Subdivision design shall preserve, insofar as is possible, the
natural features, terrain and drainage of the land to be developed.
Accordingly, proposed subdivisions which are to be located in areas
characterized by steep slope, wet soils, shallow soils or other physical
limitation for development shall be presumed to have significant problems
requiring special design features or mitigating measures if such problems
are to be satisfactorily overcome. In general, future uses upon land
to be subdivided should be able to blend harmoniously with the surrounding
topography, vegetation, and other natural features, and should avoid
the need for costly land alterations or intricate engineering to overcome
adverse site conditions.
Features such as historic landmarks and buildings, existing
trails, country lanes, rock outcrops, cliffs, hilltop lookouts, rock
gorges, unique stands of vegetation, significant wildlife habitats,
and similar features of physical or cultural value that provide a
sense of uniqueness to the site shall be preserved where practicable.
The Planning Board may require the provision of a green space buffer
around such features. Shorelines of streams, lakes, and ponds shall
be left in their natural state except for areas where vegetation is
removed in compliance with shoreline vegetative cutting regulations
of the Adirondack Park Agency Act.
Removal or damage to existing mature trees shall be avoided
to the extent practicable, especially if those trees provide privacy
or screening.
All subdivision roads must meet Town of Inlet Minimum road design
and construction standards.
The Planning Board may require that one or more fifty-foot rights-of-way
be reserved in order to provide for future road access to interior
land.
Provisions shall be made to ensure the continuity of existing
trail systems and, where deemed appropriate, the Planning Board may
also require unimproved walking trails within the subdivision, connecting
to existing or possible future trails through adjacent properties
or along roadways.
Clearing and grading for road and utility installations shall
be limited to that which is necessary to construct safe roads, provide
needed roadside and embankment drainage, construct stable cuts and
fills and provide for utility installation.
If at any time before or during construction of improvements
it is demonstrated that unforeseen conditions make it necessary to
modify the location or design of improvements, the Chairman of the
Planning Board may authorize such modifications, provided these modifications
are within the spirit and intent of the Planning Board's approval
and do not amount to a waiver or substantial alteration of any improvements
required by the Board. The Chairman shall issue any authorization
under this section in writing, and shall submit a copy of such authorization
to the Planning Board at its next meeting. If such authorization should
result in a modified final plat, the revised final plat shall be filed
with the County Clerk.