A. 
The purpose of the sketch plan is to permit a review and discussion of the subdivision in concept with the applicant before the subdivision is fully designed and engineered, alert the applicant to design considerations and other requirements and to alert the applicant to the considerations of other county and state agencies who must eventually review those aspects of the subdivision within their jurisdiction.
B. 
The sketch plan is mandatory for major subdivisions. Minor subdivisions are encouraged to request a preapplication conference with the Director to discuss the design and other considerations pertinent to the subdivision.
The following requirements regarding sketch plans shall be met:
A. 
The owner shall submit seven sketch copies of the physical plan, which need not be prepared by an expert (surveyor).
B. 
A description of the subdivision plan must include the following:
(1) 
A list of previous subdivisions of the lot or parcel containing the site to be subdivided, whether by subdivision or by deed, subsequent to March 15, 1972.
(2) 
The name of the subdivision and the subdivision number assigned by the Director.
(3) 
The name and address of the owner.
(4) 
The name and address of the surveyor, if any.
(5) 
The outline of the entire lot or parcel to be subdivided, the subdivision and a list of all adjacent property owners.
(6) 
The north compass point, date and scale.
(7) 
The streets and roads on and adjacent to the lot or parcel, including their classification under the Dorchester County road classification system.
(8) 
Significant topographical, environmental and physical features.
(9) 
The proposed general street or road layout.
(10) 
The proposed general layout of lots.
(11) 
Identification of the sections of the Dorchester County Design Manual that were considered in laying out the subdivision.
A. 
The Director shall check the submission against a checklist for completeness. If the submission is incomplete, he shall immediately return the submission to the applicant and indicate the deficiencies in writing. If the submission is complete, he shall accept the sketch plan, application form and fees, if any.
B. 
When the requirements are complete, the Director shall distribute copies of the sketch plan with the description to the following agencies for review, comments and recommendations:
(1) 
County Engineer: one copy.
(2) 
Soil Conservation District, if required: one copy.
(3) 
Dorchester County Health Department: two copies.
(4) 
Sanitary Commission, as applicable: one copy.
(5) 
Other agencies as necessary.
(6) 
The municipal government when a proposed subdivision adjoins a municipal boundary.
A. 
Review by Director and Commission. Within 60 days following the receipt of the complete submission, the Director shall:
(1) 
Evaluate the applicant's subdivision plans and the agencies' reports and determine whether they meet the objectives and requirements of the Subdivision Regulations, The Dorchester County Design Manual and the County Comprehensive Plan.
(2) 
Submit the applicant's plans and the agencies' reports to the Planning Commission for its review, recommendations and approval.
(3) 
Inform the applicant, in writing, of the Planning Commission's conclusions and recommendations and whether or not to proceed with the next step for the preliminary plat.
B. 
Effective period of approval. The approval of a sketch plan shall be effective for two years from the date of approval by the Planning Commission. If a preliminary plat is not submitted for approval within two years, the sketch plan approval shall be null and void, and the applicant shall be required to submit a new sketch plan for review subject to the then existing zoning and subdivision regulations.