(a) 
Additional regulations.
In addition to the requirements established by this article, all development within the city limits shall be designed so as to comply with the intent and provisions of the zoning ordinance, building and housing codes, master plan, regulations of the state department of transportation and the department of state health services, and any other applicable law or regulation adopted by a unit of federal, state or local government; and all development within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city shall comply with this article and all other applicable laws and regulations adopted by a unit of federal, state or local government.
(b) 
Standards in general.
The minimum design standards as contained herein shall provide the basic criteria for evaluating proposed concept plans, preliminary plats, construction plans, final plats, amended plats, short form final plats, and other development or improvements subject to this article. The city may, however, establish reasonable design requirements in excess of these established minimum standards, or grant variances from those established minimum standards, where by reason of exceptional topographic, cultural, historic, archaeological, hydrologic, or other physical conditions of the property to be developed or of an adjacent tract, the strict adherence to these standards will result in an inappropriate subdivision design or cause unnecessary hardship.
(c) 
Coordinated design.
The quality of life and the community in the Highland Haven urban area is dependent on the quality of design of the individual developments in which people live and work. Good community design requires the coordination of the efforts of each developer of land within the urban area. It is intended that the urban area shall be designed as a group of integrated residential neighborhoods and appropriate commercial, industrial and public facilities. Therefore, the design of each development shall be prepared in accordance with the applicable principles established by the master plan for land use, circulation, community facilities and public utility services and in accordance with the following general principles:
(1) 
The neighborhood, as a planning unit, is intended as an area principally for residential use, and of a size that can be served by one (1) elementary school. Space for recreational, educational and shopping facilities to serve the residents of the neighborhood should be provided and designed as an integral part of each neighborhood. The size of lots and blocks should be designed to provide for adequate water and wastewater service, traffic circulation, light, air, open space, landscaping and off-street parking. The arrangement of lots and blocks and the street system should be designed to make the most advantageous use of topography and natural physical features. Tree masses and large individual trees should be preserved to the greatest extent possible. The system of sidewalks and roadways and the lot layout should be designed to take advantage of the visual qualities of the area.
(2) 
The components of the street system should in different degrees serve the separate purposes of access to property and safe, efficient movement of traffic. Land use types should be served by roadways whose capacity increases in proportion to the traffic generation of the land use. Design and location of points of access to property should be appropriate to the volume and speed characteristics of traffic utilizing the intersection.
(3) 
An open space system throughout the urban area should provide a range of active and passive recreation opportunities. Park, open space and recreation facilities should be located with sensitivity to user population, natural features, traffic generation, and nearby land use.
(4) 
Land use arrangement and design should minimize the difference in intensity between adjacent uses in order to provide for the provision of water, wastewater and roadways sufficient to serve the proposed densities and provide for compatible neighboring developments. Step-down patterns of use surrounding major activity centers, combined with buffering techniques, should ensure that residential densities are compatible with each other, and that residential development is not adversely impacted by higher intensity uses.
(5) 
Public utilities and infrastructure should be provided within all subdivisions in order to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the public. Utility capacity should be sufficient to meet accepted standards of service to reasonably anticipated development. Where excess capacity in utility lines or facilities within a subdivision will further the efficient and desirable extension of utilities to adjacent property, equitable provision of such capacity is essential to the orderly growth of the urban area.
(6) 
Construction of water, wastewater, drainage, gas, electric, telephone and cable television utilities that require utility cuts of a public street shall be repaired pursuant to applicable city ordinances.
(Ordinance 040, sec. 40, adopted 4/1/2002)
(a) 
Purpose.
The drainage improvement provisions contained herein are deemed necessary for the following reasons:
(1) 
Waterways and their associated watersheds within the city's territorial jurisdiction represent significant and irreplaceable recreational and aesthetic resources and contribute directly to the city's public health.
(2) 
The continued economic growth of the city is dependent on an adequate quality and quantity of stormwater runoff, a pleasing natural environment, recreational opportunities in close proximity to the city as well as the protection of people and property from the hazards of flooding.
(3) 
All watersheds within the city's jurisdiction, and especially those with abrupt topography, sparse vegetation, and thin and easily disturbed soil, are vulnerable to flooding due to unregulated development activities.
(4) 
All watersheds within the city's jurisdiction are undergoing development or are facing development pressure.
(5) 
If watersheds within the city's jurisdiction are not developed in a sensitive and innovative manner, their water resources, natural environment, and recreational characteristics may be irreparably damaged.
(6) 
The city should regulate all drainage within the city's jurisdiction for the public benefit and safety, including both the existing and future generations of citizens of the city, as well as for downstream users of the each waterway within the city's territorial jurisdiction.
(b) 
Policy.
(1) 
All drainage improvements within the city's jurisdiction shall be designed in accordance with good engineering practices sufficient to prevent flooding outside of designated flood and drainageways, the flooding of property developed for buildings and structures, and to prevent an increase of the volume or speed of water downstream.
(2) 
The commission shall not recommend approval or approve any plat or plan which does not meet the minimum requirements of this article in making adequate provisions for control of the quantity of stormwater runoff to protect the public health, safety and property, and benefit the present and future owners of property within the development, other lands within the city and neighboring areas.
(3) 
It shall be the responsibility of the developer to design and construct a system for the collection and transport of all stormwater runoff flowing into, and generated within the development, in accordance with:
(A) 
The requirements of this article.
(B) 
Good engineering practices.
(C) 
Approved engineering plans for construction.
(D) 
The regulations and principles of law established pursuant to the Texas Water Code.
(4) 
In general, drainage improvements shall be designed and constructed in a manner which promotes the development of a network of both natural and built drainageways throughout the community and so as to:
(A) 
Retain natural floodplains in a condition that minimizes interference with floodwater conveyance, floodwater storage, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and ground and surface water.
(B) 
Reduce exposure of people and property to the flood hazards and the nuisances associated with inadequate control of stormwater runoff.
(C) 
Systematically reduce the existing level of flood damages.
(D) 
Ensure that corrective works are consistent with the overall goals of the city.
(E) 
Minimize erosion and sedimentation problems and enhance water quality.
(F) 
Protect environmental quality, social well-being and economic stability.
(G) 
Plan for both the large flooding events and the smaller, more frequent flooding events by providing both major and minor drainage systems.
(H) 
Minimize future operational and maintenance expenses.
(I) 
Reduce exposure of public investment in utilities, streets and other public facilities (infrastructure).
(J) 
Minimize the need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and generally undertaken at the expense of the public.
(K) 
Acquire and maintain a combination of recreational and open space systems utilizing floodplain lands.
(Ordinance 040, sec. 41, adopted 4/1/2002)
(a) 
Purpose.
The planning for a thoroughfare system is essential for the continued efficient movement of people and goods, and the master plan shall serve as a guide for the location and scale of future collector and arterial streets. The precise alignment of thoroughfares included in the plan may be varied to allow adjustments that increase the compatibility of the right-of-way with natural or man-made features such as steep slopes, waterways, wildlife habitats, neighborhoods, historic structures or existing roadways.
(b) 
Policy.
(1) 
All transportation improvements including streets, driveways, sidewalks, bikeways, traffic control, and parking areas within the city's jurisdiction shall be designed in accordance with the this article.
(2) 
Street layout.
Adequate streets shall be provided by the subdivider and the arrangement, character, extent, width, grade, and location of each shall conform to the comprehensive plan of the city and professional urban planning and shall be considered in their relation to existing and planned streets, to topographical conditions, to public safety and convenience, and in their appropriate relationship to the proposed uses of land to be served by such streets. The street layout shall be devised for the most advantageous development of the entire neighborhood.
(3) 
Relation to adjoining street system.
Where necessary to the neighborhood pattern, existing streets in adjoining areas shall be continued, and shall be at least as wide as such existing streets and in alignment therewith.
(4) 
Projection of streets.
Where adjoining areas are not subdivided the arrangements of streets in the subdivision shall make provision for the proper projection of streets into such unsubdivided areas.
(5) 
Street jogs.
Whenever possible, street jogs with centerline offsets of less than 125 feet shall be avoided.
(6) 
Street intersection.
Street intersections shall be as nearly at right angles as practicable, giving due regard to terrain and topography.
(7) 
Dead-end streets.
Dead-end streets shall be prohibited except as short stubs to permit future expansion.
(8) 
Cul-de-sacs.
In general, cul-de-sacs shall not exceed 600 feet in length, and shall have a turnaround of not less than 100 feet in diameter in residential areas, and not less than 100 feet in diameter in commercial and industrial areas.
(9) 
Marginal access streets.
Where a subdivision has frontage on an arterial street, there shall be provided a marginal access street on both sides or on the subdivision side of the arterial street, if the arterial street borders the subdivision, unless the adjacent lots back up to the arterial street, or unless the commission determines that such marginal access streets are not desirable under the facts of a particular case for adequate protection of the lots and separation of through and local traffic.
(10) 
Streets on comprehensive plan.
Where a subdivision embraces a street as shown on a comprehensive plan of the city, such street shall be platted in the location and of the width indicated by the comprehensive plan.
(11) 
Minor streets.
Minor streets shall be laid out so as to discourage their use by through traffic.
(12) 
Pavement widths and rights-of-way.
Pavement widths, which shall be curb back to curb back, and rights-of-way shall be as follows:
(A) 
Arterial streets shall have a right-of-way width of at least 80 feet, with a pavement width of at least 60 feet.
(B) 
Collector streets shall have a right-of-way of at least 70 feet and a pavement width of at least 44 feet.
(C) 
Intermediate streets shall have a right-of-way of at least 60 feet and a pavement width of at least 36 feet.
(D) 
Minor streets shall have a right-of-way of at least 50 feet with a pavement width of at least 31 feet.
(E) 
Nonresidential marginal access streets shall have a right-of-way width of at least 60 feet and a pavement width of at least 36 feet.
(F) 
Residential marginal access streets shall have a right-of-way width of at least 50 feet and a pavement width of at least 31 feet.
(13) 
Pavement and rights-of-way width for adjacent streets.
(A) 
The subdivider shall dedicate a right-of-way of 80 feet in width for new adjacent arterial streets, and 36 feet of such right-of-way shall be paved.
(B) 
New adjacent collector, minor or marginal access streets shall conform to subsection (b)(12) of this section.
(C) 
Where the proposed subdivision abuts upon an existing street or half-street that does not conform to subsection (b)(12) of this section, the subdivider shall dedicate right-of-way sufficient to make the full right-of-way width conform to subsection (b)(12), and there shall be paved so much of such right-of-way as to make the full pavement width comply with subsection (b)(12). Before any pavement is laid to widen existing pavement, the existing pavement shall be cut back 2 feet to assure an adequate sub-base and pavement joint.
(14) 
Curbs.
Curbs shall be installed by the subdivider on both sides of all interior streets, and on the subdivision side of all streets forming part of the boundary of the subdivision.
(c) 
Street lighting.
Street lighting shall be installed by the developer for all new streets within the jurisdiction of the city, and shall be designed and constructed in accordance with city standard details and specifications.
(d) 
Street signage.
Street signs shall be installed by the developer at all intersections within and immediately adjacent to a proposed development, and shall be designed and constructed in accordance with city standard details and specifications.
(e) 
Sidewalks.
Sidewalks shall be installed by the developer on both sides of all streets within and immediately adjacent to a proposed development, and shall be designed and constructed in accordance with city standard details and specifications.
(Ordinance 040, sec. 42, adopted 4/1/2002)
(a) 
Policy.
Developers shall be responsible for providing an approved public water supply system consistent with the master plan, this article and the rules and regulations of the entity providing or to provide water to the development from the Highland Haven Water Supply Corporation.
(1) 
Where an approved public water supply or distribution main is within reasonable distance of the subdivision as determined by the commission, but in no case less than one-half (1/2) mile away and connection to the system is both possible and permissible, the developer shall be required to connect to the system and to bear the cost of connecting the development to such existing water supply. In some instances, the city may request that the main water connection be oversized or rerouted to suit future water system improvements in that area.
(2) 
The developer shall, consistent with all existing ordinances, make a pro-rata contribution to funding of needed storage facilities, treatment facilities, and specific distribution lines as determined necessary by the city. Under extraordinary circumstances, these provisions may be varied with the approval of the board of aldermen and commission.
(b) 
Design.
(1) 
The design and construction of a public water system shall:
(A) 
Comply with regulations covering extension of public water systems adopted by the state commission on environmental quality;
(B) 
Be of sufficient size to furnish adequate domestic water supply and fire protection services to all lots, and to conform with the requirements of the city water system;
(C) 
Be located where maintenance can be accomplished with the least interference with traffic, structures and other utilities;
(D) 
Be designed in an effort to eliminate the need for booster pumps or other similar devices;
(E) 
Not propose water mains less than eight (8) inches in diameter, with consideration for four (4) and six (6) inch pipe in cul-de-sacs and looped streets;
(F) 
Be acceptable, without penalty, to the state fire insurance commission. To that end, the following fire flows shall be required, subject to the resources of the city water system:
(i) 
Principal mercantile and industrial areas, 3,000 gpm;
(ii) 
Light mercantile areas, 1,500 gpm;
(iii) 
Congested residential areas, 750 gpm;
(iv) 
Scattered residential areas, 500 gpm;
(G) 
Include fire hydrants:
(i) 
At a minimum spacing of 600 feet for residential developments;
(ii) 
Within 300 feet of all sides of a nonresidential development;
(iii) 
At the end of all cul-de-sac streets, or similar dead-end water distribution lines; and
(iv) 
For fire flows calculated with twenty (20) pound residual pressure;
(H) 
Include valves on each fire hydrant lead, at each intersection of two (2) or more mains, and valve spacing so that no more than 30 customers will be without water during a shutoff;
(I) 
Be designed and constructed in accordance with city standard details and specifications; and
(J) 
Be designed and constructed to comply with all applicable rules, regulations and policies of the entity that will provide water service to the development.
(2) 
The design of private water systems, if authorized, shall include backflow prevention assemblies for domestic and fire protection systems that are directly or indirectly connected to the city's potable water distribution system.
(Ordinance 040, sec. 43, adopted 4/1/2002; Ordinance adopting Code)
(a) 
Policy.
Developers shall be responsible for providing an approved wastewater system, consistent with the master plan, this article and the rules and regulations of the entity providing or to provide wastewater service to the development, throughout the development, such that all lots, parcels, or tracts of land will be capable of connecting to the wastewater system except as otherwise provided herein.
(1) 
Where an approved public wastewater collection main is within reasonable distance of the subdivision as determined by the commission, but in no case less than one-half (1/2) mile away and connection to the system is both possible and permissible, the developer shall be required to connect to the system and to bear the cost of connecting his development to such existing wastewater system. In some instances, the city may request that the main wastewater connection be oversized or rerouted to suit future wastewater system improvements in that area.
(2) 
The developer shall, consistent with all existing ordinances, make a pro-rata contribution to funding of needed lift station facilities, treatment facilities, and specific collection lines as determined necessary by the city. Under extraordinary circumstances, these provisions may be varied with the approval of the board of aldermen and commission.
(b) 
Design.
The design and construction of wastewater collection systems, lift stations, inverted siphons and septic systems shall comply with regulations covering extension of public wastewater systems, and other applicable regulations, adopted by the state commission on environmental quality and the department of state health services. Under extraordinary circumstances, these provisions may be varied with the approval of the board of aldermen and commission.
(1) 
All new public wastewater systems shall be designed and constructed to operate on a gravity flow basis by taking advantage of natural topographic conditions and thereby reducing the need for lift stations and force mains.
(2) 
Flow determinations should include generally accepted criteria for average daily flow, inflow and infiltration, peaking factors, minimum slopes and minimum flow velocities.
(3) 
The minimum size of any public wastewater line will be six (6) inches in diameter.
(4) 
Public wastewater lines shall be located where maintenance can be accomplished with the least interference with traffic, structures and other utilities. Minimum separation distance from water utilities shall be in accordance with the rules adopted by the state commission on environmental quality.
(5) 
Manholes shall be located so as to facilitate inspection and maintenance, including intersections, horizontal alignment changes, vertical grade changes, change in pipe size or material, and force main discharge points.
(6) 
All wastewater appurtenances shall be designed and constructed in accordance with city standard details and specifications.
(7) 
All wastewater systems shall be designed and constructed to comply with all applicable rules, regulations and policies of the entity that will provide wastewater service to the development.
(Ordinance 040, sec. 44, adopted 4/1/2002; Ordinance adopting Code)
(a) 
Except as provided otherwise in this article, the terms and provisions of the zoning ordinance establishing the minimum lot area, width, setback line, side yard and rear yard requirements for each zoning or use category are incorporated herein by reference. Such regulations and standards shall be applied to property within the city limits based upon the zoning of the property and to property within the extraterritorial jurisdiction based on agreement of, and the land use proposed by, the developer.
(b) 
Blocks.
(1) 
The length, width, and shape of blocks shall meet the following standards:
(A) 
Provide adequate building sites (lots) suitable to the special needs of the type of use designated on the plat;
(B) 
Accommodate lots of the size and dimensions required by this section;
(C) 
Provide for convenient access, circulation, control, and safety of street traffic;
(D) 
Minimize reductions in the capacity of adjacent streets in so far as possible by reducing the number of turning movement conflicts;
(E) 
Provide an appropriate response to the limitations and opportunities of topography; and
(F) 
Increase the ability of building sites (lots) to receive or to be protected from solar gain as the season requires in order to improve utility efficiency and increase the livability of each lot.
(2) 
Residential blocks shall not exceed one thousand three hundred (1,300) feet nor be less than five hundred (500) feet in length, except as otherwise provided for herein.
(3) 
Blocks along arterial streets shall not be less than one thousand six hundred (1,600) feet.
(4) 
The width of blocks shall be sufficient to accommodate two (2) tiers of lots with minimum depth as required by this section, exceptions to this width shall be permitted in blocks adjacent to major streets, railroads, waterways, or other topographical features prohibiting a second lot tier.
(5) 
The commission may, at the preliminary plat phase, require the dedication of an easement or right-of-way not less than ten (10) feet wide bisecting the center of any block in excess of eight hundred (800) feet in length to accommodate utilities, drainage facilities, and/or pedestrian access to greenbelts or park areas.
(6) 
Blocks shall be identified on each plat by consecutive adjacent numbers within each subdivision and portion thereof. Blocks forming a continuation of a previous subdivision block shall continue the block number.
(c) 
Lots.
All land area within the boundaries of the subdivision or resubdivision except that area specifically dedicated as public right-of-way for any purpose shall be designated as a lot.
(1) 
The required lot area, width, building setback line, front, side, street side and rear yard requirements for each lot as established in the zoning ordinance are incorporated herein by reference.
(A) 
Within the city limits such requirements and standards shall be based on the zoning of the property; and
(B) 
Within the extraterritorial jurisdiction, such requirements and standards shall be based on the agreement of, and land use proposed by, the developer.
(2) 
The minimum lot size for all lots shall be 22,000 square feet.
(3) 
Each lot shown on a plat shall be clearly designated by a number located within the boundaries of the lot. The boundaries of each lot shall be shown by bearing and distance in relation to the monuments found or established on the ground in conformance with this article.
(4) 
For developments within the corporate limits of the city, the proposed use for each lot shall be indicated on the plat, and in accordance with the city's zoning ordinance, as currently amended.
(5) 
For developments outside the corporate limits of the city, but within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, the proposed use for each lot shall be indicated on the plat, and consistent with similar uses as defined in city's zoning ordinance, as currently amended.
(6) 
All lots shall be rectangular, except when the street alignment is curved, in order to conform with other provisions of this article.
(7) 
No lot shall have a corner intersection of less than forty-five (45) degrees.
(8) 
The ratio of average depth to average width shall not exceed two and one-half to one (2.5:1) nor be less than one and one-half to one (1.5:1) unless the lot is at least one and one-half (1.5) times the required lot size, unless both the depth and width of the lot exceed the minimums required in this article, and the city finds that the proposed lot dimensions are consistent with surrounding development and the master plan.
(9) 
All lots shall face and have contiguous frontage on a usable, dedicated public road right-of-way except lots within a PUD which may have similar frontage on a private street under common ownership. The extent of this frontage (front line) shall conform to the minimum lot width requirements set forth in the city's zoning ordinance.
(10) 
Except as otherwise approved through the granting of a variance, all lots shall face a similar lot across the street.
(11) 
Lot lines common to the street right-of-way line shall be the front line. Side lot lines shall project away from the front line at approximately at right angles to street lines and radial to curved street lines. The rear line shall be opposite and approximately parallel to the front line.
(A) 
The length and bearing of all lot lines shall be indicated on the plat; and
(B) 
Wherever feasible, lots arranged such that the rear line of a lot or lots is also the side line of an adjacent lot shall be avoided. When this occurs, ten (10) feet shall be added to the minimum lot width and the side building line adjacent to the rear yard of another lot.
(12) 
Lot area, width, and depth shall conform to the requirements as established in the zoning ordinance. For developments outside the corporate limits of the city, but within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, lot size shall be consistent with similar uses as defined in the zoning ordinance.
(13) 
Double frontage lots.
(A) 
Residential lots shall not take access on two (2) non-intersecting local and/or collector streets; and
(B) 
Residential lots adjacent to an arterial street shall also have frontage on a local street. Vehicular access to these lots shall be from the local street only. Nonresidential lots with double frontage shall have offset access points to inhibit cut-through traffic.
(14) 
Reverse frontage lots.
Residential lots with rear yards facing highways, access roads, and major or minor arterial streets should be at least 130 feet in depth so as to provide adequate rear yard area for screening and buffering of the rear of the structure, as required by this article.
(15) 
Corner lots.
(A) 
Lots having frontage on two (2) or more intersecting streets shall be classified as corner lots;
(B) 
Corner lots adjacent to streets of equal classification shall have only one (1) access driveway on either of the intersecting streets, except as otherwise approved by the commission;
(C) 
Corner lots adjacent to streets of unequal classification shall access the lower classification street only and only one (1) drive approach shall be allowed, except as otherwise approved by the commission;
(D) 
Corner lots shall contain at least one (1) street side building setback line; and
(E) 
Corner residential lots shall be ten (10) feet wider than the average interior lot on the same block.
(16) 
Building setback lines.
(A) 
Each lot shall have a building setback line, which runs parallel to the property line.
(B) 
The front and rear building setback lines shall run between the side lot lines.
(C) 
The side building setback lines, and street side building setback lines for corner lots, shall extend from the front building setback line to the rear building setback line.
(D) 
The building setback line for each designated lot shall conform to the city's zoning ordinance, as currently amended. For developments outside the corporate limits of the city, but within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, building setback lines shall be consistent with similar uses as defined in the zoning ordinance.
(E) 
All building setback lines shall be indicated on the subdivision plat. For nonresidential developments, a note stating that "all building setback lines shall be in accordance with the City's current Zoning Ordinance" shall be placed on the subdivision plat.
(17) 
Yard areas.
The area between the property line and the front, side or rear building setback line shall be the required front, side and rear yard areas, respectively.
(A) 
No structure or impervious construction shall be allowed in the front yard area except for fences, driveways, sidewalks, utility distribution lines and appurtenances within dedicated easements and rights-of-way, and/or drainage structures; and
(B) 
No structures or impervious construction shall be allowed in required side or rear building setback areas except for the following accessory structures on one (1), two (2) or three (3) family residential lots:
(i) 
Swimming pools located at least three (3) feet from the property line and screened by a six (6) foot tall privacy fence;
(ii) 
Playscapes not taller than nine (9) feet above mean grade, located at least three (3) feet from the property line and screened by a six (6) foot tall privacy fence;
(iii) 
Satellite dishes or telecommunications devices not taller than nine (9) feet above mean grade, located at least three (3) feet from the property line and screened by a six (6) foot tall privacy fence; and/or
(iv) 
Driveways to side entry garages.
(18) 
Lot access.
(A) 
A minimum of one (1) all-weather access area (either individually, or common to more than one lot) or driveway shall be provided for lot connecting the lot to an existing or proposed dedicated public street. An exception may be made for lots within a planned unit development which may have similar access to a private street. Each lot shall front upon a public street or, in the case of a planned unit development, have access by way of access easement sufficient to meet the requirements of the Standard Fire Prevention Code.
(B) 
All driveway approaches shall be constructed to conform with the provisions of this article, and the city standard details and specifications.
(19) 
Lot numbering.
(A) 
All lots are to be numbered consecutively within each block. Lot numbering may be cumulative throughout the subdivision if the numbering continues from block to block in a uniform manner that has been approved on an overall preliminary plat.
(B) 
Any lot(s) being resubdivided shall be renumbered utilizing the original lot number, followed by a letter designation starting with A.
(20) 
Lot easements.
Public utility easements on side and rear lot lines shall be required as needed to accommodate public utility and drainage appurtenances, and as specified in this article.
(21) 
Lot drainage.
Lot drainage shall be in conformance with the requirements of this article.
(Ordinance 040, sec. 45, adopted 4/1/2002)
(a) 
All existing and proposed easements, safety lanes, and rights-of-way shall be clearly indicated on the plat or plan, as well as an indication to the use of each easement or right-of-way.
(b) 
No permanent structure may be placed in or over any easement or right-of-way except a structure whose use and location are necessary to the designated use of the right-of-way or easement or which otherwise will not affect the use, maintenance or repair of such easement.
(c) 
The width and alignment of all easements or rights-of-way to be dedicated shall be determined by the city engineer, any applicable utility provider and the commission, and approved by the commission, and shall be accompanied by a notarized statement of dedication on the plat.
(d) 
Easements shall be established and dedicated for all public utility and drainage appurtenances, including common access areas, and other public uses requiring dedication of property rights.
(e) 
In so far as practicable, easements shall not be centered on a property line, but shall be located entirely on one (1) side of a lot.
(Ordinance 040, sec. 46, adopted 4/1/2002)
(a) 
Purpose.
For the purpose of providing for the orderly, safe, attractive and healthful development of land located within the community and promoting the health, safety and general welfare of the community, it is deemed necessary to require the installation and maintenance of landscaping elements and other means of site improvements in developed properties.
(b) 
Requirements.
A minimum percentage of the total lot area of property on which development occurs after the effective date of this article, shall be devoted to landscape development in accordance with the following schedule.
(1) 
Single-family, 20%.
(2) 
Multi-family structures, 20%.
(3) 
Office and professional uses, 15%.
(4) 
Commercial uses, 15%.
(5) 
Industrial or manufacturing, 10%.
(c) 
Areas landscaped.
The landscaping shall be placed upon that portion of a tract or lot that is being developed. Fifty percent (50%) of the required landscaped area and plantings shall be installed between the front property lines and the building being constructed. Undeveloped portions of a tract or lot shall not be considered landscaped, except as specifically approved by the commission. Landscaping placed within public rights-of-way shall not fulfill the minimum landscape requirements by this section.
(d) 
Screening requirements.
(1) 
In addition to the landscaping requirements of this section, the screening of off-street parking, loading spaces and docks, refuse and outside storage areas, satellite dishes larger than 18 inches in diameter, antennas, mechanical equipment, and the rear of structures on reverse frontage lots must be screened from view from the street or public rights-of-way.
(2) 
Approved screening techniques include privacy fences, evergreen vegetative screens, landscape berms, existing vegetation or any combination thereof.
(3) 
Privacy fences.
(A) 
All fences along a common property boundary shall be less than or equal to six (6) feet in height.
(B) 
Fences less than or equal to eight (8) feet in height shall be allowed for impeding access to hazardous facilities including, but not limited to, electrical substations, swimming pools and chemical or equipment storage yards; where the slope of a line drawn perpendicular to the fence line averages twenty percent (20%) or more on either side of the fence over a distance no less than fifteen (15) feet; or where the fence forms a continuous perimeter around a subdivision and the design of said perimeter fence is approved by the commission.
(C) 
Fences less than or equal to three (3) feet in height shall be allowed in front yards for lots one (1) acre in size, or less, or as otherwise approved by the commission.
(D) 
No fence or other structure more than thirty percent (30%) solid or more than three (3) feet high shall be located within twenty-five (25) feet of the intersection of any rights-of-way.
(E) 
All fences shall be constructed to maintain structural integrity against natural forces such as wind, rain and temperature variations.
(F) 
The finished side of all fences built to comply with these regulations shall face away from the screened object.
(4) 
Evergreen vegetative screens. Evergreen plant materials shall be shrubs, at least thirty (30) inches in height and at a minimum spacing of 48 inches at the time of installation, in combination with landscape trees fulfilling the requirements of this section.
(5) 
Landscape berms, in combination with trees, shall fulfill the screening requirements of this section if the berms are at least three (3) feet in height and have maximum side slopes of four (4) feet of horizontal run for every one (1) foot in vertical rise.
(6) 
Existing vegetation, demonstrating significant visual screening capabilities and as approved by the commission, shall fulfill the requirements of this section.
(Ordinance 040, sec. 47, adopted 4/1/2002)
(a) 
Dedication of public park land required.
It shall be required that a developer of any residential subdivision within the city's territorial jurisdiction set aside and dedicate to the public sufficient and suitable lands for the purpose of public park land or make an in-lieu financial contribution for the acquisition of such park land and/or improvements and amenities in accordance with the provisions of this article.
(1) 
All plats receiving final plat approval based on this article shall conform to the requirements of this section.
(2) 
The board of aldermen and developer may negotiate the combination of public parkland dedication and/or payment of fees-in-lieu of required parkland to satisfy the provisions of this article.
(A) 
In the event the subdivider offers to dedicate land for a public park classification that is defined in the master plan, that meets the design standards of this article, and that is three (3) or more acres in size, the city shall be obligated to accept the park land dedication; provided that the board of aldermen may waive such requirement, or may designate a different tract or parcel to be dedicated.
(B) 
Where a subdivider proposes to pay an in-lieu-fee as provided for in this section, the board of aldermen may accept such payment as satisfying the park land dedication requirements of this article, except that the city reserves the right to require the dedication of land for public park purposes in accordance with this section when one (1) or more acres of land would be required to satisfy the park land dedication requirements of this article.
(b) 
Formula for calculating area of parkland.
The acreage of park land to be contributed prior to final approval by the board of aldermen of any residential subdivision shall be equal to one (1) acre for each one hundred (100) new dwelling units projected to occupy the fully developed subdivision, or 5% of the total project area, whichever is greater.
(c) 
Fee payment in-lieu of parkland dedication.
When the amount of land required to be contributed is less than three (3) acres, the board of aldermen may require the developer to pay a fee-in-lieu of parkland dedication.
(1) 
Where the payment of a fee-in-lieu of park land dedication is required or acceptable to the board of aldermen as provided for in this article, such fee shall be in an amount equal to two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) per new dwelling unit projected to occupy the fully developed subdivision.
(2) 
The developer shall tender and pay over to the city said fee prior to recordation of the final plat.
(d) 
Subdivision changes.
In the event a developer obtains commission approval to deviate from the approved preliminary plat thereby increasing the number of dwelling units projected, or where the use of property is changed from a nonresidential use to a residential use, the owner or developer shall be obligated to provide additional land or fee provide the park land or amenities required for the additional dwellings prior to the city approving the final plat for recordation.
(e) 
Final platting of a portion of an approved preliminary plat.
Whenever a developer applies for approval of a final plat which contains only a portion of the land encompassed in the approved preliminary plat, the developer's park land contribution shall be based on the ultimate number of dwelling units shown on the approved preliminary plat, and shall be satisfied prior to city approval of the first final plat.
(f) 
Design standards for parkland.
Any land to be dedicated as park land shall be reasonably located near the geographic center of the development, adaptable for use as a public park and recreation facility as defined by the master plan, and designed and located so as to satisfy the following general requirements:
(1) 
The dedicated land should form a single parcel or tract of land at least three (3) acres in size unless it is determined that a smaller tract would be in the public interest, or that additional contiguous land will be reasonably available for dedication to or purchase by the city.
(2) 
Public access to public parkland delineated on a preliminary plat shall be ensured by provision of at least fifty (50) feet of street frontage, in a manner satisfactory to the city. Likewise, adequate space for public parking should also be considered.
(3) 
At the time the land abutting the delineated areas is developed, the developer of such abutting land shall construct streets along all abutting street frontage, and shall provide water and wastewater utilities to the boundary of one (1) side of the delineated area to meet minimum requirements of this article.
(4) 
The land to be dedicated to meet the requirements of this article should be suitable for public parks and recreation activities. In that regard, fifty percent (50%) of the dedicated land area should not exceed five percent (5%) grade. The master plan for the city shall be considered when evaluating land proposals for dedication.
(5) 
Any disturbed parkland shall be restored and the soil stabilized by vegetative cover by the developer.
(6) 
Areas within the regulatory one hundred (100) year floodplain may be utilized to partially meet the parkland dedication requirements. Areas in the one hundred (100) year floodplain may constitute up to fifty percent (50%) of the requirement of land dedication; provided that credit may not be obtained for such land that is also dedicated for another public purpose.
(7) 
The location of parkland may be required at the edge of a subdivision so that additional land may be added at such time as adjacent land is subdivided or acquired for public use. Otherwise a centralized location is preferred.
(8) 
City staff shall make recommendations based upon the park land design standards and the provisions contained herein, concerning the amount and location of park land, credit for private park land and/or facilities, credit for land in the one hundred (100) year floodplain, and fees-in-lieu of park land dedication.
(9) 
All park areas and playground equipment shall be in accordance with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, Publication 325, as currently amended.
(g) 
Neighborhood park land credit.
Where park areas and recreational facilities are to be provided in a proposed subdivision, and where such areas and facilities are to be privately owned and maintained by the future residents of the subdivision, these areas and facilities shall satisfy the requirements of park land dedication if the following standards are met:
(1) 
That the private ownership and maintenance of such areas and facilities are adequately provided for by recorded written agreement, conveyance, or restrictions.
(2) 
That the use of such areas and facilities are restricted for park and recreational purposes by a recorded covenant, which runs with the land in favor of the future owners of property and which cannot be defeated or eliminated without the consent of the board of aldermen.
(3) 
That such areas and facilities are reasonably similar to what would be required to meet public park and recreational needs, taking into consideration such factors as size, shape, topography, geology, access, and location.
(4) 
That such areas and facilities for which credit is given shall include improvements for the basic needs of a local park. These improvements shall include one (1) or more of the following: children's play areas, picnic areas, game court areas, turf play fields, swimming pools, recreational buildings, trails (sidewalks, walkways or bike trails), and landscaped sitting areas.
(h) 
Park fund established.
A separate fund to be entitled "park fund" shall be and is hereby created and the money paid by developers at final plat approval in-lieu of the dedication of land and interest thereon, shall be held in said fund in trust to be used solely and exclusively for the purpose of purchasing and/or equipping public park and recreational land. Such fund shall be invested or held in an interest-bearing account and all earnings and interest shall accrue to the park fund.
(1) 
At such time as the board of aldermen, based upon the recommendations of the commission and/or city staff determines that there are sufficient funds derived from a certain area in the park fund to purchase usable park land, the board of aldermen shall cause negotiations to be undertaken to purchase the site by mutual agreement or by condemnation proceedings. In making such determination for the purchase of said site, the conditions of this article shall be taken into consideration.
(2) 
The principal and interest deposited and kept in the park fund shall be used solely for the purpose of purchasing and/or equipping or improving land for public park and recreation uses, and shall never be used for maintaining or operating public park facilities, or for any other purpose.
(i) 
Method of dedication.
Land accepted for dedication under the requirements of this article shall be conveyed by either of the following methods:
(1) 
By dedication within the plat to be filed for record in official county records.
(2) 
By warranty deed transferring the property in fee simple to the city.
(3) 
In any event, land must be free and clear of any mortgages or liens at the time of such dedication or conveyance.
(Ordinance 040, sec. 48, adopted 4/1/2002; Ordinance adopting Code)