This article summarizes the general procedures for the submission and review of proposed subdivisions and land developments. This article is only a general explanation and is not binding on the City or an applicant. See the actual provisions of the other articles of this chapter.
A. 
Review and approval stages. Three types of plan submissions are established: Sketch, Preliminary, and Final, as outlined below.
Stage
Article of this chapter
Type of Proposed Subdivision or Land Development*
Land Development
Major Subdivision
Minor Subdivision or Lot Line Adjustment
Sketch plan
Article IV
Recommended
Recommended
Recommended
Preliminary plan***
Article V
Required****
Required***
Not Required**
Final plan
Article VI
Required
Required
Required
Guarantee of improvements installation
Article VIII
Recording of final plan
Article IX
*
See definitions in Article II.
**
See Article VII for Minor Subdivision Final Plan submission and review requirements. See § 490-39 for submission requirements for a lot line adjustment.
***
At their option, the Planning Commission may grant combined Preliminary/Final Plan approval if the preliminary plan submission meets the requirements of a final plan submission and if the Planning Commission determines that there are no outstanding matters.
****
Except where exempted by § 490-29.
B. 
Sketch plan. While a Sketch Plan is not required, it is strongly recommended that it be filed to allow the applicant to consult early and informally with the Planning Commission before preparing a Preliminary Plan. This will often avoid expensive redesign and delay to the applicant.
C. 
Preliminary Plan. Preliminary Plans are required to be submitted for any major subdivision and for certain land developments, as described above.
D. 
Final plan. After approval of the Preliminary Plan of a major subdivision or certain land developments, and to obtain approval of a minor subdivision, the applicant files a Final Plan. A Final Plan must be approved prior to recording of the plans by the County and prior to the sale of any lots or the construction of any buildings (see Article IX).
E. 
Guarantee of improvements installation. Where improvements are required by this chapter, in most cases, the City will require that the applicant enter into an improvement agreement including the posting of financial security sufficient to guarantee the costs of any improvements which may be required. See Article VIII.
A. 
Submission. Sketch, Preliminary and Final Plans and all required accompanying information are required to be submitted to the Planning Director or his/her designee.
B. 
Attendance. The applicant or his/her duly authorized representative should endeavor to attend the Commission meeting to discuss the filed plans. If the applicant fails to appear at a meeting where the plans will be considered, it may result in plan disapproval, if the City determines that it resulted in insufficient information to render approval.
C. 
Action by the planning commission. The Planning Commission has the authority to approve or deny those plans. There are time limits in State law for approval of a subdivision or land development, unless the applicant grants a time extension.