The purpose of the preparation and consideration of a preliminary map is to provide a means of early review of a proposed subdivision by the Planning Director in conjunction with the developer and/or his/her planner or engineer. From this preliminary review it is expected that the applicant will be made aware of any special policies or programs concerning the use of the land to be subdivided, or for needed or planned on-site or off-site improvements for the general area; and, further, so that the City Planning Director will be made aware of proposals for the subdivision of land which may require preparation, modification or provisions for expansion of public services and facilities prior to or in conjunction with the proposed use of the land within a subdivision. It is not intended that a preliminary map be as detailed as the tentative map, but it should be prepared in such manner and form as to provide pertinent facts and information.
(Ord. 84-4 Div. B, Part 1 §1)
Prior to submitting a tentative map of any proposed standard subdivision, the subdivider shall submit to the Planning Director three copies of a preliminary map for review, along with such additional materials, data, reports or the like as the Planning Director may require.
(Ord. 84-4 Div. B, Part 1 §2)
The preliminary map shall be drawn at a scale and be in sufficient detail to show the essential characteristics of the site and the proposed subdivision. The preliminary map shall include at least the following:
A. 
The number, size and design of lots;
B. 
The location and the width of streets;
C. 
The location and the nature of any reservations or easements. If a coastal frontage parcel, the approximate location of vertical and lateral accessway easements;
D. 
The general nature and extent of grading;
E. 
The relation of the subdivision to all surrounding lands;
F. 
Significant environmental features;
G. 
An indication of the proposed use of each of the lots to be created.
(Ord. 84-4 Div. B, Part 1 §3)
The Planning Director shall review the preliminary map and shall schedule a meeting with the City Council, subdivider and/or his/her engineer to make general recommendations with respect to the proposed subdivision; and to recommend consultations with other public or private agencies as may be necessary or advisable. Within 10 days after such recommendations, consultations and meetings, the Planning Director by direction of the City Council shall notify the subdivider in writing of the final determination as to the preliminary map and whether or not an EIR is required on the tentative map.
(Ord. 84-4 Div. B, Part 1 §4)
Within 90 days of the date of the City Council's action of the preliminary map, the subdivider shall prepare and file a tentative map of the proposed subdivision. If an EIR is required, an EIR will be completed by the planning staff prior to the tentative map application being deemed complete.
(Ord. 84-4 Div. B, Part 1 §5)