Cross References — As to plan commission, see §§400.010 — 400.160 of this Code; as to zoning, see ch. 405.
[Code 1955 §31-1; CC 1970 §30-1; Ord. No. 2090, 11-18-2025]
For the purpose of this Chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this Section:
BUILDING LINE
A line on a plat between which line and street or private place no buildings or structures may be erected.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
The City Administrator of the City of Rock Hill or his or her designee.
PLAT
A map, drawing or chart drawn to scale on which the subdivider's plan for the subdivision of land is presented and which they submit for approval and intends in final form to record.
SUBDIVISION
The division of a parcel of land into two (2) or more lots, or other divisions of land; it includes resubdivision and, when appropriate to the context, relates to the process of subdividing or to the land or territory subdivided.
[Code 1955 §31-2; CC 1970 §30-2]
Whenever the strict enforcement of the regulations set out in this Chapter would entail unusual, real and substantial difficulties or hardships, the Board of Aldermen may vary or modify them in such a way that the subdivider is allowed to plan and develop his/her property, record a plat of the same and make necessary improvements without unjust difficulties and expense, if at the same time the public welfare and interests of the municipality are fully protected and the general intent and spirit of the regulations preserved.
[Code 1955 §31-3; CC 1970 §30-3]
No plat of any subdivision shall be entitled to be recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of the County or have any validity until it shall have been approved in the manner prescribed by this Chapter.
[Code 1955 §31-4; CC 1970 §30-4]
No building or repair permits shall be issued for any structure located on a lot in any subdivision, the plat of which has been prepared after August 20, 1951, but which has not been approved in accordance with the provisions contained in this Chapter.
[Code 1955 §31-7; CC 1970 §30-7; Ord. No. 1148 §2, 12-6-1988; Ord. No. 2066, 11-5-2024; Ord. No. 2090, 11-18-2025]
A. 
In seeking to subdivide any tract or parcel of land within the City the owner or their agent shall:
1. 
Confer with the City Administrator before preparing the preliminary plan in order to become thoroughly familiar with the land use regulations of the City affecting the territory in which the proposed subdivision lies.
2. 
Prepare and submit to the City Administrator an application for subdivision, along with a preliminary plan prepared in accordance with the provisions of Section 410.080.
3. 
Follow the provisions of Sections 410.090 to 410.150 in the design of the subdivision.
4. 
Pay a non-refundable application fee:
a. 
For preliminary plats: three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00), plus thirty dollars ($30.00) for each buildable lot in the new subdivision or re-subdivision.
b. 
For final plats: one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) plus twenty dollars ($20.00) for each proposed buildable lot in the new subdivision or re-subdivision.
In addition, the applicant shall be required to reimburse the City for the costs of legal services, engineering services, title services, and any other professional services required by the City Administrator, the Planning and Zoning Commission or by the Board of Aldermen to aid them in their consideration of the preliminary plan or the final plat. The preliminary subdivision plat fee shall be paid when the application is filed. The final subdivision plat fee shall be paid when the final plat is filed. All other charges shall be paid when billed by the City. In no event will the final plat be signed and acknowledged as approved by the City Clerk until and unless the fees and costs are paid in full by the applicant.
B. 
If the application and plan shall appear to be in order and in compliance with this Code and the fee paid, the City Administrator shall refer the matter to the Planning and Zoning Commission for its report and recommendation for approval or disapproval, or approval with conditions, of such preliminary plan. Such report and recommendation shall be returned to the Board of Aldermen within sixty (60) days of such referral unless the Planning and Zoning Commission shall request additional time to make its reply and recommendation which request shall be freely allowed by the Board of Aldermen.
C. 
If the Board of Aldermen shall approve the preliminary plan as submitted, the applicant shall thereafter prepare and submit to the City Administrator a final subdivision plat prepared in accordance with the provisions of Section 410.230 hereafter and the City Administrator, if they find the same to be in order and in compliance with all Code requirements and all conditions otherwise required by the Board of Aldermen, shall refer the matter to the Planning and Zoning Commission for its report and recommendation for approval or disapproval, or approval with conditions, of such final plat. Such report and recommendation shall be returned to the Board of Aldermen within sixty (60) days of such referral unless the Planning and Zoning Commission shall request additional time to make its reply and recommendation which request shall be freely allowed by the Board of Aldermen.
[Code 1955 §31-8; CC 1970 §30-8; Ord. No. 2090, 11-18-2025]
A. 
In seeking to subdivide the land, the owner shall submit to the City Administrator a preliminary plan, accurately drawn, which shall be at one hundred (100) feet to the inch or larger scale, and shall show:
1. 
The location of present property lines, streets, buildings, watercourses, sink holes and other existing features within the subdivided area and similar facts, except as to location of buildings, regarding existing conditions in property immediately adjacent.
2. 
The proposed location and dimensions of streets, alleys, lots, building lines and easements. The approximate area of lots in square feet.
3. 
Existing sewers, water mains, culverts and other underground structures within the tract or immediately adjacent thereto. The location and size of the nearest water main and sewer or outlet shall be indicated in a general way upon the plat.
4. 
The name under which the proposed subdivision is to be recorded and the name of the subdivider and of the registered engineer platting the tract.
5. 
The names of all adjoining subdivisions.
6. 
A contour map, showing contour intervals of five (5) or less feet for all subdivisions containing more than two (2) acres of land.
B. 
The preliminary plan should determine the character and general details of the development and should be accompanied by plans and statements regarding the detail of improvements such as grading, street lighting, walks, paving, sewers and water mains. The approval of the preliminary plan does not, however, constitute an acceptance of the subdivision, but merely authorizes the developer to proceed with work upon the final plan and improvement plan.
[Code 1955 §31-10; CC 1970 §30-10]
The arrangement of streets in new subdivisions shall make provisions for the proper location and width of streets. The subdivider may be required to continue certain adjoining streets through the area that is being subdivided whenever the same is necessary to provide for local movements of vehicles or to enable adjoining property to be properly subdivided.
[Code 1955 §31-11; CC 1970 §30-11]
A. 
The minimum width for streets shall be fifty (50) feet; provided, that where the topography, length or special conditions make a street of greater width more suitable, the above requirements may be increased.
B. 
All street intersections shall be rounded to a minimum radius of twenty (20) feet.
C. 
Alleys should not be provided in Residential Districts. Alleys, if required in the rear of business lots, shall be at least twenty (20) feet wide.
D. 
Where it is desirable to subdivide a tract of land, which, because of its size or location, does not permit a normal street arrangement, there may be established one (1) or more "places". Such a place may be in the form of a court, a dead-end street or other arrangement; provided, that proper access shall be given to all lots from a dedicated place (street or court). If such a place is more than two hundred fifty (250) feet in length, it shall terminate in an open space, preferably circular, having a minimum dimension of one hundred (100) feet. Except in unusual instances, no dead-end street or place shall exceed one thousand (1,000) feet in length.
[Code 1955 §31-12; CC 1970 §30-12]
A. 
The minimum area of any lot in a subdivision shall not be less than the minimum lot area requirements of the zoning district in which the area is located. No lot shall have a width of less than fifty (50) feet at the building line.
B. 
Corner lots shall have extra width sufficient to permit the maintenance of building lines, as provided by the zoning regulations, on both front and side. In all cases, the width shall be not less than the amount of the established building line on the side street plus a minimum width for a building and such side yard requirements as may be provided for by the zoning regulations.
C. 
All side lines of lots shall be at right angles to straight street lines, or radial to curved street lines, unless a variation to this rule will give a better street and lot plan. Lots with double frontage shall be avoided.
D. 
Where blocks are over seven hundred fifty (750) feet in length, the Board of Aldermen may require a crosswalk near the center of the block. The right-of-way for any such walks shall not be less than ten (10) feet in width and such walk space shall be improved with a four (4) foot wide concrete sidewalk five (5) inches thick.
[Code 1955 §31-13; CC 1970 §30-13]
A. 
Easements of not less than five (5) feet in width shall be provided on each side of all rear lot lines, and side lines where necessary for poles, wires, conduits, storm and sanitary sewers, gas and water mains. Easements of greater width may be required along lines or across lots where necessary for the extension of main sewers and similar utilities.
B. 
Whenever any stream or important surface watercourse is located in an area that is being subdivided, the subdivider shall, at his/her own expense, make adequate provision for straightening or widening the channel so that it will properly carry the surface water and shall also provide and dedicate to the City an adequate easement along each side of the stream, which easement shall be for the purpose of widening, improving or protecting the stream.
[Code 1955 §31-14; CC 1970 §30-14]
The Board of Aldermen may agree with the subdivider regarding the type and character of development that will be permitted in the subdivision and may require that certain minimum regulations regarding this matter be incorporated in the deed restrictions. Such regulations shall be intended to protect the character and value of the surrounding development and shall also tend to secure the most appropriate character of development in the property which is subdivided.
[Code 1955 §31-15; CC 1970 §30-15]
Streets that are obviously in alignment with others already existing and named shall bear the names of the existing streets. Before the final plan for the subdivision shall be approved, the subdivider shall submit to the Board of Aldermen a statement from the local postmaster approving the names of the proposed streets and of the proposed system of postal addresses along such streets.
[Code 1955 §31-16; CC 1970 §30-16]
Before the final plat of any subdivision shall be approved by the Board of Aldermen, the subdivider shall make and install the minimum improvements described in Sections 410.170 through 410.220. In lieu of final completion of improvements before the plat is finally approved, the subdivider may post a satisfactory bond, approved by the Board of Aldermen, which bond will insure to the City that the improvements will be completed by the subdivider within a one (1) year period or within a period as agreed by the subdivider and the Board of Aldermen. The amount of the bond shall not be less than the estimated cost of improvements as submitted in detail by the engineer for the subdivider. The amount of the estimate shall be approved by the City Engineer. If the improvements are not completed within the specified time as agreed, the Board of Aldermen may use the bond or any necessary portion thereof to complete the improvements.
[Code 1955 §31-17; CC 1970 §30-17]
A. 
The subdivider shall grade and improve all new streets and alleys, if any, within the subdivided area.
B. 
All new streets shown on the plat shall be graded for the full width of the right-of-way to grades approved by the City Engineer, and such streets shall be paved to a minimum width of twenty-six (26) feet back to back of curbs, with a concrete pavement six (6) inches thick with integral curbs or a water-bound macadam base seven (7) inches thick with separate concrete curb and gutter and a bituminous wearing surface two (2) inches thick. The bituminous surface may be asphaltic concrete or penetration macadam with two (2) seal coats.
C. 
The above widths and types of pavement are minimum requirements and may be increased if the Board of Aldermen decides wider pavements and increased thicknesses are necessary. The Board of Aldermen reserves the right to decide the type of pavements to be constructed.
D. 
Whenever any proposed subdivision abuts on any public unsurfaced roadway or street, the subdivider shall, at his/her own expense, for the half of such public roadway or street adjoining the proposed subdivision, and for the distance along which the proposed subdivision abuts on such public roadway or street, construct a surfacing which will meet with the approval of the Board of Aldermen.
[Code 1955 §31-18; CC 1970 §30-18]
A. 
Sanitary sewers shall be installed, including house connections, to each lot from the sewer to beyond the curb line. The plans for such installation shall be approved by the City Engineer.
B. 
The subdivider shall install storm sewers to provide drainage of the development. The plans for such installation shall be approved by the City Engineer.
C. 
If natural sink holes for surface water exist within the subdivision, they shall be protected in conformity with Section 530.090.
[Code 1955 §31-19; CC 1970 §30-19; Ord. No. 1388 §1, 11-3-1998]
Sidewalks are required along all streets which either abut or which are within the subdivision. Such walks shall be made of concrete poured five (5) inches thick and shall be four (4) feet wide.
[Code 1955 §31-20; CC 1970 §30-20]
The subdivider shall pay the cost of all labor, material and incidental expense required for the installation of water mains and fire hydrants in the subdivided area. Refund of money for the installations shall be made in accordance with the contract entered into with the St. Louis County Water Company to the subdivider by the water company. Such installation of the water mains and fire hydrants shall be done by the St. Louis County Water Company in accordance with their standards and specifications. The water mains and hydrants, when installed, shall become at once the property of the St. Louis County Water Company and the company shall have exclusive control and use thereof, subject to the right of the residents of the subdivided area to be connected therewith, under the rules and regulations of the St. Louis County Water Company.
[Code 1955 §31-22; CC 1970 §30-22]
A. 
The design of all improvements, such as the grade and type of pavement, sanitary and storm sewers, water mains, etc., shall be submitted to the City Engineer and meet his/her approval before any construction shall proceed.
B. 
Improvement plans shall be prepared by and shall bear the signature and seal of an engineer licensed to practice professional engineering in the State. All improvements shall be carried out under the supervision of such engineer, subject to the approval of the City Engineer.
C. 
Street improvement plans shall contain sufficient information for the writing of a grade ordinance.
D. 
Sanitary sewer improvement plans shall meet the approval of the Metropolitan Sewer District.
E. 
Street, sanitary sewer and storm water sewer improvement plans shall be in accordance with standards of the Metropolitan Sewer District.
F. 
The subdivider shall be required to deposit with the City a sum of money, the amount to be determined by the City Engineer, for the inspection of the street and sewer improvements during construction.
G. 
Permits for installation of improvements shall be secured from the City Clerk before construction begins.
[Code 1955 §31-23; CC 1970 §30-23; Ord. No. 2066, 11-5-2024; Ord. No. 2090, 11-18-2025]
A. 
The final plat shall be submitted to the City Administrator for review and approval as described in Section 410.070(C). It shall show:
1. 
The boundaries of the property, the lines of all proposed streets and alleys with their widths and names and any other areas intended to be dedicated to public use.
2. 
The lines adjoining streets and alleys, with their widths and names.
3. 
All lot lines, building lines and easements with figures showing their dimensions.
4. 
All dimensions, both linear and angular, necessary for locating boundaries, of the subdivided area, including lots, streets, alleys, easements and building line setbacks, and any other similar public or private uses. The linear dimensions shall be expressed in feet and decimals of a foot.
5. 
Radii, arcs and chords, points of tangency, central angles for all curvilinear streets, and radii for all rounded corners.
6. 
Permanent survey monuments, at angle points, points of curves in streets and at such other points as shall be required by the City Engineer, or at related points approved by the City Engineer. Such monuments shall be either stone or concrete not less that four (4) inches square at the top and six (6) inches square at the bottom and thirty (30) inches longs.
7. 
Title and description of the property subdivided, showing its location and extent, point of compass, scale of plan, name of subdivider, certificate and seal of registered civil engineer or surveyor that the plan represents a survey made by him/her and that the results of the survey are correctly shown thereon.
8. 
Any private restrictions shall be shown on the plat and the plat shall contain proper acknowledgements of owners and holders of mortgages accepting the platting and restrictions.
9. 
If any street or public place is to be dedicated to public use the person submitting the plat shall also furnish a certified copy of an abstract or certificate of title made by a responsible title examiner, showing that the title to the land is fully vested in the person making the dedication.
10. 
A certificate shall accompany the final plat showing that all taxes due and payable have been previously paid.
11. 
After the final plat is approved and recorded, a digital (PDF) copy shall be submitted to the City Administrator for the City's files and records.
[Ord. No. 1663 §1, 8-19-2008; Ord. No. 2066, 11-5-2024; Ord. No. 2090, 11-18-2025]
A. 
The purpose of this Section is to facilitate the transfer of minor portions of property between adjacent property owners and to allow adjustments to be made to lot lines of platted lots or other parcels.
B. 
Boundary adjustments must meet the following criteria:
1. 
No additional lot shall be created by any boundary adjustment.
2. 
The resulting lot or lots shall comply with all the requirements and restrictions as set for in the Zoning Code.
C. 
A boundary adjustment may be accomplished by plat or by deed but must include the following:
1. 
An adequate legal description of the boundaries of the original lots and the adjusted lots.
2. 
A certification by a licensed surveyor that the plat meets or exceeds the current Missouri land surveying requirements and standards.
3. 
Any private restrictions shall be shown on the plat and the plat shall contain proper acknowledgements of owners and holders of mortgages accepting the platting restrictions.
4. 
Documentation of subdivision trustee notification.
5. 
A filing fee in the amount of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).
D. 
The boundary adjustment shall be submitted to the City of Rock Hill for review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Aldermen prior to its recording with the Recorder of Deeds of St. Louis County, with an electronic copy to be filed with the City of Rock Hill.
E. 
Boundary adjustments shall be allowed for lawful lots existing in non-compliance with minimum area, frontage and dimensional requirements of the Zoning Code, provided that the resulting adjustment of lot lines does not increase the degree of non-compliance with the Zoning Code.