketches of all existing, platted and proposed streets, and their widths; natural water courses and other major landmarks.

(5)

Description of method and facilities for providing potable water and method and facilities for sewage disposal.

(6)

Any area which may be subject to inundation by flood as defined in section 22-7.

(7)

Such other information as the administrator may require, if the subdivider is seeking a waiver of the requirement for a preliminary plat.

(b)

Preliminary plats and data sheets, number size and filing requirements. The subdivider shall submit to the administrator three copies of a preliminary plat of the proposed subdivision drawn on white paper, or on a print of a topographic map of the property to a scale of not less than one inch equal 100 feet. A preliminary plat shall not be acceptable for submission unless it meets all the required standards of design and unless it contains all the required information or a written request for a variance from each specific deviation from the requirements with reasons therefore.

(c)

Required information to be shown on preliminary plats data sheets. The preliminary plat and data sheets shall show improvements meeting the minimum standards of design as set forth in article III of this chapter and the general requirements for the construction of public improvements as set forth in the appendix and shall give the following information insofar as applicable:

(1)

Name of subdivision, owner, subdivider, surveyor, or engineer, date of drawing, number of streets, north point and scale. If true north is used, method of determination must be shown.

(2)

Location of the proposed subdivision by an inset map at a scale of not less than one inch equals 2,000 feet showing adjoining roads, their names and numbers, towns, subdivisions, and other landmarks. The boundary surveyor existing survey of record provided such survey shows a closure with an accuracy of not less than one in 2,500 total acreage, acreage of subdivided area; number and approximate area and frontage of all building sites, existing buildings within the boundaries of the tract, names of owners and their property lines within the boundaries of the tract and adjoining such boundaries.

(3)

All existing, platted and proposed streets, their names, numbers and widths; existing utility, or other easements, public areas and parking spaces; culverts, drains and water courses, their names and other pertinent data.

(4)

The complete drainage layout, including all pipe sizes, types, drainage easements and means of transporting the drainage to the nearest natural drainage flow.

(5)

A cross section showing the proposed street construction, depth and type of base, type of surface, etc.

(6)

A profile or contour map showing the proposed grades for the streets and drainage facilities including elevations of existing and proposed ground surface at all street intersections and at points of major grade change along the center line of streets together with proposed grade lines connection therewith.

(7)

A location map tying the subdivision into the currently existing water supply or alternate means of sewage disposal and water supply.

(8)

Proposed connections with existing sanitary sewers and existing water supply or alternate means of sewage disposal and water supply.

(9)

All parcels of land to be dedicated for public use and the conditions of such dedication in accordance with the Code of Virginia, § 15.2-2241(5) and any future amendments thereto.

(10)

Utility companies shall execute quit claims to any easement within, over or under street rights-of-way.

(11)

If any portion of the land being subdivided is subject to flood, as defined in section 22-7 the area subject to flood shall be shown

(d)

Waivers. In order to facilitate expeditious review and approval of proposed subdivisions, the administrator is empowered to grant a waiver of requirement for either the preliminary sketch plat or the preliminary plat requiring the submission of only one of the above if the following conditions are met:

(1)

Conditions for waiver of preliminary sketch plat. The subdivider has consulted with the administrator on the proposed course of action and receives written consent by the administrator certifying that a preliminary plat is required, and that the requirements of this article can be met and shown on the preliminary plat.

(2)

Conditions for waiver of preliminary plat.

a.

The subdivider has submitted a preliminary sketch plat and received written notice of waiver from the administrator for filing the preliminary plat setting forth his reasons for the action;

b.

All public improvements as set forth in the appendix are already installed or because of the nature of the development deemed not necessary by the administrator. Any construction, installation, or improvement of any public improvements shall require the submission of a preliminary plat; and

c.

The subdivider has consulted informally with the administrator for advice and assistance before preparation of the final plat and its formal application for approval.

(e)

Procedure for approval of preliminary sketch plats or preliminary plats. The subdivider shall be advised in writing within 30 days, which may be by formal letter or by legible markings on his copy of the preliminary plat or sketch plat concerning any additional data that may be required, the character and extent of public improvements that will have to be made, and the amount of the performance bond which will be required as a prerequisite to approval of the final subdivision plat. The bond required by the state department of transportation shall be in the department's possession. In determining the amount of the performance bond, the administrator may consult with a duly licensed engineer who shall prepare this data for the administrator, or may require a bona fide estimate of the cost of improvements to be furnished by the subdivider.

(f)

Copies. One copy of the preliminary sketch plat or preliminary plat will be retained by the administrator and one copy shall be returned to the subdivider with any notations at the time of approval or disapproval and the specific changes, if any, required.

(g)

No guarantee. The approval of the preliminary sketch plat or preliminary plat by the administrator will not constitute acceptance of the final plat and will not be indicated on the preliminary sketch plat or preliminary plat.

(h)

Six months' limit. The subdivider shall not have more than six months after receiving official notification that a final plat may be submitted to file with the administrator a final subdivision plat in accordance with this chapter. Failure to do so shall make preliminary approval null and void. The administrator, on written request by the subdivider may, for good cause shown, grant extension of this time limit not to exceed 90 days. However, in any case where construction of facilities to be dedicated for public use has commenced pursuant to an approved plan or permit with surety approved by the town council or its designated administrative agency, or where the developer has furnished surety to the town council or its designated administrative agency by certified check, cash escrow, bond, or letter of credit in the amount of the estimated cost of construction of such facilities, the time for plat recordation shall be extended to one year after final approval or to the time limit specified in the surety agreement approved by the town council or its designated administrative agency, whichever is greater.

(Ord. of 12-8-2009, § II-2)

(Ord. of 12-8-2009, § II-2)