A.
Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to regulate the division of land within the City of Washington in order to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare. The platting of land is the first step in the process of urban development. The arrangement of land parcels in the community for residential, commercial and industrial uses and for streets, alleys, schools, parks, drainageways and utility easements will determine to a large degree the design, character and conditions in the urban area. The quality of the urban areas is of public interest. These regulations and standards for the platting of a subdividing of land for urban use are to make provision for adequate light, air, open space, drainage, traffic circulation, utilities and other needs to ensure the development and maintenance of a healthy, attractive and efficient community.
B.
Intent. These regulations are designed specifically and intended to:
1.
Protect, provide for and promote the public health, safety, convenience, comfort, morals, prosperity, and general welfare of the residents of the City of Washington.
2.
Guide the future growth and development of the City in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approved by the City Council.
3.
Provide for adequate light, air, and privacy; to secure safety from fire, flood and other danger; and to prevent the overcrowding of the land and undue conflict or congestion of people, traffic, or other human activities.
4.
Protect and conserve the value of buildings and improvements, and to minimize the adverse impact of development on adjoining or nearby properties.
5.
Establish a beneficial relationship between the uses of land and buildings, and the municipal street system; to require the proper location and design of streets and building lines; to minimize traffic congestion, and to make adequate provision for pedestrian traffic circulation.
6.
Establish reasonable standards of design and procedures for subdivision and resubdivision in order to further the orderly layout and use of land; and to ensure proper legal descriptions and documentation of subdivided land for the protection of both buyers and sellers of land.
7.
Encourage the wise use and management of natural resources; to provide adequate and safe recreational areas; to maintain the natural beauty and topography of the City, and to ensure appropriate development with regard to these natural features; to minimize the pollution of air, ponds and streams; to ensure the adequacy of stormwater drainage and detention as well as erosion control facilities.
8.
Encourage and require the design and development of residential and commercial land and subdivisions of land that provide necessary public facilities and improvements, including streets, facilities for storm drainage, water, sewerage, school sites and park areas in accordance with City standards.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed the prior Subdivision Regulations, adopted 3-17-1975 by Ord. No. 4548, as amended, and included in the Code as Sections 490.010 through 490.030 and Sections 490.037 through 490.120.