In laying out subdivisions the following design standards and
requirements shall be observed, except that variations therefrom may
be allowed by the planning commission where it deems them to be necessary
or desirable because of particular conditions of the property, provided
such variations are in keeping with good city planning and subdivision
practice and are not in conflict with the public interest.
The general objective of these regulations is to ensure the
orderly subdivision and development of land in the City of Franklin
for the purposes authorized by the Code of Virginia and to give effect
to the City of Franklin Comprehensive Plan. In considering subdivision
plats, therefore, the planning commission shall take into account
the specifications of the comprehensive plan as to the best use of
the land, the provisions of streets, roads, floodways, drainage facilities
and other public ways or spaces, and the needs of the community in
general, and shall see to it that these specifications are adequately
provided for in each subdivision plat. Particular attention shall
be given to the location, width, and arrangement of major streets,
highways, and drainage to other necessary public facilities, including
parks, playgrounds, and school sites.
[Amended by Ord. of 9-9-2002]
(a) Residential blocks in major subdivisions shall not exceed 1,200 feet
in length.
(b) Residential lots shall meet the minimum lot size requirements of
the zoning district in which located.
(c) Corner lots. Corner lots shall have adequate widths to comply with
the side yard requirements of the zoning ordinance.
(d) Lot widths. Lot widths shall be measured at the building line.
(e) Lot lines. Lot lines should be perpendicular to the street lines.
Double-frontage lots shall be avoided, except that lots may rear upon
a main highway where a separating buffer strip of land is provided
without the right of access across such strip. Lot depths normally
shall not exceed two and one-half times the width. Every lot shall
front on a public street.
(f) Building lines. Building lines shall be established along all streets
and shall be shown on the plat. In no cases shall building lines be
established less than those required by the zoning ordinance. For
residential lots side building lines on the street side of corner
lots shall be no less than 25 feet. For nonresidential lots building
lines shall be determined by the planning commission.
(g) Where a subdivision is traversed by a stream or other natural drainage
way, the planning commission may require the subdivider to dedicate
a suitable right-of-way or easement for stormwater drainage and may
require the subdivider to construct adequate stormwater drainage systems.
The design criteria for utilities and facilities set forth in
article XXI, "Floodplain Regulations," of the city's zoning ordinance
must be complied with for property located in floodplain districts.
The subdivider shall provide easements on or off-site for proper
drainage of the subdivision and shall provide the necessary easements
on-site for water, sewer, electrical, cable TV and other utility lines.