It is declared to be the policy of the Town of Elma Planning
Board to consider land subdivision plats as part of a plan for the
orderly, economic and efficient future growth and development of the
Town. The following objectives may guide the Planning Board's
decisions as related to the public health, safety and welfare:
A. Guidelines.
(1) Lands to be subdivided and developed shall be of such character that
it can be used safely for building purposes without danger to health
or peril from fire, flood or other menace.
(2) Proper provisions shall be made for water supply, drainage, sewerage
and other needed improvements and utilities.
(3) All proposed development must be so designed as to be in harmony
with the development pattern of adjacent properties.
(4) Proposed streets shall compose a convenient system and shall be of
such width, grade and location as to accommodate present and prospective
traffic.
(5) All development shall be designed to facilitate adequate fire and
emergency protection and provide access for firefighting and related
equipment.
(6) Proper provisions may be made for permanent reservations of open
spaces for parks and playgrounds and for the protection of natural
drainage and significant historical and environmental features.
(7) Future development may bear a fair share of the capital costs to
the Town for municipal improvements servicing such new development.
(8) Subdivision design should include referencing the information and
direction provided in the Town's adopted Comprehensive Plan (the
Regional Comprehensive Plan - RCP and/or the most recent Plan).
B. Requirements.
(1) In areas of the Town not having sewers, all lots proposed in a subdivision
must have a percolation rate (done in accordance with New York State
and Erie County Health Department standards) at a minimum of one inch
in 30 minutes or better.
(2) No septic systems in fill are allowed.
(3) Subdivisions are only allowed in the Residential A or Residential
B zoning districts. Minor subdivisions may be allowed in the Residential
C zoning district upon recommendation from the Planning Board and
approval of the Town Board.
(4) No more than 30 residences are allowed per farm plot except where
public sewers are available.