A.
The purpose of this article is to ensure that the highest standards of site, building and landscape design are conscientiously met through the use of qualified technical and aesthetic judgment compatible with the Comprehensive Plan. In acting upon plats, the Planning Board shall require, among other conditions in the public interest, that the tract shall be adequately drained and the streets shall be of sufficient width and suitable grade and suitably located to accommodate the prospective traffic and to provide access for fire-fighting equipment to buildings. The Planning Board shall further require that all lots shown on the plats shall be adaptable for the intended purpose without danger to health or peril from flood, fire, erosion or other menace. Required improvements shall be designed and constructed to conform to specifications established by the Town. In considering applications for subdivision approval, the Planning Board shall be guided by the standards set forth herein. These standards shall be considered to be minimum requirements and may be waived by the Board only under the circumstances set forth in § 103-40 of this chapter.
B.
Specifications for required improvements. All required improvements shall be constructed or installed to conform to municipal specifications, which may be obtained from the Town Engineer.
C.
Existing features which would add value to the development, such as large trees, watercourses, historic sites and similar irreplaceable assets, should be preserved, insofar as possible, through harmonious design of the subdivision.
D.
The Planning Board, in considering an application for the subdivision of land, shall be guided by the policy considerations specified in § 103-5 of this chapter. In addition, the Planning Board, in its deliberations on any discretionary actions under this chapter, shall ensure that the goals and policies of the Town Comprehensive Plan are implemented as far as practicable through this chapter.
E.
Additional considerations. In addition to the requirements and standards cited herein, the Planning Board in rendering its decision on a subdivision application shall also consider the planning recommendations as set forth in the following documents:
[Added 2-8-2012 by L.L. No. 1-2012]
(1)
"Town of Bethlehem Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan," dated September 2009.
(2)
"US 9W Corridor Transportation Planning Assessment, Advancing the Town of Bethlehem’s Comprehensive Plan and Economic Development Goals," dated December 2008.
(3)
"Town of Bethlehem Evaluation Process for New Pathway Investment Procedures / Users Guide" including the "Town of Bethlehem Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Network," both dated October 26, 2010.
(4)
Resolution in Support of Climate Smart Community," adopted by the Town Board on April 22, 2009.
(5)
"Complete Streets" resolution, adopted by the Town Board on August 12, 2009.