An Urban Subdivision is a subdivision of land or a parcel of land into two or more lots of one half acre minimum size. Urban Subdivisions will provide for moderate density residential neighborhoods. Urban Subdivisions will be provided with the normal infrastructure for urban neighborhoods including but not limited to reinforced concrete streets and curbs, connection to City water and wastewater systems, sidewalks, storm drainage systems, and underground utilities.
In recent years the City has experienced a significant increase in the type and character of development occurring in its corporate limits and Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
Changing development patterns and economic conditions have resulted in residential development falling into two broad categories or types. The first type, which has been identified as urban in its character, is the traditional type for which City subdivision regulations have been designed. It envisions moderate density single family residential development with lot sizes of not less than one half (1/2) acre. Such urban subdivisions generally require fully developed public works infrastructure to support the demands of higher residential density. It is essential that they have a fully developed street network, water and waste water systems, surface and subsurface storm water management and supporting park and recreation facilities. Street systems must be designed to accommodate large volumes of traffic including oversized vehicles such as school buses and trash collection on a regular basis. Utility systems must be designed to accommodate the ebb and flow of demand for service consistent with high density residential development. Utility service in these subdivisions must be capable of accommodating the higher incidence of abnormal system demands such as fires which require access to increased water pressure while still servicing the maximum day residential use demands of a fully developed neighborhood. Storm water management systems must be carefully developed to meet a fully developed one hundred year flood design standard. Reliance may be given to on site detention or storage to maintain pre-development run off characteristics. Borrow ditches or open disposal systems are not permitted on individual lots within this type of development. Urban Subdivisions require the use of standup curb and gutter to permit street systems to serve part of the function of storm water diversion, management and disposal. Park and recreation amenities must be designed to provide recreation opportunities not available on urban lots.
(Ordinance 0903-04 adopted 9/27/04)
