Any land being divided into four or fewer lots, tracts or parcels that has not been divided through a short subdivision within the previous five years shall meet the requirements of this article. Land within an approved short subdivision may not be further divided in any manner within a period of five years without the filing of a long plat. However, when a short plat contains fewer than four parcels, the owner of the short plat may file an alteration within the five-year period to create up to four lots within the boundaries of the original short plat; provided, that the parcel is not held in common ownership with a contiguous parcel which has been subdivided within the preceding five years.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
To be considered complete, applications for short subdivisions shall include the following information:
(1) 
Applications for short subdivisions shall be made on forms provided by DCD and shall be submitted to DCD, along with the appropriate fees established under the Jefferson County fee ordinance;
(2) 
A completed land use permit application form, including all materials required pursuant to Chapter 18.40 JCC;
(3) 
A sworn certification by the applicant verifying whether the applicant has any interest in any land adjacent to any portion of the subject property; such interest in land may be by reason of ownership, contract for purchase by an agreement or option by any person, family member, firm or corporation in any manner connected with the applicant or the development;
(4) 
The dimensions and area of each proposed lot, tract or parcel to accurately show that each lot, tract or parcel contains sufficient area to satisfy the minimum requirements of Chapter 18.15 JCC; provided, that the area of land contained in access easements, access panhandles or pipestem configurations shall not be included in the area computations;
(5) 
Five paper copies of a preliminary short plat meeting the standards of JCC § 18.35.110 and § 18.35.120;
(6) 
Where applicable, any special reports or studies required under Chapter 18.22 JCC (Critical Areas);
(7) 
A preliminary drainage plan prepared in a manner consistent with the requirements of Chapter 18.30 JCC, including any soil test information that may be deemed necessary by the director of the department of public works;
(8) 
The estimated quantities of any fill to be expected from the site and imported to the site; and
(9) 
Documentation of water availability and adequacy for each parcel affected sufficient to meet the requirements of JCC § 18.30.030.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 11-23 § 8 (Att. A); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
The preliminary short plat shall be prepared in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) 
The preliminary short plat shall be prepared by a Washington State licensed engineer or land surveyor registered or licensed by the state of Washington. The preparer shall certify on the short plat that it is a true and correct representation of the land actually surveyed. The preparation of the plat shall comply with the Survey Recording Act, Chapter 58.09 RCW and Chapter 332-130 WAC, as now adopted or hereafter amended. Upon surveying the property, the surveyor shall place temporary stakes on the property to enable the county to locate and assess features of the short plat in the field. The datum to be used for all surveying and mapping shall be as follows: The projection name is the state plane; the projection spheroid is GRS 1980; the coordinate system is Washington State Plane North Zone; and the horizontal datum is NAD 83.
(2) 
All geographic information portrayed by the preliminary short plat shall be accurate, legible and drawn to a horizontal scale of 50 feet or fewer to the inch, except that the location sketch and typical roadway cross-sections may be drawn to any other appropriate scale.
(3) 
A preliminary short plat shall be 18 by 24 inches in size, allowing one-half inch borders, and if more than one sheet is needed, each sheet shall be numbered consecutively and an index sheet showing the entire property and orienting the other sheets, at any appropriate scale, shall be provided. In addition to other map submittals, the applicant shall submit one copy of each sheet reduced to 8-1/2 inches by 11-1/2 inches in size. If more than one sheet is required, an index sheet showing the entire subdivision with road and highway names and block numbers (if any) shall be provided. Each sheet, including the index sheet, shall be of the above specified size.
(4) 
The area of each proposed lot, tract or parcel on the short plat map shall accurately show that each lot, tract or parcel contains sufficient area to satisfy minimum zoning requirements. The area of land contained in access easements, access panhandles or pipestem configurations shall not be included in the area computations.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
(1) 
A preliminary short plat shall be submitted on one or more sheets and shall provide the information described below. All specifications for required improvements shall conform to the development standards contained in Chapter 18.30 JCC.
(a) 
The name of the proposed subdivisions together with the words "Preliminary Short Plat";
(b) 
The name and address of the applicant;
(c) 
The name, address, stamp and signature of the professional engineer or professional land surveyor who prepared the preliminary plat;
(d) 
Numeric scale (50 feet or fewer to the inch), graphic scale, true north point, and date of preparation;
(e) 
Identification of all land intended to be cleared, and the location of the proposed access to the site for clearing and grading during site development or construction; and
(f) 
A form for the endorsement of the administrator, as follows:
APPROVED BY JEFFERSON COUNTY
______________________
Department of Community
Development Administrator
______
Date
(2) 
The preliminary plat shall contain a vicinity sketch sufficient to define the location and boundaries of the proposed subdivision with respect to surrounding property, roads, and other major constructed and natural features.
(3) 
Except as otherwise specified in this chapter, the preliminary short plat shall contain the following existing geographic features, drawn lightly in relation to proposed geographic features:
(a) 
The boundaries of the property to be subdivided, and the boundaries of any adjacent property under the same ownership as the land to be subdivided, to be indicated by bold lines;
(b) 
The names of all adjoining property owners, or names of adjoining developers;
(c) 
All existing property lines lying within the proposed subdivision, including lot lines for lots of record which are to be vacated, and all existing property lines for any property adjacent to the subject property which is under the same ownership as the property to be subdivided (as described in JCC § 18.35.110(3)) shall be shown in broken lines;
(d) 
The location, right-of-way widths, pavement widths and names of all existing or platted roads, whether public or private, and other public ways within 200 feet of the property to be divided;
(e) 
The location, widths and purposes of any existing easements lying within or adjacent to the proposed subdivision;
(f) 
The location, size and invert elevation of sanitary sewer lines and stormwater management facilities lying within or adjacent to the proposed subdivision or those that will be connected to the subdivision as part of the proposal (if applicable);
(g) 
The location and size of existing water system facilities including all fire hydrants lying within or adjacent to the proposed subdivision or those which will be connected to as part of the proposed subdivision (if applicable);
(h) 
The location, size and description of any other underground and overhead facilities lying within or adjacent to the proposed subdivision (if applicable);
(i) 
The location of any critical areas as described in Chapter 18.22 JCC;
(j) 
The location of existing sections and municipal corporation boundary lines lying within or adjacent to the proposed subdivision;
(k) 
The location of any well and associated setbacks existing within the proposed subdivision;
(l) 
The location of any individual or on-site sewage disposal system existing within the proposed subdivision;
(m) 
Existing contour lines at intervals of five feet, labeled at intervals not to exceed 20 feet;
(n) 
The location of any existing structures lying within the proposed subdivision; existing structures to be removed shall be indicated by broken lines, and existing structures not to be removed shall be indicated by solid lines.
(4) 
The preliminary plat shall show the following proposed geographic features:
(a) 
The boundaries in bold solid lines of any proposed lots, tracts or parcels, the area and dimensions of each proposed lot, tract or parcel, and the proposed identifying number or letter to be assigned to each lot, tract or parcel, and block (if applicable);
(b) 
The right-of-way location and width, the proposed name of each road, street or other public way to be created and the estimated tentative grades of such roads; where roadways may exceed the maximum allowable grade or alignment, the director of the department of public works may require sufficient data, including centerline profiles and cross-sections, if necessary, to determine the feasibility of said roadway;
(c) 
The location, width and purpose of each easement to be created;
(d) 
The boundaries, dimensions and area of public and common park and open space areas;
(e) 
Identification of all areas proposed to be dedicated for public use, together with the purpose and any condition of dedication;
(f) 
Proposed final contour lines at intervals of five feet; final contour lines shall be indicated by solid lines; contour lines shall be labeled in intervals not to exceed 20 feet;
(g) 
The building envelope, as defined in JCC § 18.10.020, shall be indicated for each lot;
(h) 
Proposed monumentation;
(i) 
Proposed location and description of all individual or community wells, or water system improvements, including fire hydrants (if applicable);
(j) 
Proposed location and description of all sewage disposal improvements, including (if applicable) profiles and all pump stations and their connections to the existing system;
(k) 
Proposed location and description of all stormwater management improvements;
(l) 
Proposed road cross-sections, showing bicycle and pedestrian pathways, trails and sidewalks (if applicable);
(m) 
Proposed type and location of road lighting (if applicable);
(n) 
Proposed type and location of landscaping (if applicable);
(o) 
Proposed location and description of transit stops and shelters (if applicable);
(p) 
Proposed covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) on development (if applicable).
(5) 
Upon review of an application, the administrator may require additional pertinent information, as deemed necessary, to satisfy any other regulatory requirements. The administrator may also waive specific submittal requirements determined to be unnecessary for review of an application. In such event, the administrator shall document the waiver in the project file or log.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 14-18 § 4 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
In addition to the review criteria provided in Chapter 18.40 JCC, the following criteria are the minimum measures by which each proposed short subdivision will be considered:
(1) 
Short subdivisions shall be given preliminary approval, including preliminary approval subject to conditions, upon finding by the administrator that all of the following have been satisfied:
(a) 
The proposed subdivision conforms to all applicable county, state and federal zoning, land use, environmental and health regulations and plans, including but not limited to the following:
(i) 
The Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan; and
(ii) 
The provisions of this code, including any incorporated standards;
(b) 
Utilities and other public services necessary to serve the needs of the proposed subdivision shall be made available, including open spaces, drainage ways, roads, streets and other public ways, potable water, transit facilities, sewage disposal, parks, playgrounds, schools, sidewalks and other improvements to assure safe walking conditions for students who walk to and from school;
(c) 
Approving the proposed short subdivision will serve the public use and interest and adequate provision has been made for the public health, safety and general welfare.
(2) 
Notwithstanding the approval criteria set forth in subsection (1) of this section, in accordance with RCW 58.17.120, as now adopted and hereafter amended, a proposed subdivision may be denied because of flood, inundation or swamp conditions. Where any portion of the proposed short subdivision lies within both a flood control zone, as specified by Chapter 86.16 RCW, and either the 100-year floodplain or the regulatory floodway, the county shall not approve the preliminary short plat unless:
(a) 
The applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the administrator that no feasible alternative exists to locating lots and building envelopes within the 100-year floodplain; and
(b) 
It imposes a condition requiring the applicant to comply with Article VI-F of Chapter 18.15 JCC and any written recommendations of the Washington State Department of Ecology. In such cases, the county shall issue no development permit associated with the proposed short subdivision until flood control problems have been resolved.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
(1) 
An application for a short subdivision shall be processed according to the procedures for Type II land use decisions established in Chapter 18.40 JCC.
(2) 
The administrator shall solicit comments from the director of the department of public works, the chief of the fire district in which the proposal is located, local utility providers, sheriff, building official, school district in which the proposal is located, adjacent jurisdictions if the proposal is within one mile of a city or other jurisdiction, Washington State Department of Transportation if the proposal is adjacent to a state highway, and any other local, state or federal officials as may be necessary.
(3) 
Based on comments from county departments, applicable agencies and other information, the administrator shall review the proposal subject to the criteria contained in JCC § 18.35.130. A proposed short plat shall only be approved when consistent with all the provisions of JCC § 18.35.130.
(4) 
An applicant for a short subdivision may request that certain requirements established or referenced by this chapter be modified. Such requests shall be processed according to the procedures for variances in Chapter 18.40 JCC, and shall satisfy the criteria contained in Article IV of Chapter 18.40 JCC, Variances.
(5) 
Pursuant to RCW 84.56.345, current year and any delinquent taxes must be paid before the approval of a short subdivision.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 14-18 § 4 (Exh. B); Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
(1) 
Minor modifications to a previously approved preliminary short plat may be requested by the applicant and approved by the administrator subject to the provisions for Type I decisions in Chapter 18.40 JCC; provided, that the modification does not involve any of the following:
(a) 
The location or relocation of a road or street;
(b) 
The creation of an additional lot, tract or parcel;
(c) 
The creation of a lot, tract or parcel that does not qualify as a buildable lot pursuant to this code;
(d) 
The relocation of an entire lot, tract or parcel from one parent parcel into another parent parcel.
(2) 
Before approving such an amendment, the administrator shall make written findings and conclusions documenting the following conditions:
(a) 
The modification will not be inconsistent or cause the short subdivision to be inconsistent with the decision of the county preliminarily approving the application;
(b) 
The modification will not violate the intent of the original conditions of application approval; and
(c) 
The modification will not cause the short subdivision to violate any applicable county policy or regulation.
(3) 
Modifications that involve the circumstances described in subsection (1) of this section, or exceed the criteria set forth in subsection (2) of this section, shall be processed as a new preliminary short plat application.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
Subdivision applicants may be required to post a surety guaranteeing completion of subdivision improvements within one year of final plat approval. The surety shall be for 200 percent of the cost of construction of those improvements estimated by a licensed engineer. Surety shall be in a form acceptable to Jefferson County. In the event that the applicant does not complete construction within one year, Jefferson County shall be authorized to complete the construction and pay for the work from the surety account. Surety shall not be accepted for developing potable water sources. Surety may only be released only after inspection by Jefferson County.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
No permit for the construction of improvements within an approved subdivision shall be issued by the county until the improvement method report, all construction drawings, proposed performance guarantees, and other submittals in conformance with the development standards contained in Chapter 18.30 JCC and any incorporated standards have been received and approved by the director of the department of public works. All construction of improvements shall be inspected and approved in conformance with the development standards contained in Chapter 18.30 JCC and any incorporated standards. After completion of all required improvements or the guarantee of the construction of all required improvements, the director of the department of public works shall submit a certificate in triplicate to the administrator stating the required improvements or guarantees are in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, the preliminary short plat, including the county's decision approving the short plat, and in accordance with the development standards contained in Chapter 18.30 JCC and any incorporated standards. The administrator shall transmit one copy of the certification to the subdivider, together with a notice advising the subdivider to prepare a final plat for the proposed short subdivision. The administrator shall retain one copy of the certificate.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
The applicant must submit a reproducible copy, plus five paper copies of the proposed final short plat to the administrator. The reproducible copy of the approved final short plat will contain the elements as described in JCC § 18.35.120 and shall include certifications and other requirements as provided in JCC § 18.35.370 for long plats.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
(1) 
In cases where any restrictive deed covenants or CC&Rs will apply to lots or parcels within a subdivision, a type written copy of such covenants, bearing all necessary signatures, shall be submitted along with the final plat. Where the recordation of specific deed restrictions or CC&R provisions have been required as a condition of preliminary plat approval, the administrator shall approve and sign the deed restriction or CC&Rs prior to final plat approval.
(2) 
The final plat shall be accompanied by a current (i.e., within 30 days) title company certification of the following:
(a) 
The legal description of the total parcel sought to be subdivided;
(b) 
Those individuals or corporations holding an ownership interest and any security interest (such as deeds or trust or mortgages) or any other encumbrances affecting the title of said parcel. Such individuals or corporations shall sign and approve the final plat prior to final approval;
(c) 
Any lands to be dedicated shall be confirmed as being owned in fee title by the owner(s) signing the dedication certificate;
(d) 
Any easements or restrictions affecting the property to be subdivided with a description of purpose and referenced by the auditor's file number and/or recording number; and
(e) 
If lands are to be dedicated or conveyed to the county as part of the subdivision, an American Land Title Association (A.L.T.A.) policy may be required by the director of the department of public works.
(3) 
All maintenance, performance and guarantee bonds or other guarantees as may be required by the director of the department of public works and the approved improvement method report to guarantee the acceptability and/or performance of all required improvements.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
The final short plat shall be approved by the administrator upon satisfaction of all conditions of approval and all requirements as provided in this article and Article VI of this chapter. Final approval of short plats by the Jefferson County board of county commissioners shall be required. All final short plats shall be approved, disapproved or returned to the applicant within 30 days of their filing, unless the applicant consents to an extension of time in writing.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
Approval of a preliminary short plat shall expire unless the applicant submits a proposed final plat in proper form for final approval within three years after preliminary approval. The department of community development shall not be responsible for notifying the applicant of an impending expiration.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
Any lots, tracts or parcels in a final short plat filed for record shall be a valid land use notwithstanding any change in zoning for a period of five years from the date of filing. A short subdivision shall be governed by the terms of approval of the final short plat, and the statutes, ordinances and regulations in effect on the date of preliminary plat approval for a period of five years after final short plat approval unless the Jefferson County board of commissioners finds that a change in conditions creates a serious threat to the public health or safety of residents within or outside the short subdivision.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
The administrator shall distribute the original and copies of the approved final short plat as follows:
(1) 
The original shall be returned to the applicant after it has been forwarded to the county auditor for recording; and
(2) 
One recorded paper copy shall be retained in the files of the department of community development.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
Whenever any parcel of land lying within the county is divided under the provisions of this article relating to short subdivisions, no person, firm, or corporation shall sell or transfer any such lot, tract or parcel without having first received final approval of the short plat and having recorded the final short plat with the Jefferson County auditor. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that a final short plat is fully certified and filed for record with the Jefferson County auditor prior to transferring ownership of any land.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
(1) 
No building permit for a structure other than a temporary contractor's office or temporary storage building shall be issued for a lot or parcel within an approved short subdivision prior to a determination by the relevant fire district chief or designee that adequate fire protection and access for construction needs exists.
(2) 
No building permit for a structure other than a temporary contractor's office or temporary storage building shall be issued for a lot or parcel within an approved short subdivision until the applicant complies with the improvement method report, all requirements of the department of public works certificate of improvements, and all requirements of the final plat approval.
(3) 
No occupancy permit for a structure other than a temporary contractor's office or other approved temporary building shall be issued for a structure on a lot or parcel within an approved subdivision prior to final inspection and approval of all required improvements which will serve such lot or parcel to the satisfaction of the director of the department of public works and county building official.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))
Accumulative short plats are not permitted. The short subdivision process may not be used to apply for a series of short plats within two years from any application, thereby circumventing the long subdivision procedures.
(Ord. 8-06 § 1; Ord. 9-24 § 3 (App. A (Exh. 2)))