The pre-application sketch plan process is intended to provide informal opportunities to discuss issues related to design, function, conformity with codes, compatibility with the Comprehensive Plan and plan processing procedures, public meeting dates and other requirements prior to formal submission of the plan. Where pre-application sketch plan review by the Commission occurs, interested citizens will have the opportunity to comment at the Commission's public meeting, and the Commission may provide input to other boards and commissions of the City that will be involved in the review process. An applicant who elects to take advantage of the optional pre-application sketch plan process, may, subject to City staff or Commission review as per § 265-17 or § 265-18, be permitted to proceed to a final plan submission and skip the preliminary plan phase/processing requirements.
A. 
At the request of the applicant, a pre-application conference shall be scheduled to allow the applicant to meet with appropriate representatives of the City. Representatives may include, among others, Planning staff, Public Works staff, Zoning Officer, Fire Marshal, Building Official and Bureau of Police representative.
B. 
Applicants seeking a pre-application conference are encouraged to submit the information stipulated in § 265-19 at least 10 days prior to the conference meeting in order to allow time for staff to review the application and identify issues that will be discussed with the applicant.
C. 
The applicant and City shall not be bound by the results of any pre-application plan review.
D. 
Subdivision and/or land development plans exceeding the thresholds of § 265-22 may skip the preliminary plan submission requirements for nonphased projects provided that a pre-application sketch plan is submitted to the Planning Bureau for review and comment where scheduling, process and other issues may be discussed. In addition, the Planning Bureau may schedule the sketch plan for review by other City staff. Following the review of the sketch plan, the applicant shall address any concerns to the satisfaction of the City. Once the City is satisfied that issues have been addressed, the applicant will be permitted to file a final plan application without the need to ask the Commission for a waiver of the preliminary plan process. Should the applicant fail or choose not to address issues raised by staff, the applicant shall forfeit the right to proceed to final plan and the application shall be filed with the Planning Commission as a preliminary plan or the applicant may file a waiver request with the Commission seeking relief of the preliminary plan filing requirements.
A. 
In addition to or as an alternative to the pre-application conference, the applicant may request that the Planning Commission review a sketch plan of any proposed subdivision or land development during a regularly scheduled Commission meeting.
B. 
Applicants seeking a Commission modification to waive the preliminary plan filing requirements for subdivision and/or land development plans exceeding the thresholds of § 265-22 shall submit the information stipulated in § 265-19 and the applicable fee in accordance with § 265-12 at least 14 days prior to a regularly scheduled Commission meeting date.
C. 
The applicant and Commission shall not be bound by the results of any sketch plan review.
Three copies of the following information shall be submitted with an application for sketch plan review:
A. 
A brief narrative detailing:
(1) 
An overview of the project.
(2) 
Existing and proposed land use/units of occupancy.
(3) 
Existing and proposed stormwater facilities and geologic conditions if known.
(4) 
Existing deed restrictions or easements affecting the site.
(5) 
Street/alley improvements or amendments to the Official Map.
(6) 
Anticipated traffic and parking impacts.
(7) 
Significant environmental, topographical and man-made features.
(8) 
Any information unique to the project which will aid in understanding the scope of the project.
B. 
A sketch plan drawn to scale showing the following if applicable:
(1) 
Property address and ownership.
(2) 
Person or firm preparing the drawing.
(3) 
Zoning district with site data, e.g., lots, units, parking, etc.
(4) 
Municipal boundary line on or immediately adjacent to property.
(5) 
A North arrow.
(6) 
Layout of existing and proposed lots, buildings and proposed demolition.
(7) 
Existing and proposed sidewalks and bicycle lanes or other accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists.
(8) 
Existing and proposed parking, access drives and driveways and other paved areas.
(9) 
Approximate location of one-hundred-year floodplain boundaries.
(10) 
Approximate locations of wetlands.
(11) 
Existing and proposed streets and alleys which will provide access to the site.
(12) 
Conceptual landscaping and identification of loss of existing tree cover.
(13) 
Areas to be regraded and existing or proposed stormwater improvements.
(14) 
Existing and proposed utility mains and existing and proposed utility laterals if known.
(15) 
Impacts to curb, sidewalk, street improvements, utility poles, traffic signals or public infrastructure.
(16) 
Any information unique to the project or information requested for placement on the plan in order to facilitate review.