It is the purpose of this article to require
site plan review and approval for all buildings, structures, and uses
that can be expected to have a significant impact on natural resources,
traffic patterns, adjacent parcels, and the character of future development.
The regulations contained herein are intended to provide and promote
the orderly development of the City; safe and convenient traffic movement,
both within a site and in relation to access streets; the stability
of land values and investments by preventing the impairment or depreciation
of land values and development, by the erection of structures or additions
or alterations thereto, without proper attention to setting or to
unsightly or undesirable appearances; harmonious relationship to buildings,
other structures and uses, both within a site and/or adjacent sites;
and the conservation of natural amenities and resources.
Upon receipt of any site plan, the Building
Inspector shall review it to determine whether it is in proper form,
contains all of the required information, shows compliance with this
chapter and all other ordinances of Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, and demonstrates
the adequacy of utility service. The Building Inspector shall provide
a copy of the site plan to the City Administrator - Clerk/Treasurer
and shall consult with the City Administrator - Clerk/Treasurer on
matters of whether the site plan conforms to City requirements. Upon
demand by the proposer of the site plan, the Building Inspector shall,
within 14 working days, approve or deny in writing, setting forth
in detail the reasons, which shall be limited to any defect in form
or required information, any violation of any provision of this chapter
or any other ordinance, or the inadequacy of any utility, and any
changes which would make the plan acceptable. The proposer may appeal
any denial to the Oconto Falls Planning Commission.
The Building Inspector and City Administrator
- Clerk/Treasurer shall use the following standards for their review:
A. All elements of the site plan shall be harmoniously
and efficiently organized in relation to topography, the size and
type of lot, the character of adjoining property and the type and
size of buildings. The site will be so developed as not to impede
the normal and orderly development or improvement or surrounding property
for uses permitted in this chapter.
B. The landscaping shall be preserved in its natural
state, insofar as practicable, by minimizing tree and soil removal
and by topographic modifications which result in maximum harmony with
the adjacent areas.
C. Special attention shall be given to proper site surface
drainage so that removal of stormwater will not adversely affect neighboring
properties.
D. The site plan shall provide reasonable visual and
auditory privacy for all dwelling units located therein. Fences, walks,
barriers and landscaping shall be used, as appropriate, for the protection
and enhancement of property and for the privacy of its occupants.
E. All buildings or group of buildings shall be so arranged
as to permit emergency vehicle access to all sides.
F. Every structure or dwelling shall have access to a
public street, walkway or other area dedicated to common use.
G. Unsightly loading or unloading and outside storage
areas, including areas for storage of trash and recyclables, which
face or are visible from residential properties or abut a residential
zone or public thoroughfares, shall be screened by a vertical fence
consisting of structural (fence) or plant materials no less than six
feet in height.
H. Exterior lighting shall be so arranged that it is
deflected away from adjacent properties and so that it does not impede
the vision of traffic along adjacent streets. Flashing or intermittent
lights shall not be permitted.