A. 
A preliminary plat is a conceptual plan for a development. It shows the proposed development and amenities. To be considered for preliminary plat approval, an applicant must submit the following to the clerk-treasurer, in accordance with Section 15.08.070:
1. 
A completed preliminary plat application form, as provided by the city;
2. 
Ten (10) copies of the preliminary plat, with appropriate additional information as specified by the application form;
3. 
A SEPA Environmental Checklist;
4. 
A preliminary erosion control plan, in accordance with 15.78.040; and
5. 
An application fee (see current fee schedule).
B. 
The clerk-treasurer will forward items in subsections A1—4 above to the city planner.
(Ord. 627 (part), 1999)
The city planner must provide a notice of application in accordance with Section 15.08.090. In addition:
A. 
Notice of the filing of a preliminary plat of a proposed subdivision that is in the city and next to the municipal boundary will be sent to the Pacific County department of community development;
B. 
Notice of the filing of a preliminary plat of a proposed subdivision that is adjacent to the right-of-way of a state highway or within two miles of the boundary of a state or municipal airport will be given to the State Department of Transportation District Manager.
C. 
The District Manager must respond to the city within fifteen (15) days of the notice as to the effect that the proposed subdivision will have on the state highway or state or municipal airport. If no response has been received in fifteen (15) days, the city planner will hold approval processing of the proposal until a response from WASHTA has been received.
(Ord. 627 (part), 1999)
A. 
After a preliminary plat application is complete according to Section 15.08.070, the city planner will prepare a report summarizing their findings, conclusions and recommendations regarding the preliminary plat application, then forward the report to the hearing examiner.
B. 
The city planner will forward one copy of the preliminary plat to each of the following:
1. 
City engineer;
2. 
Fire chief;
3. 
Superintendent of schools; and
4. 
Police chief.
(Ord. 627 (part), 1999; Ord. 904 § 1 (part), 2020; Ord. 954 § 1 (Exh. A), 2024)
A. 
The city planner will consider all relevant evidence in making its recommendation to the hearing examiner. In accordance with Chapter 58.17 RCW, the city planner will consider:
1. 
Whether the proposed subdivision conforms to the city’s comprehensive plan;
2. 
Whether appropriate provisions have been made for, but not limited to, the public health, safety and general welfare, for open spaces, drainage ways, streets or roads, alleys, other public ways, transit stops, potable water supplies, sanitary wastes, parks and recreation, playgrounds, schools and school grounds;
3. 
Whether sidewalks and other planning features assure safe walking conditions for people who use them, including students who only walk to and from school;
4. 
Whether capital facilities to be provided by the city can be provided concurrently with the expected development, in accordance with the comprehensive plan;
5. 
Whether the public interest will be served by the subdivision and dedication;
6. 
The physical characteristics of the proposed subdivision, including flood, inundation or wetland conditions (which are grounds for disapproval). No plat will be approved if it covers any land situated in a flood control zone (as provided in Chapter 86.16 RCW) without the prior written approval of the State Department of Ecology;
7. 
Any information provided as a result of compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act.
(Ord. 627 (part), 1999; Ord. 904 § 1 (part), 2020)
A. 
After receiving the recommendation from the city planner on any preliminary plat, the hearing examiner will hold a public hearing where it may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the preliminary plat.
B. 
Notice of the hearing examiner public hearing will be given in accordance with Section 15.08.110.
C. 
Upon receipt of the recommendations from the city planner, the hearing examiner will conduct a public hearing on the preliminary plat application, at which it will consider the application, related materials, recommendations from the city planner, comments made at the hearing by the applicant, neighboring property owners, other interested parties, and the criteria listed in Section 15.66.050.
D. 
The hearing examiner may not as a condition to the approval of any subdivision require a release from damages to be procured from other property owners.
E. 
Every decision by the hearing examiner must be in writing and must include findings of fact and conclusions to support the decision.
(Ord. 627 (part), 1999; Ord. 889 § 1 (App. B) (part), 2019)
A. 
The hearing examiner may require the applicant to dedicate land to the city and/or provide public improvements to serve the subdivision as a condition of subdivision approval. Dedications must be clearly shown on the final plat.
B. 
No dedication or provision of public improvements that constitutes an uncon stitutional taking of private property will be allowed.
(Ord. 627 (part), 1999; Ord. 889 § 1 (App. B) (part), 2019)
An applicant may appeal the decision of the hearing examiner on the preliminary plat to the Pacific County Superior Court in accordance with Section 15.08.160.
(Ord. 627 (part), 1999; Ord. 889 § 1 (App. B) (part), 2019)