HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd #248 - 3rd Ser/Amending the code of Ordinances pertaining to subdivisions ORDINANCE NO. 1K$,THIRD SERIES
CITY OF ORONO
HENNEPIN COUNTY,MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
PERTAINING TO SUBDIVSIONS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF ORONO ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 82 shall be amended by deleting in its entirely and adding text to read as
follows:
Chapter 82- SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
ARTICLE I. -IN GENERAL
Sec. 82-1. -Rules.
(a) For the purpose of this chapter, certain numbers, abbreviations,terms and words used shall be used,
interpreted, and defined as set forth in this article.
(b) The word "used" or "occupied" as applied to any land or building shall be construed to include the
words "intended, arranged,or designed to be used or occupied."
Sec. 82-2.- Definitions.
The following words,terms and phrases,when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed
to them in this section,except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Applicant means any subdivider or their agent.
Block means a tract of land bounded by streets, or by a combination of streets and public parks,
cemeteries,rights-of-way,exterior boundaries of the subdivision, shorelines of waterways, outlots or
boundary lines of municipalities.
Bond means any form of security, including surety bond, warranty bond,penalty bond, collateral,
property, or instrument of credit acceptable to the city.
Building means any structure having a roof which may provide shelter or enclosure of persons,
animals or chattel; and when the structure is divided by party walls without opening, each portion of
such building so separated shall be deemed a separate building.
Building site line means a line on the preliminary plat which delineates the dry buildable land of any
lot upon which a structure may be constructed, which land meets all of the setback requirements of
chapter 78.
Capital improvement program means an itemized program setting forth the schedule and details of
specific contemplated public improvements by fiscal year,including public improvements in or related to
air space and subsurface areas necessary for mined underground development pursuant to Minn. Stats. §§
469.135-469.141, together with their estimated cost,the justification for each improvement,the impact
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that such improvements will have on the current operating expense of the city, and such other information
on capital improvements as may be pertinent.
Community facilities plan means a compilation of policy statements, goals, standards,maps and
action programs for guiding the future development of the public or semipublic facilities of the city, such
as recreational, educational and cultural facilities.
Community Management Plan means a compilation of policy statements, goals and standards, and
maps and recommendations for their execution, prepared and adopted by the city for guiding the physical,
social and economic development,both private and public, of the city and its environs and to protect the
public health, safety and welfare,and may include but is not limited to statements of policies,goals and
standards, a land use plan,a transportation plan, a community facilities plan, a capital improvement
program, an official map, a surface water management plan and a comprehensive sewer plan.The
Community Management Plan is the City of Orono's Comprehensive Municipal Plan.
Comprehensive sewer plan means a compilation of policy statements, goals, standards,maps and
action programs for the preservation and best use of waters and other natural resources of the city, for the
prevention, control and abatement of water pollution in the city, and for the efficient and economic
collection,treatment and disposal of sewage in the city.
Construction plan means the maps or drawings, accompanying a subdivision, showing the specific
location and design of required public or private improvements to be installed as part of the subdivision in
accordance with the requirements of the city or this chapter as a condition of the approval of the
subdivision.
Cul-de-sac means a local street with only one outlet and having an circular turnaround for the safe
and convenient reversal of traffic movement.
Density means the number of building sites per acre.
Design standards means the specifications to the subdivider for preparation of preliminary and final
plats, including but not limited to the optimum, minimum or maximum dimensions of such items as
rights-of-way,blocks, easements and lots,public and private improvements.
Dry buildable land means that portion of the lot not encumbered by the waters of a duly
recorded lake or river, Wetlands, Bluffs, or slopes greater than 18 percent.
Easement means authorization by a property owner for the use by another, and for a specified
purpose, of any designated part of their property.
Escrow means a deposit of cash with the city.
Grade means the slope of a road, street or other public way, site or topography specified in
percentage terms.
Improvements means any building, structure, drainage ditch, dam,roadway, parkway, sidewalk,
pedestrian way,trees, shrubs, lawn,off-street parking area, sewer and water utilities, or other facility.
Improvements, lot, means any improvement on the lot.
Improvements,private, means any improvement required by this chapter,which improvement the
city or subdivider shall construct at the subdivider's expense and for which the city will not assume any
responsibility for its maintenance and operation and which shall not be dedicated to the city.
Improvements,public, means any improvement required by this chapter,which improvement the city
or subdivider shall construct at the subdivider's expense and for which the city will ultimately assume the
responsibility for its maintenance and operation upon issuance of the certificate of satisfactory
completion.
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Land use plan is a chapter of the Community Management Plan and means a combination of policy
statements,goals, standards, maps and action programs for guiding the future development of private and
public property. The term includes a plan designating types of uses for the entire city as well as a
specialized plan showing specific areas or specific types of land uses, such as residential, commercial,
industrial, public or semipublic uses or any combination of such uses. A land use plan may also include
the proposed densities for development.
Lot means a tract,plot or portion of a subdivision or other parcel of land intended as a unit for the
purpose,whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership or for building development. Every
platted lot shall be a Buildable Lot or an outlot.
Lot area means the area of a lot in a horizontal plane bounded by the lot lines, but not including
any area occupied by the waters of a duly recorded lake or river or wetland or area which has been
dedicated as public right-of-way.
Lot, back, means a lot typically separated from a public or private road by another lot and which
gains access to the public or private road via a narrow corridor. Such a separated lot is considered to be a
back lot when the corridor is platted as an outlot.A separated lot is considered to be a flag lot when the
corridor is platted as part of the lot. When the corridor is merely an easement over another lot,the
separated lot is considered to be an easement back lot.
Lot, buildable, means a lot or combination of lots or outlots which meet all of the requirements of
chapter 78 and this chapter for the intended purpose.
Lot, corner, means a lot situated at the junction of, and abutting on,two or more intersecting
streets, or a lot at the point of deflection in alignment of a continuous street,the interior angle of which
does not exceed 135 degrees
Lot,front, means a lot abutting a public or private road across which an outlot has been platted for
access to a back lot.
Lot, outlot, means a lot depicted on a final plat which intended for open space preservation, access,
future development or other use. .
Lot width means the horizontal distance between side lot lines measured at the following locations:
(1) For lots which do not abut a lake or tributary, at the rear of the required front yard, measured
parallel to the front lot line.
(2) For lots which abut a lake or tributary, at the shoreline measured in a straight line between the
points at which the side lot lines intersect the OHWL, and at the required structure setback from
the OHWL,measured in a straight line between the points of intersection of the side lot lines with
the structure setback line.
Natural feature means any naturally occurring physical phenomenon, including lakes, streams,
flowage areas,marshland, wetlands, floodplains, slopes, unusual soil pockets,and rock outcroppings.
Nonresidential subdivision means a subdivision for which the intended use is other than residential,
such as commercial or industrial.
Official controls and controls mean all provisions of this Code, ordinances and regulations which
control the physical development of a city, county or town or any part or any detail,and implement the
general objectives of the comprehensive plan. Official controls may include ordinances establishing
zoning and subdivision controls, site plan regulations, sanitary codes, building codes and official maps.
Official map means a map adopted in accordance with Minn. Stat. § 462.359 which may show
existing and proposed future streets,roads and highways of the city and county;the area needed for
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widening of existing streets,roads and highways of the city and county; and existing and future county
State aid highways and State trunk highway rights-of-way.An official map may also show the location of
existing and future public land and facilities within the city. In counties in the metropolitan area as
defined in Minn. Stat. § 473.121, official maps may for a period of up to five years designate the
boundaries of areas reserved for purposes of soil conservation,water supply construction, flood control
and surface water drainage and removal, including appropriate regulations protecting such areas against
encroachment by buildings, other physical structures or facilities.
Off-site premises means any premises not located within the area of the property to be subdivided,
whether or not in the same ownership of the subdivider.
On-site septic manager means the person designated to administer and enforce chapter 58, article II.
Outlot means the same as Lot, outlot.
Owner means any person, partnership, corporation or any other legal entity having legal title to or
sufficient proprietary interest in land sought to be subdivided under this chapter.
Park commission means a body appointed by the council to study and consider the continuing needs
of the city for parks and recreation areas. The commission shall report direct to the council, may hold
joint meetings with the council, and may hold public hearings to determine public sentiment and make
recommendations to the council.
Park fund means a special fund established by the city to retain monies contributed by a subdivider
in lieu of land in accordance with provisions of this chapter.
Plat means the map or plan of a subdivision showing the property boundaries, layout, dimensions
and legal descriptions of all lots,blocks and rights-of-way.
Plat,final, means the plat of the subdivision which includes all information required by statute and
this chapter,which plat will be recorded with the office of the county recorder.
Plat,preliminary, means the proposed plat showing all information required by this chapter.
Platting authority means the city council pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 462.358.
Property line means the boundary lines enclosing a lot,parcel or tract of land. Regardless of the legal
description,the property line to be used for purposes of compliance with chapter 78 and this chapter shall
be the ordinary high water mark of any lakeshore,the edge of the right-of-way,the edge of any public or
private roadway, or the edge of an adjacent lot or outlot.
Public hearing means a hearing to be held by the planning commission to allow for public review
and input relating to the proposed subdivision pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 462.358 and section 78-48.
Registered engineer means an engineer properly licensed and registered in the State.
Registered land surveyor means a land surveyor properly licensed and registered in the State.
Right-of-way means a strip of land occupied or intended to be occupied by an alley, street, crosswalk,
railroad, public or private roadway or easement, electric transmission line, oil or gas pipeline,water main,
sanitary or storm sewer main, or for another special use.
Roadway means any street,highway,road, lane, way,trail or any other area used for vehicular
traffic.
Roadways classification means one or more of the following:
(1) Principal arterial means a roadway intended to connect urban subregions with one another,
connect urban and rural service areas with metro centers, or connect outstate cities.
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(2) Intermediate arterial means a roadway intended to connect two or more subregions, provide
secondary connections outstate and complements principal arterials in high-volume corridors.
(3) Minor arterial means a roadway intended to connect adjacent subregions and activity centers
within subregions.
(4) Collector means a roadway intended to connect neighborhoods within and between subregions.
(5) Local means a roadway intended to connect blocks within neighborhoods and specific activities
within homogeneous land use areas.
(6) Parkway means a roadway intended to provide low-speed and low-volume vehicular or bicycle
access to or through recreational areas, parks and lakeshore.
(7) Dead end means a roadway with only one vehicular-traffic outlet.
(8) Private means a roadway for which the city or other political subdivision shall not be responsible
for its maintenance and operation.
(9) Public means any roadway for which the city or other political subdivision is or expects to be
responsible for its maintenance and operation.
Roadway right-of-way width means the distance between property lines measured at right angles to
the centerline of the roadway.
Setback means the minimum horizontal distance between a structure, system or facility and a natural
feature,property line, right-of-way line, ordinary high water level, structure, system or other facility.
Sewage treatment system, on-site, means a device or series of interconnected components designed,
installed and maintained for the purpose of safely treating and disposing of sewage and domestic waste,
whenever such system is not part of a municipal sewerage system.
(1) Individual system means a system serving an individual building, typically a single-family
residence.
(2) Collective system means a system serving two or more buildings,typically including individual
septic tanks connected to a common soil treatment and absorption area.
(3) Commercial system means a system serving any nonresidential building.
Screening means a manmade or natural visual barrier of a type that will form a year-round dense
screen.
Shade tree means a tree of approved species and size.
Shoreline means a line denoting the ordinary high water elevation of any lake, stream or other body
of water, which ordinary high water elevation shall be as established by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed
District, department of natural resources,or any other agency,whichever elevation is the highest.
Single ownership means ownership by the same person, corporation,firm, entity,partnership or
unincorporated association; or ownership by different corporations, firms, partnerships,entities or
unincorporated associations, in which a stockholder, partner, or associate, or a member of their family
owns an interest in each corporation, firm,partnership,entity or unincorporated association.
Slope means vertical distance in feet per 100 feet of horizontal distance.
State means the State of Minnesota
Street means the same as Roadways.
Structure means anything which is built, constructed or erected, an edifice or building of any kind, or
any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner,
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which requires a location on,below or above the ground, land or water, or attached to something having a
location on the ground, land or water.
Subdivider means any person who:
(1) Has an interest in land, who causes it, directly or indirectly to be divided into a subdivision;
(2) Directly or indirectly sells, leases or develops, or advertises for sale, lease or development, any
interest, lot,parcel, site, unit or plot in a subdivision;
(3) Engages directly or through an agent in the business of selling, leasing, developing or offering
for sale, lease or development a subdivision or any interest, lot, parcel, site, unit or plot in a
subdivision; or
(4) Is directly or indirectly controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with any of the
foregoing.
Subdivider's agent means any person who represents or acts for or on behalf of a subdivider in
selling, leasing or developing, or offering to sell, lease or develop, any interest, lot, parcel,unit, site or
plot in a subdivision.
Subdivision means the separation of an area,parcel or tract of land under single ownership into two
or more parcels,tracts, lots or long-term leasehold interests,where the creation of the leasehold interest
necessitates the creation of streets,roads or alleys,for residential, commercial, industrial or other use or
any combination of such uses, except those separations:
(1) In which all the resulting parcels, tracts, lots or interests will be 20 acres or larger in size and
500 feet in width for residential uses and five acres or larger in size for commercial and industrial
uses.
(2) Creating cemetery lots.
(3) Resulting from court orders, or the adjustment of a lot line by the relocation of a common
boundary as long as each of the resulting lots meets the requirements of chapter 78.
Surface water management plan means a compilation of policy statements,goals, standards,maps
and action programs for guiding the future hydrological and hydraulic development of the watersheds and
subwatersheds,water storage areas, drainageways, floodways and filtration systems of the city to control
surface water runoff,flood hazards,flood damage and general water quality within the city and its
environs,including lakes, streams, wetlands,marshes,natural watercourses and storm sewer systems or
facilities.
Temporary improvement means improvements built and maintained by a subdivider during
construction of the subdivision.
Tract and subject tract mean the parcel of land comprising all the contiguous land owned or
controlled by the subdivider and included in whole or in part in the subdivision.
Transportation plan means a compilation of policy statements,goals, standards, maps and action
programs for guiding the future development of the various modes of transportation of the city and its
environs, such as streets and highways,public transit,railroads, air transportation,trucking and water
transportation; and includes a major thoroughfare plan.
Wetlands as defined in circular 39, "Wetlands of the United States", 1971 edition, United States
Department of the Interior as amended from time to time.
Water system, individual, means a water system which may include supply,treatment and
distribution which serves only one lot(e.g.,private well).
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Water system,private community, means a water system which may include supply,treatment and
distribution facilities, established by a subdivider to serve two or more lots, which system is independent
from the public water system.
Water system,public, means a water system which may include supply,treatment and distribution
facilities owned and maintained by the city.
Sec. 82-3.- Scope.
Subdivision and platting of land in the city shall be regulated by this chapter.
Sec. 82-4.-Policy.
(a) It is the policy of the city to consider the subdivision of land and the subsequent development of
subdivided land as subject to the control of the city pursuant to the official Community Management
Plan of the city and this chapter for the orderly,planned,efficient and economical development of the
city.
(b) Land to be subdivided shall be of such character that it can be used safely for building purposes
without danger to health or peril from fire, flood or other menace. Land shall not be subdivided until
adequate public and private facilities and improvements exist and proper provision has been made for
drainage, water, sewerage and capital improvements, such as schools, parks, recreation facilities,
transportation facilities and other public improvements.
(c) The existing and proposed public and private improvements shall conform to and be properly related
to the proposals shown in the Community Management Plan of the city, and it is intended that this
chapter shall supplement and facilitate the enforcement of the provisions and standards contained in
the official controls and Community Management Plan of the city.
Sec. 82-5. -Purposes.
This chapter is adopted for the following purposes:
(1) To protect and provide for the public health,safety and general welfare of the city and to prevent
harm to the public health, safety and general welfare.
(2) To guide the future growth and development of the city in accordance with the Community
Management Plan.
(3) To provide for adequate light,air and privacy;to secure safety from fire,flood and other danger;
and to prevent overcrowding of the land and undue congestion of population.
(4) To protect the character of the land to be divided as well as the surrounding lands and the social
and economic stability of all parts of the city and to encourage the orderly and beneficial
development of all parts of the city.
(5) To protect and conserve the value of land throughout the city and the value of structures and
other improvements upon the land, and to minimize the conflicts among the uses of land.
(6) To guide public and private policy and action in order to provide adequate and efficient
transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, playgrounds, recreation and other public
requirements and facilities.
(7) To provide the most beneficial relationship between the uses of land and buildings and the
circulation of traffic throughout the city, having particular regard to the avoidance of congestion
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in the streets and highways, and the pedestrian traffic movements appropriate to the various uses
of land and buildings, and to provide for the proper location and width of streets and building
lines.
(8) To establish reasonable standards of design and procedures for subdivisions, in order to further
the orderly layout and use of land; and to ensure proper legal descriptions and monumenting of
subdivided land.
(9) To ensure that public and private facilities are available and will have a sufficient capacity to
serve the proposed subdivision.
(10) To prevent the pollution of air, streams, ponds, wetlands, Lake Minnetonka and other bodies
of water; to provide reasonable access to public waters; to assure the adequacy of drainage
facilities;to safeguard the water table; and to encourage the wise use and management of natural
resources throughout the city to prevent their misuse, abuse and overuse and in order to preserve
the integrity, stability and beauty of the community and the value of the land.
Sec. 82-6. -Authority.
Pursuant to the powers and jurisdictions vested through Minn. Stat. chs. 412 and 462 and other
applicable laws, statutes, ordinances and regulations of the State, the city exercises the power of
authority to review,approve and disapprove subdivisions of land within the corporate limits of the
city.
Sec. 82-7.-Minimum standards.
In their interpretation and application,the provisions of this chapter shall be held to be the minimum
requirements for the promotion of the public health,safety and general welfare and prevention of harm to
the public health, safety and general welfare.
Sec. 82-8.- Conflict with public provisions.
This chapter is not intended to interfere with, abrogate,or annul any other provision of this Code,
rule or regulations, statute,or other provision of law. Where any provision of this chapter imposes
restrictions different from those imposed by any other provision of this chapter or any other provision of
this Code,rule or regulation, statute or other provision of law,whichever provisions are more restrictive
or impose higher standards shall control.
Sec. 82-9.- Saving provision.
This chapter shall not be construed as abating any action pending under or by virtue of prior existing
subdivision regulations, or as discontinuing, abating,modifying or altering any penalty accruing or about
to accrue, or as affecting the liability of any person,or as waiving any right of the city under any section
or provision existing at the time of adoption of this chapter, or as vacating or annulling any rights
obtained by any person, or as waiving any right of the city under any section or provision existing at the
time of adoption of this chapter, or as vacating or annulling any rights obtained by any person,by lawful
action of the city except as shall be expressly provided for in this chapter.
Sec. 82-10.-Amendments of other provisions of this Code and regulations.
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(a) Whenever the provisions of this chapter refer to the Community Management Plan,official controls,
or other provisions of this Code,codes,regulations or laws,it shall be deemed to refer to those official
controls, plans, codes, provisions of this Code,and regulations as amended as of that point in time. In
the event of an amendment during the application for a subdivision, that subdivision must meet the
requirements of the amendment.
(b) For the purpose of providing for the public health, safety and general welfare,the city may from time
to time amend the provisions imposed by this chapter.
Sec. 82-11.-Jurisdiction.
This chapter shall apply to all subdivisions of land located within the corporate limits of the city.
Sec. 82-12.-Compliance.
a) The subdivision of any lot or any parcel of land for the purpose of sale,transfer or lease by use of
metes and bounds description, deed,contract for deed,purchase agreement,registered land survey
or easement shall not be permitted except after full compliance with this chapter.
b) All subdivisions shall be platted in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Chapter.
c) No building permit or certificate of occupancy shall be issued for any parcel or lot of land which
was created by subdivision and not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, and no
excavation of land or construction of any public or private improvements shall take place or be
commenced except in conformity with this chapter.
d) No subdivision shall be entitled to be recorded in the county recorder's office or have any validity
until the subdivision has been prepared, approved and acknowledged in the manner prescribed by
this chapter. The office of the county recorder shall not file or accept for filing any subdivision of
land unless it is accompanied by a certified copy of the resolution of the city approving the
subdivision.
e) Every person who violates any provision of this chapter when performing an act thereby prohibited
or declared unlawful, or fails to act when such failure is thereby prohibited or declared unlawful,
and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as for a misdemeanor except as otherwise stated in
specific provisions this chapter.
f) Appropriate actions and proceedings may be taken by law or in equity to prevent any violation of
this chapter to prevent unlawful construction, to recover damages, including attorney's fees, to
restrain, correct or abate a violation, or to prevent illegal occupancy of a building, structure or
premises, and these remedies shall be in addition to the penalties describe above and provided in
State statutes.
Sec. 82-13.- Conditions.
Regulation of the subdivision of land and the attachment of reasonable conditions to the subdivision
of land is an exercise of valid police power delegated by the State to this city. The subdivider has the duty
of compliance with reasonable conditions laid down by the city for design, dedication, improvement and
restrictive use of the land so as to conform to the physical and economical development of the city and the
city's Community Management Plan and to the safety and general welfare of the future lot owners in the
subdivision and of the community at large.
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Secs. 82-14-82-45.-Reserved.
ARTICLE II.-ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENTM
Sec. 82-46.-Enforcement.
It shall be the duty of the City Administrator or designee to enforce this chapter and to bring to the
attention of the city attorney any violations or lack of compliance with this chapter.
Sec. 82-47.-Fees for subdivision applications.
(a) The fees to be paid for each application for subdivision shall be in the amount prescribed by the
current city fee schedule provisions. Fees shall be payable at the time applications are filed with the
zoning administrator.There shall be no fee in the case of applications filed in the public interest by the
council or by the planning commission.
(b) No person shall be issued a permit pursuant to chapter 82 by the city until each applicant shall have
paid to the city clerk the fixed and additional costs incurred by the city in reviewing the application as
provided in this chapter.
(c) Each applicant shall be charged the fixed fee specifically provided in this chapter or other provisions
of this Code including the current fee schedule adopted by the city council as required to cover the
costs incurred by the city in administratively processing and reviewing the subdivision.
(d) Application fees are not refundable unless the application is withdrawn prior to referral to the planning
commission. In the case of such timely withdrawal,the amount of refund shall be reduced by the costs
incurred by the city prior to withdrawal,including but not limited to staff time,notification publication
expenses, and consultant costs.
(e) Each applicant shall comply with the provisions of chapter 75, reimbursement of development
expenses,escrows.
Sec. 82-48.-Variances.
(a) Standards. Where the city finds that unusual hardship may result from strict compliance with the
provisions of this chapter, other than the procedural provisions, and the purposes of this chapter may
be served to a greater extent by an alternative proposal,the city may approve variances to this chapter
so that substantial justice may be done and the public interest secured, provided that such a variance
shall not have the effect of nullifying the intent and purpose of this chapter; and further provided the
city shall not approve variances unless it shall make findings based upon the evidence presented to it
in each specific case that:
(1) An unusual hardship on the land exists, including but not limited to inadequate access to direct
sunlight for solar energy systems;
(2) The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public safety, health or welfare or
injurious to other property;
(3) The conditions upon which the request for a variance is based are unique to the property for
which the variance is sought and are not applicable generally to other property;
(4) Because of the particular physical surroundings,shape or topographical conditions of the specific
land involved, an unusual hardship to the land would result, as distinguished from an
inconvenience or hardship to the subdivider, and it is found that the strict enforcement of this
chapter would result in an environmentally unsound development of the land;
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(5) The variance will not in any manner vary the provisions of the Community Management Plan;
(7) The variances will not in any manner vary the procedural requirements of this chapter.
(b) Conditions. In approving the variance,the city may require such conditions as will, in its judgment,
secure substantially the objectives of this chapter..
(c) Procedure. An application for any such variance shall be submitted in writing by the subdivider at
the time when the preliminary plat is filed. The application shall state fully the grounds and all of the
facts to justify the granting of a variance and will be approved or denied at the time the council reviews
the preliminary plat.
Sec. 82-49.-Issuance of building permits and certificates of occupancy.
(a) When public and/or private improvements are required for a subdivision, building permits and
certificates of occupancy may be issued only subject to the development contract.
(b) In no case will a certificate of occupancy be issued to any building on any lot in the subdivision which
lot has access only on a new public or private street until a certificate of satisfactory completion has
been issued for that public or private street.
Sec. 82-50.-Appeals.
The zoning board of appeals and adjustments established in section 78-96 shall also serve as the
subdivision board of appeals and adjustments.The board has the following powers with respect to the
subdivision regulations:
(1) To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged that there is an error in any order, requirement,
decision or determination made by an administrative officer in the enforcement of chapter 82.An
appeal under this section shall be filed no later than ten days following the order, requirement,
decision or determination.Appeals to the board of appeals and adjustments may be taken by any
affected person upon compliance with any reasonable conditions imposed by the subdivision
regulations. Failure to file an appeal within ten days of the decision shall constitute a waiver of
the person's right to a hearing.
The procedures set forth in Chapter 78, Division 3 apply to determinations of the subdivision board
of appeals and adjustments.
Secs. 82-51-82-80. -Reserved.
ARTICLE III. -PLAT APPROVAL PROCESS''
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY
Sec. 82-81.-Restrictions on development prior to final plat approval.
Once a preliminary plat has been submitted to the city, whether a subdivision is occurring or not, no
building permits will be issued by the city for the construction of any building, structure or improvement
to the land or to any lot in the proposed subdivision until all requirements of this chapter have been fully
completed, including the official recording of the final plat, or until the application is formally withdrawn
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by the subdivider. When specifically authorized by this chapter and specifically approved by the council,
permits may be issued for the construction of certain improvements such as roads, utilities and drainage
structures.
Sec. 82-82. -Coordination of subdivision approval.
(a) Intent. It is the intent of this chapter that subdivision review be carried out simultaneously with the
review of accessory zoning applications,(variances,zone changes or other similar prerequisites)to the
subdivision. .
(b) Fees. Whenever a proposed subdivision requires accessory zoning applications,,the subdivider shall
file the separate zoning applications and pay all required fees concurrent with the filing of the
preliminary plat application.
Sec. 82-83.- Official submission dates.
(a) The City shall establish and publish submittal deadlines for land use applications annually.
Subdivision applications shall be submitted based on this schedule.
(b) When a division or subdivision to which the regulations of the city do not apply is presented to the
city,the city administrator or designee shall within ten days certify that the subdivision regulations of
the city do not apply to the particular division.
(c) If the city or the responsible agency of the city fails to preliminarily approve or disapprove an
application within the review period,the application shall be deemed preliminarily approved;and upon
demand the city shall execute a certificate to that effect.Following preliminary approval,the applicant
may request final approval by the city; and upon such request, the city shall certify final approval
within 60 days if the applicant has complied with all conditions and requirements of applicable
regulations and all conditions and requirements upon which the preliminary approval is expressly
conditioned either through performance or the execution of appropriate agreements assuring
performance. If the city fails to certify final approval as so required,and if the applicant has complied
with all conditions and requirements, the application shall be deemed finally approved; and upon
demand the city shall execute a certificate to that effect. After final approval a subdivision may be
filed or recorded.
Sec. 82-84.- Initial staff review.
Any person proposing subdivision of land within the city shall meet with the City Administrator or
designee to review briefly the proposed subdivision and receive advice concerning subdivision
requirements,required submittals, fees and schedules.
Sec.82-85.- Sketch plan.
(a) Purpose. The sketch plan is an initial presentation of the subdivider's intention and serves as the basis
for conceptual discussion between the city and the subdivider and provides beneficial savings for the
subdivider.
(b) Requirements. A sketch plan review may be completed for all subdivision applications.
(c) Sketch plan application.
Final Draft page 12
(1) All subdivisions. The planning commission shall review all sketch plans based upon the
subdivider's formal application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Complete
applications shall include the following:
a. Completion of all items on the sketch plan application form;
b. A location map;
d. A map in a form acceptable to the City Administrator or designee which adequately
describes the proposed subdivision in such a way as to show compliance with this chapter;
e. Any additional information requested by the City Administrator or designee; and
f. Payment of the sketch plan review fee.
(d) Sketch plan review and recommendations.
(a) Recommendations to the subdivider. After reviewing and discussing the sketch plan, City
Administrator or designee will advise in a general manner the subdivider of the changes or
additions, if any, which will be required in the layout, and the character and extent of required
improvements and dedications which will be required as a prerequisite to the approval of the final
plat.
(b) The planning commission shall study the sketch plan, taking into consideration the requirements
of this chapter and the best use of the land being subdivided. Particular attention will be given to
the location, arrangement, shape and size of lots, access, parkland dedication, the further
development of adjoining lands as yet unsubdivided, and the requirements of chapter 78 and the
Community Management Plan.
(c) The applicant may request review by the City Council. Upon such request, the Planning
Commission's comments shall be forwarded to the City Council for study and comment.
Sec. 82-86.-Vested rights.
No vested rights shall accrue to any subdivision by reason of preliminary or final subdivision
approval except as stated in this article. For one year following preliminary approval and for two years
following final approval, unless the subdivider and the city agree otherwise,no amendment to a
comprehensive plan or official control shall apply to or affect the use, development density, lot size, lot
layout, or dedication or platting required or permitted by the approved application. Thereafter,pursuant to
its regulations,the city may extend the period by agreement with the subdivider and subject to all
applicable performance conditions and requirements, or it may require submission of a new application
unless substantial physical activity and investment has occurred in reasonable reliance on the approved
application, and the subdivider will suffer substantial financial damage as a consequence of a requirement
to submit a new application. In connection with a subdivision involving planned and staged development,
the city may by resolution or agreement grant the rights referred to in this section for such period of time
longer than two years which it determines to be reasonable and appropriate.
Secs. 82-87-82-110. -Reserved.
DIVISION 2. -PRELIMINARY PLAT
Sec. 82-111.-Purpose and requirements.
Final Draft page 13
(a) Purposes. During this stage, the subdivider details their proposal and the city details the
subdivision requirements, in the form of a preliminary plat.
(b) Requirements. The subdivider is required to furnish detailed surveying, engineering and legal
information sufficient to ensure compliance with the city's Community Management Plan and
chapter 78, and other local, State, federal, watershed or conservation district regulations. A
preliminary plat review shall be completed for each subdivision proposed prior to the city's
accepting any final plat application.
Sec. 82-112.-Plat application.
(a) Plat. All preliminary plat applications shall provide the following to be deemed complete:
(1) Completion of all items required by the City;
(2) Provision of the utilities map, if applicable;
(3) A soil survey and report(to be requested by the city if the City Administrator or designee feels
such information is necessary for the subdivision review);
(4) A soil erosion and sedimentation control plan;
(5) A vegetation preservation and protection plan;
(6) Any additional information requested by the City Administrator or designee or planning
commission;
a. Proposed protective covenants;
b. Statement of the proposed use of lots stating type of residential buildings with number of
proposed dwelling units and type of business or industry, so as to reveal the effect of the
development on traffic, fire hazards and congestions of population; or
(7) Payment of the preliminary plat review fee; and
Certification does not mean all information is correct,just that apparently all issues identified in the plat
have been addressed by the subdivider.
(b) Application deadlines. The subdivider shall file a complete preliminary plat application with the
City Administrator or designee at the deadline established by the city annually.
Sec. 82-113.-Staff and agency review of the preliminary plat.
(a) General coordination. On behalf of the city, the City Administrator or designee shall coordinate the
review of preliminary plats by all appropriate city staff persons and governmental agencies. The
subdivider is responsible for filing all applications and obtaining all appropriate approvals from other
agencies and to keep the City Administrator or designee fully informed of the status of the review by
the appropriate agency. The subdivider shall submit to the city copies of all applications filed with
other governmental agencies.
(b) Referral to planning commission. Upon receipt of a complete preliminary plat application, the City
Administrator or designee shall place the application on the agenda of the regularly scheduled planning
commission meeting for which the public hearing has been scheduled.The planning commission shall
then begin reviewing the proposal.
Final Draft page 14
(c) Public hearing meeting notice. Notice of the hearing shall be consistent with public hearing
requirements in the zoning ordinance, section 78-48.
(d) Referral to park commission. Where the proposed plat includes provisions for the dedication of land
for public park purposes,trails or jointly used recreational facilities,the City Administrator or designee
shall refer the application to the park commission, which shall review the proposal and provide
recommendations to the City Council.
Sec. 82-114.-Planning commission review of the preliminary plat.
(a) Generally. The planning commission shall study and review all preliminary plat applications.
Particular attention will be given to the location,arrangement and size of lots and blocks;the location,
width, length and continuity of streets; the topography and ecology of the land; sewage disposal;
traffic; drainage; public services;the further development of adjoining lands as yet unsubdivided;the
requirements of chapter 78 and Community Management Plan; and the recommendations of the city
staff and other governmental agencies.
(b) Planning commission public hearing.At the advertised time and place,the planning commission shall
hold a public hearing as required by Minn. Stat. § 462.358. The recommendations of city staff and
governmental agencies shall be entered in the record. At the discretion of the planning commission,
the public hearing may be closed or may be held open for additional information.
(c) Planning commission recommendations.After the planning commission has reviewed the preliminary
plat and the testimony and exhibits submitted at the public hearing, including citizen comments and
the recommendations of the city staff and other governmental agencies,the subdivider shall be advised
of any required changes and/or additions. The planning commission shall recommend approval,
conditionally approve or deny the preliminary plat. If the planning commission fails to act within the
100-day period,the City Administrator or designee shall refer the application to the council for action
within 120 days of the date of certification.
Sec.82-115.-Council review of the preliminary plat.
(a) Required. The council shall review all preliminary plat applications.Particular attention will be given
to the record developed by the planning commission's study of the proposal and to the
recommendations of the planning commission and the city staff.
(b) Council action. The council should approve,conditionally approve or disapprove the preliminary plat
within 120 days following the date of certification by the City Administrator or designee of the
completed application unless an extension of the review period has been agreed to by the subdivider
in writing.
(c) Recommendations to the subdivider. The action of the council shall be in the form of a resolution
setting forth the conditions of approval, including any changes,additions and/or other requirements to
be met by the subdivider prior to final plat approval. In addition to the specific conditions stated, the
subdivider must fulfill all other requirements and performance standards of this Code.
(d) Failure to act by the city. If the city or the responsible agency of the city fails to preliminarily approve
or disapprove an application within the review period, the application shall be deemed preliminarily
approved; and upon demand the city shall execute a certificate to that effect. Following preliminary
approval the applicant may request final approval by the city, and upon such request the city shall
certify final approval within 60 days if the applicant has complied with all conditions and requirements
of applicable regulations and all conditions and requirements upon which the preliminary approval is
expressly conditioned either through performance or the execution of appropriate agreements assuring
Final Draft page 15
performance. If the city fails to certify final approval as so required, and if the applicant has complied
with all conditions and requirements, the application shall be deemed finally approved; and upon
demand the city shall execute a certificate to that effect. After final approval, a plat may be filed or
recorded.
(e) Grading of site prior to final approval. Subsequent to preliminary plat approval by the council, the
subdivider may apply for a land alteration permit from the city and upon receipt of such permit may
commence construction to the grades and elevations required by plans approved by the city.
Sec. 82-116.-Effective period of preliminary plat review.
Council resolution concerning any preliminary plat shall remain effective for one year. Failure to file
a complete final plat application within this time period shall be construed as formal withdrawal of the
proposed plat.
Secs. 82-117-82-140.-Reserved.
DIVISION 3. -FINAL PLATS
Sec. 82-141.- Generally.
(a) Purpose. Final plat review is the final stage of the plat review process.The legal documents,including
plat drawings, are reviewed for completeness and conformity with the intent and requirements of the
preliminary plat approval.
(b) Requirements. The applicant is required to furnish completed surveying, engineering, and legal
documents suitable for recording in the county recorder's office, incorporating all the information
and/or changes required as part of the preliminary plat review and resolution of preliminary plat
approval.All documents and requirements shall be completed by the subdivider, reviewed by the city
staff and the council, and approved by the council prior to the mayor's and city clerk's certifying
approval of the final plat.
(c) Prerequisite. A preliminary plat of substantially the same proposal shall have been approved by the
council within one year of the filing of any final plat application. The City Administrator or designee
shall review each final plat application to ensure substantial conformity to the requirements and
representations on the preliminary plat.
(d) Substantial change from preliminary plat. The council may refuse to approve any final plat
application which is substantially different from the approved preliminary plat, or which discloses
possible misrepresentations on the preliminary plat. In the case of such denial council may require the
applicant to resubmit the proposal for planning commission reconsideration, and may require the
applicant to submit or resubmit any and all documents or information required for preliminary plat
review. Planning commission reconsideration may include a new public hearing. The applicant shall
pay applicable preliminary plat review fees.
Sec. 82-142.-Final plat application.
(a) All plats. Complete final plat applications shall include one or all of the following to be determined
by the zoning administrator:
(1) Completion of all items required by city staff.
Final Draft page 16
(2) All information submitted for the preliminary plat review shall be in the record and shall be
considered submitted for final plat review purposes.
(3) One original and two copies signed by the grantor,of any required drainage,utility,road,access,
open space, conservation or other easement in the standard form as provided by the city. Any
other form or changes to the standard form must be approved by the city attorney prior to filing
the final plat application.
(4) One original and two copies, signed by the grantor, of any quitclaim deed or warranty deed
dedicating required land to the city or other governmental jurisdiction.
(5) One original and two copies of any private covenant, homeowners' association agreement or
other private restriction intended to be filed in the chain of title of the property at the time the
final plat is recorded.
(6) A developer's contract, including the complete construction plans, specifications and
performance security, shall be submitted by the subdivider for all required public or private
improvements which are to be installed and/or completed after final plat approval.
(7) A certificate of satisfactory completion signed by the city engineer shall be submitted by the
subdivider for all required public and private improvements which have been or were required to
be completed prior to final plat approval.
(8) Any additional information requested by the City Administrator or designee or the council.
(9) Payment of applicable fees and payments identified in the development agreement,or preliminary
plat resolution.
(10) Confirmation that all county taxes are paid.
(11)Title commitment or acceptable evidence of title, dated no later than 45 days of the anticipated
recording date.
(12) The final plat. Record plat drawings shall be prepared by a registered land surveyor in
accordance with applicable statute and county regulations and shall be submitted in the form of
at least two plastic film reproducible copies,three copies for Torrens property.Original signatures
and certifications shall be provided on the mounted and reproducible copies for the owners,those
possessing any other property interest,the professional engineer(if applicable),and the registered
surveyor. Spaces for certification by the city (signature lines for the mayor and clerk) shall be
provided.
(13) One copy of the final plat reduced to a scale of one inch equals 200 feet.
(d) Application deadlines. The subdivider shall file a complete final plat application with the City
Administrator or designee within one year of preliminary plat approval.
Sec. 82-143.- Staff review of the final plat.
(a) Coordination. The City Administrator or designee shall coordinate the review of final plat
applications.
(b) Referral to city staff.
(1) The City Administrator or designee shall refer the application to all appropriate city staff
personnel for review and certification.
Final Draft page 17
(2) The City Administrator or designee shall review the final plat application for conformity with
chapter 78 and this chapter and with the conditions and requirements of the preliminary plat
approval, and shall certify their status to the council.
(3) The city attorney shall review the record plat drawing, metes and bounds descriptions,
easements, deeds, covenants, agreements and other documents for proper legal form, proper
representation and complete execution by all required parties, all to uphold the interests of the
city, and shall certify the approval to the council.
(4) The city engineer shall:
a. Review the record plat drawing,metes and bounds description,easements,deeds,agreements
and other documents for proper and complete legal property descriptions;
b. Review and approve all construction plans;
c. Approve all construction estimates for work required to be completed after final plat
approval;
d. Issue, when completed, certificates of satisfactory completion for all work required to be
completed prior to final plat approval; and
e. Certify the approval and/or status of the above to the council.
(5) The city finance director shall review all final plat applications as to tax status of the property;
the original, outstanding and proposed special assessment amounts levied; and the payment and
status of all fees or charges imposed on the property; shall prepare all special assessment
reapportionments; and shall certify the above to the council.
(6) Additional comments by other city staff personnel shall be submitted in writing to the City
Administrator or designee for inclusion in the record.
(c) Requirements of other agencies. The subdivider shall submit to the city all written confirmation of
official action taken by governmental agencies or jurisdictions subsequent to the approval of the
preliminary plat. Such confirmation, including all necessary permits or authorizations, shall be
submitted at the meeting at which the council will act on the final plat.
(d) Final plat resolution. After review and certification of the final plat application, the City
Administrator or designee,shall prepare a resolution of final plat approval or denial to be presented to
the council.
Sec. 82-144.- Council review of the final plat.
(a) Powers. The council is the platting authority pursuant to Minn. Stat. §462.358,shall modify,approve
or deny all final plat applications.
Sec. 82-145.-Effective period of final plat approval.
(a) The intent of the plat approval process is that final approval will be granted only upon satisfactory
completion of all requirements by the subdivider, in which case plat certification and recording will
follow without delay. The Final Plat shall be recorded within 1 year of approval date.
(b) Failure of the subdivider to complete any or all requirements within this time period shall constitute
a formal withdrawal of the proposed plat.
Secs. 82-146-82-171.-Reserved.
Final Draft page 18
DIVISION 4. - SUBDIVISION CERTIFICATION AND RECORDING
Sec. 82-172.-Documents.
(a) Required. The documents provided by the subdivider for final plat certification shall be the same
documents certified by the city staff unless changes, alterations or additions are required by the
resolution of final plat approval, in which case corrected documents shall be supplied by the
subdivider.
(b) Documents to be certified by the city. The following documents shall be certified by the city:
(1) Two plastic film reproducible copies(in the case of Torrens property,three copies)of the plat.
(2) Resolution of final plat approval; one copy provided by the city.
(c) Additional documents. The following additional documents shall be recorded with the plat:
(1) One original signed by the grantor of any required drainage, utility, road, access, open space,
conservation or other easement in the standard form as provided by the city.
(2) One original signed by the grantor of any quitclaim deed or warranty deed dedicating required
land to the city or other governmental jurisdiction.
(3) One original copy of any private covenant,homeowners'association agreement or other private
restriction intended to be filed in the chain of title of the property at the time the final plat or
survey is recorded.
(4) One original copy of any required development contract in the standard form as provided by
the city.
Sec. 82-173.-Staff certification.
The City Administrator,zoning administrator, city attorney, city engineer and city finance director or
their designees shall each review the final legal documents and status of each plat proposal. Whenever the
resolution of final plat approval requires changes, alterations or additions prior to final plat certification,
upon receipt of all corrected documents,the City Administrator or designee shall refer the revised
documents to the affected staff for their review and recertification.
Sec. 82-174.- Official plat certification.
Upon receipt of the final staff certifications,the city clerk shall determine that there has been final
staff approval and shall thereafter present the final plat drawings and resolution of final plat or survey
approval for the endorsement of the signature of the mayor, or the acting mayor presiding in the absence
of the mayor. Upon endorsement of the mayor,the city clerk shall attest to the mayor's signature and the
final city approval of the plat by signature and affixing the seal of the city on the resolution of final plat
approval.
Sec. 82-175. -Final acceptance of improvements.
Final acceptance of all improvements and release of Security shall be as and when set forth in the
development contract and section 82-213. Final acceptance of all public improvements for which the city
will thereafter be responsible shall be by separate motion of the city. The approval and certification by the
city of a plat and/or the acceptance and recording of any easement or deed shall not be deemed to
constitute or imply acceptance by the city of any street,road,easement or parts shown on the plat or
identified by easement or deed.
Final Draft page 19
Secs. 82-176-82-199.-Reserved.
DIVISION 5. -EXCEPTION
Sec. 82-200.-Exception.
(a) Upon request,the City Administrator or designee shall,within ten days,certify that the following are
excepted from chapter 82 of the City Code:
(1) A division of property where all the resulting parcels,tracts,lots or interests will be 20 acres
or larger in size and 500 feet in width for residential uses and five acres or larger in size for
commercial and industrial uses,or
(2) Will create cemetery lots, or
(3) Is court ordered, or
(4) Is an adjustment of a lot line by the relocation of a common boundary and no new non-
conformities are created or an existing non-conformity is increased.
(b) Procedure for exempted subdivisions. The owners of such lots to be certified shall file with the City
Administrator or designee a certificate of survey of the lots to be divided, and pay the required fee.
Such certificate of survey shall show the dimensions of the lots, as measured upon the recorded plan,
the area of the lots, all corner elevations, all existing structures, including dimensions to existing and
proposed property lines, all visible encroachments, all easements of record, and their proposed
division. A written description of the separately described tracts which will result from the proposed
division shall be included on the survey. If the proposed certification complies with all of the
requirements of this section, it will be approved by the City Administrator or Designee and forwarded
to the county for filing.
(c) Limitations. The City Administrator or designee shall not certify an adjustment of the lot line
involving the same lot or parcel more than once every 365 days. The adjustment may be platted.
Secs. 82-201-82-211. -Reserved.
ARTICLE IV.-DESIGN STANDARDS AND REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS'
DIVISION 1.- GENERALLY
Sec. 82-212.- Special requirements for subdivisions involving public or private improvements.
The following provisions apply to subdivisions:
(1) Improvements. All public and/or private improvements required by the city to be completed by
the subdivider after final plat approval shall be fully set forth in a development contract to be
executed prior to final plat approval. All local streets in plats where sewer and water are not
available shall be private unless otherwise approved by the city at preliminary plat approval. The
city reserves the right to determine whether a road is to be public or private in all areas of the city.
All improvements shall meet or exceed the minimum standards as illustrated on the Orono
Standard Construction Details, as amended and adopted by the Orono City Council from time to
time.
(2) Public roads. Public streets and roads will be required to be platted, constructed and dedicated
to the city when required by the council consistent with the recommendations of the planning
commission and the city staff and the established city practices and design standards.Public roads
shall be subject to the conditions of a development contract to be executed prior to final plat
approval.
Final Draft page 20
(3) Private roads. When the preliminary plat has been approved on the basis of a private access road
providing the only access to three or more lots, the private road shall be identified on the final
plat as a separate outlot. The private road shall be identified by name if the road serves four or
more lots.Whenever a private road outlot is proposed,the subdivider shall be required to provide
for a permanent homeowners' association or road maintenance agreement acceptable to the city
in order to ensure ownership and maintenance of the road outlot.
(4) Road and utilities easements. The council may require the subdivider to convey to the city certain
road and utility easements permitting public ingress, egress and access over private roads as a
condition of final plat approval.
a. Whenever a private access road is authorized, the required outlot shall be included on and
conveyed in a road and utilities easement in the standard city form.
b. Whenever areas of the plat are to be set aside for public or private utility construction and
use,such areas shall be described and dedicated for public use on the plat.This shall include
areas shown on record plat drawings as drainage and utilities easements.
c. Whenever a road and utilities easement is required,the easement shall be fully executed prior
to final plat approval, using the legal descriptions of the final plat, and shall thereafter be
filed in the chain of title of the property concurrent with the filing of the final plat.
(5) Flowage and conservation easements. The council may require the subdivider to convey to the
city a flowage and conservation easement restricting the use, improvement and development of
certain portions of the land to be subdivided. Flowage and conservation easements will be made
a condition of final plat approval as follows:
a. Whenever any open water,creek,stream or natural drainageway occurs in any portion of the
subject tract, the floodplain or floodway of the lake, pond, stream, creek or drainageway
shall be described as a drainage easement subject to a flowage and conservation easement to
the city.
b. Whenever any wetlands,marshlands or lowland acting as a stormwater retention area occurs
within any portion of the subject tract,that area shall be described consistent with established
flood or water retention elevations, soil type characteristics and vegetation characteristics as
a drainage easement subject to a flowage and conservation easement to the city.
c. Flowage and conservation easements may be described and conveyed by metes and bounds
with the ownership and maintenance responsibilities remaining with the individual parcels.
d. Whenever a flowage and conservation easement is required, the easement shall be fully
executed prior to final plat approval, using the legal descriptions of the final plat, and shall
thereafter be filed in the chain of title of the property concurrent with the filing of the final
plat.
(6) Homeowners'association agreements. The council may require the subdivider to create a viable
homeowners'association, acceptable to the city,which will be responsible for the ownership and
maintenance of, among other things, common facilities, private roads, private sewer and water
lines,open space,pathways,drainageways,and drainage ponds,and any improvements which are
not to be accepted by the city for public ownership and maintenance.
(7) Development contracts. The council may require the subdivider to execute a development
contract prior to final plat approval.The development contract shall set forth in the standard city
form those improvements required to be completed as a condition of plat approval, the party
responsible for the installation and maintenance of the improvements,and the method of payment
of the installation and maintenance costs.
Final Draft page 21
Sec. 82-213.-Assurance for completion and maintenance of required public or private
improvements—
The following provisions apply to subdivisions:
(1) Completion of required public or private improvements. Before the mayor and city clerk sign a
final plat,the subdivider shall complete or agree to complete at their cost all of the required public
or private improvements as required in this chapter and as specified in the resolution approving
the final plat and in the development contract,and in the case of public improvements,to dedicate
them to the city, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances on the property and public
improvements thus dedicated.
(2) Performance Security
a. The city may require the developer furnish security, in the amount of 125%of the cost of the
improvements,to guarantee their completion. .
b. Such performance security shall comply with all statutory requirements and be satisfactory
to the city attorney as to form and manner of execution.The period within which the required
public and private improvements must be completed shall be specified by the city in the
resolution approving the final plat or in the development contract and shall not exceed two
years from date of final plat approval.
(3) Temporary improvement. The subdivider shall build and pay for all costs of temporary
improvements required by the city and shall maintain them for the period specified by the city.
Prior to construction of any temporary facility or improvement,the subdivider shall file with the
city a separate suitable performance security for temporary facilities, which securityshall ensure
that the temporary facilities will be properly constructed, maintained and removed.
(4) Cost of improvements. All required public and private improvements shall be made by the
subdivider, at their expense, without reimbursement by the city.
(5) Governmental units. Governmental units to which these security and contract provisions apply
may file in lieu of a contract or bond a certified resolution or ordinance of that governmental unit's
agreeing to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
(6) Failure to complete required improvements. For plats for which no performance security has
been posted, if the improvements are not completed within the period specified by the city in the
resolution approving the final plat,the approval shall be deemed to have expired. In those cases
where a performance security has been posted and required improvements have not been installed
within the term of such performance security and resolution approving the final plat,the city may
thereupon declare the security in default and require that all improvements be installed regardless
of the extent of the building development at the time the security is declared to be in default.
Moreover, the city may withhold building permits and certificates of occupancy for lots in the
plat until the required improvements have been installed. If the city undertakes the installation of
the required private improvements, the city, by doing so, will not undertake the subsequent
maintenance of those private improvements.
Sec. 82-214.- Inspection of required public and private improvements.
(a) General procedure and fees. The city may inspect required public and private improvements during
construction.The applicant shall pay to the city an inspection fee based on the city engineers estimate
Final Draft page 22
enumerated in the Development Contract. If the city finds upon inspection that any of the required
improvements have not been constructed in accordance with the city's construction standards and
specifications, the subdivider shall be responsible for completing the improvements; and no building
permits or certificates of occupancy shall be issued until the required improvements have been
completed by the subdivider.
(b) Release or reduction of performance security.
(1) Certificate of satisfactory completion. The city will not accept dedication of required
improvements, nor release nor reduce security, until the city engineer has submitted a certificate
stating that all required improvements have been satisfactorily completed and until the
subdivider's engineer or surveyor has certified to the city engineer, through submission of a
detailed as-built construction drawing and survey plat of the subdivision, indicating location,
dimensions, materials and other information required by the city, that the layout of the line and
grade of all required improvements is in accordance with construction plans for the subdivision.
The city may require that a title insurance policy be furnished to and approved by the city attorney,
indicating that the required public improvements are free and clear of any and all liens and
encumbrances. Upon such approval and recommendations, the city may thereafter accept the
public improvements for dedication in accordance with the established procedure.
(2) Reduction of security. Security may be reduced upon actual dedication of public improvements
or upon satisfactory completion of the private improvement and then only to the ratio that the
improvement bears to the total required improvements for the plat. In no event shall security be
reduced below 10 percent of the principal amount until satisfactory completion of all required
improvements.
Sec. 82-215.-Maintenance of required public and private improvements.
(a) The subdivider shall be required to maintain all private improvements and provide for snow removal
on streets and sidewalks until acceptance of such private improvements by a subsequent lot owner or
homeowners' association. The subdivider shall be required to maintain all public improvements and
provide for snow removal on streets and sidewalks until acceptance of such public improvements by
resolution of the city.
(b) The subdivider shall be required to file a warranty Bond with the city, prior to the issuance of the
certificate of satisfactory completion, in an amount considered adequate by the city engineer and in a
form satisfactory to the city attorney in order to ensure the satisfactory condition of the required public
and/or private improvements, on the individual subdivided lots for a period of one year after the date
of the issuance of the certificate of satisfactory completion.
Sec. 82-216.-Deferral of required public or private improvements.
(a) The city may defer at the time of the approval of the final plat, subject to appropriate conditions,the
installation of any or all such public or private improvements as, in its judgment, are not requisite in
the interest of the public health, safety and general welfare, or which are inappropriate because of the
inadequacy or lack of connecting public or private improvements.
(b) Whenever it is deemed necessary by the city to defer the construction of any public or private
improvements required in this section because of incompatible grades, future planning, inadequate or
lack of connecting public or private improvements, or for other reasons,the subdivider shall pay their
estimated share of the cost of the future improvements to the city prior to the signing of the final plat;
Final Draft page 23
or the subdivider may post a security insuring completion of such improvements upon demand of the
city.
Sec. 82-217.- Subdivisions straddling municipal and school district boundaries.
Lot lines shall be laid out so as not to cross municipal and school district boundary lines.
Sec. 82-218.- Monuments.
The applicant shall place permanent reference monuments in the plat as required by statute.
Sec. 82-219.- Character of the land.
Land which the council finds to be unsuitable for subdivision or development due to flooding,
improper drainage, steep slopes, soil conditions, rock formations,adverse earth formations or topography,
utility easements, or other features which will reasonably be harmful to the safety,health and general
welfare of the present or future inhabitants of the plat and/or its surrounding areas shall not be subdivided
or developed unless adequate methods are formulated by the developer and approved by the council,upon
recommendation of the city engineer,to solve the problems created by the unsuitable land conditions.
Such land shall be set aside for uses as shall not involve such a danger.
Sec. 82-220.-Plat name.
The proposed name of the plat shall not duplicate, or too closely approximate phonetically,the name
of any other plat in the city covered by this chapter. The council shall have final authority to designate the
name of the plat, which shall be determined at preliminary plat approval.
Sec. 82-221.-Drainage and storm sewers.
(a) General requirements. The city shall not approve any plat which does not make adequate provision
for stormwater or floodwater runoff. Surface water drainage patterns shall be shown for each lot and
block. The stormwater drainage system shall be separate and independent of any sanitary sewer
system. Storm sewers,where required, shall be designed by the method as approved by the city, and a
copy of design computations shall be submitted along with plans. Inlets shall be provided so that
surface water is not carried across or around any intersection,nor for a distance of more than 600 feet
in the gutter in urban areas. When calculations indicate that curb capacities are exceeded at a point,no
further allowance shall be made for flow beyond that point; and basins shall be used to intercept flow
at that point.
(b) Nature of stormwater facilities.
(1) Location. The subdivision shall be required by the city to carry away by pipe or open ditch any
spring or surface water that may exist either previously to or as a result of the plat. Such drainage
facilities shall be located in the road right-of-way where feasible, or in perpetual unobstructed
easements of appropriate width, and shall be constructed in accordance with the city's
construction standards and specifications.
(2) Accessibility to public storm sewers.
Final Draft page 24
a. Where a public storm sewer is accessible,the subdivider shall install storm sewer facilities;
or, if no outlets are within a reasonable distance, adequate provision shall be made for the
disposal of stormwaters, subject to the specifications of the city.
b. If a connection to a public storm sewer will be provided eventually, as determined by the
city, the subdivider shall make arrangements for future stormwater disposal by a public
utility system at the time the subdivision receives final approval. Provision for such
connection shall be incorporated by inclusion in the performance Bond required for the final
subdivision.
(3) Accommodation of upstream drainage areas. A culvert or other drainage facility shall in each
case be large enough to accommodate potential runoff from its entire upstream drainage area,
whether inside or outside the subdivision. The city shall determine the necessary size of the
facility, based on the provisions of the construction standards and specifications assuming
conditions of maximum potential watershed development permitted by chapter 78 and
Community Management Plan.
(4) Effect on downstream drainage areas. The city shall also study the effect of each plat on existing
downstream drainage facilities outside the area of the plat. City drainage studies, together with
such other studies as shall be appropriate, shall serve as a guide to needed improvements. Where
it is anticipated that the additional runoff incident to the development of the plat will overload an
existing downstream drainage facility,the city may withhold approval of the plat until provision
has been made for the improvement of the potential condition at the subdivider's expense and in
such sum as the city shall determine.No plat shall be approved unless adequate drainage will be
provided to an adequate drainage watercourse or facility.
(5) Floodplain areas. The city may, when it deems it necessary for the health, safety or welfare of
the population of the area and necessary to the conservation of water, drainage and sanitary
facilities,prohibit the subdivision of any portion of the property which lies within the floodplain
of any stream, lake or drainage course. These floodplain areas shall be preserved from any and
all destruction or damage resulting from clearing,grading or dumping of earth,waste material or
stumps by the appropriate conservation easement.
(c) Dedication of drainage easements.
(1) General requirements. Where a plat is traversed by a wetlands, swamp, watercourse,
drainageway,channel or stream,there shall be provided a stormwater easement,conservation and
flowage easement, or drainage right-of-way conforming substantially to the lines of such
watercourse, and of such width and construction or both as will be adequate for the purpose.
Wherever possible, it is desirable that the drainage be maintained by an open channel with
landscaped banks and adequate width for maximum potential volume of flow.
(2) Drainage easements.
a. Where topography or other conditions are such as to make impractical the inclusion of
drainage facilities within road rights-of-way, perpetual unobstructed easements of an
appropriate width for such drainage facilities shall be provided across property outside the
road lines and with satisfactory access to a public roadway. Easements shall be indicated on
the plat. Drainage easements shall be carried from the road to a natural watercourse or to
other drainage facilities.
b. When a proposed drainage system will carry water across private land outside the plat,
appropriate drainage rights must be secured and indicated.
c. The subdivider shall dedicate,by drainage or conservation easement of land on both sides of
existing watercourses,to a distance to be determined by the city.
Final Draft page 25
Sec. 82-222. -Water facilities.
(a) Public water systems.
(1) Where a public water main is accessible, the subdivider shall install adequate water facilities,
including fire hydrants, subject to the specifications of the State or city.
(2) Water main extensions shall be approved by the city.
(3) To facilitate the provisions of subsections (a)(1) and (2) of this section, the location of all fire
hydrants and all water supply improvements and all improvements proposed to be served shall be
shown on the preliminary plat,and the cost of installing such improvements shall be included in
the performance Bond to be furnished by the subdivider.
(b) Individual wells.
(1) In the discretion of the city, if a public water system is not available, individual wells may be
used. Water samples shall be submitted to the State health department for its approval.
(2) If the city requires that a connection to a public water main be eventually provided as a condition
to approval of an individual well,the subdivider shall make arrangements for future water service
at the time the plat receives final approval.
Sec. 82-223.- Sewerage facilities.
(a) General requirements. Where public sanitary sewer is available,the subdivider shall install sanitary
sewer facilities in a manner prescribed by the city's construction standards, specifications and
provisions of this Code. All plans shall be designed in accordance with the rules, regulations and
standards of the city, State health department, and other appropriate agencies.
(b) Connection. Where a public sanitary sewerage system is reasonably accessible, the applicant shall
connect the system and provide sewers accessible to each lot in the plat.
(c) Central system. In the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA), where public sanitary sewerage
systems are not reasonably accessible but will become available within a reasonable time (not to
exceed 15 years),the applicant may choose a central sewerage system. The maintenance cost shall be
assessed against each property benefited. Where plans for future public sanitary sewerage systems
exist, the applicant shall install the sewer lines, laterals and mains to be in permanent conformance
with such plans and ready for connection to such public sewer mains.
(d) Septic system. In the MUSA,and where sanitary sewerage systems are not reasonably accessible and
will not become available for a period in excess of 15 years, the applicant may install a sewerage
system in accordance with chapter 58, article II.
(e) Design criteria for sanitary sewers.
(1) Generally. These design criteria are not intended to cover extraordinary situations. Deviations
will be allowed and may be required in those instances where considered justified by the city.
(2) Design factors. Sanitary sewerage systems should be designed for the ultimate tributary
population. Due consideration should be given to the Community Management Plan. Sewer
capacities should be adequate to handle the anticipated maximum hourly quantity of sewage and
industrial waste together with an adequate allowance for infiltration and other extraneous flow.
Sewers shall be designed in accordance with standards and specifications approved by the city.
Final Draft page 26
Sec. 82-224.-Utilities.
(a) Location. All utility facilities, including but not limited to gas, electric power,telephone and CATV
cables, shall be located underground throughout a plat. Wherever existing utility facilities are located
above ground, except where existing on public roads and rights-of-way, they shall be removed and
placed underground. All utility facilities existing and proposed throughout the plat shall be shown on
the preliminary plat. Underground service connections to the street property line of each platted lot
shall be installed at the subdivider's expense.At the discretion of the city,the requirements for service
connections to each lot may be waived in the case of adjoining lots to be retained in single ownership
and intended to be developed for the same primary use.
(b) Easements. Easements centered on rear and side lot lines shall be provided for utilities (private and
municipal), and such easement shall be at least ten feet wide and have satisfactory access to the
publicly dedicated and opened road.Easements shall be indicated on the plat.Proper coordination shall
be established between the subdivider and the applicable utility companies for the establishment of
utility easements established in adjoining properties.
Sec. 82-225. -Preservation of natural features and amenities.
(a) Generally. Existing features which would add value to residential development or to the city as a whole,
such as trees, watercourses and falls, beaches, historic spots, and similar irreplaceable assets, shall be
preserved in the design of the plat.
1. No trees shall be removed from any plat nor any change of grade of the land effected until
approval of the preliminary plat has been granted. All trees on the plat required to be
retained shall be preserved, and all trees where required shall be welled and protected
against change of grade.The vegetation map shall show the number and location of existing
trees, as required by this chapter, and shall further indicate all those marked for retention,
and the location of all proposed shade trees required along the street side of each lot as
required by this chapter.
(b) Deciduous trees planted by subdivider.
(1) As a requirement of subdivision approval, the city may require that the subdivider plant
Deciduous trees on the property of the subdivision. Such trees are to be planted within five feet
of the right-of-way of the roads within and abutting the subdivision, or, at the discretion of the
city,within the right-of-way of such roads. One tree shall be planted for every 40 feet of frontage
along each road unless the council, upon recommendation of city staff, shall grant a waiver.
(2) New trees to be provided pursuant to this chapter shall be approved by the city and shall be
planted in accordance with the specifications of the city. Such trees shall have a minimum trunk
diameter, measured 12 inches above ground level, of not less than two inches. Only oak, honey
locust, hard maples, or other long-lived shade trees acceptable to the city shall be planted.
Alternatively,the City may accept trees recommended for street use by University of Minnesota
Extension—Forestry,Northwest and Central regions and appropriate for the soil conditions.
Sec. 82-226.-Parks and playgrounds.
(1) Lands for public use. The city finds that when land is subdivided,including a planned residential
development or a planned unit development, the resulting additional housing units or
commercial/industrial buildings have an impact on the city's park system. Therefore, pursuant to
Minn. Stat. § 462.358, subd. 2b,the city requires all persons, corporations or other legal entities
that subdivide land within the city, as a prerequisite to approval of a lot division, final plat,
Final Draft page 27
planned residential development or planned unit development, to convey to the city or dedicate
to the public, for use as parks, playgrounds, trails or open space, a given percentage of the land
being platted or developed as specified in this section, such portions to be approved by the city.
In lieu thereof, the subdivider shall, at the option of the city, pay to the city, for use in the
acquisition, development or improvement of public parks, playgrounds, trails, wetlands or open
spaces and debt retirement in connection with the foregoing, an equivalent amount in cash based
upon the fair market value of the land to be developed. The form of contribution (cash, land, or
any combination)shall be decided by the city council based upon the need and conformance with
the comprehensive plan.The amount of the dedication requirement shall be roughly proportional
to the impact of the subdivision on the city's park system.
(2) Dedicated land requirements. Any land to be dedicated as a requirement of this section shall be
reasonably adaptable for the public purposes listed in subsection(1)of this section. Factors used
in evaluating the adequacy of proposed dedicated areas shall include size, shape, topography,
drainage,geology,tree cover, access and location.
(3) Land dedication minimum area. Subdividers shall be required to dedicate to the city for parks,
playgrounds,trails,open spaces and other public purposes as a minimum that percentage of gross
land area, or other such amount as may be determined by the city council,as set forth below:
a. In residential/agricultural/multiple residential zoned land, dedication requirement of eight
percent of the land being platted or subdivided. The dedication required shall be roughly
proportional to the projected impact of the proposed development on the city's park system.
Because of the vastly differing land values in the city, the eight percent park dedication
requirement could result in park dedication requirements that are either significantly greater
than or significantly less than the amount which is roughly proportional to the impact of the
proposed development on the city's park system. Periodically, therefore, the city will
establish both a maximum and minimum park dedication amount per dwelling unit based on
an updated projection of the cost of the city's park system and the proportionate share of this
projected cost to be borne by new dwelling units in the city.This will be done by a resolution
of the city council.
b. In commercial/industrial zoned land, dedication requirement of eight percent of the land
being platted or subdivided. The dedication required shall be roughly proportional to the
projected impact of the proposed development on the city's park system. The city finds that
the employees of commercial/industrial developments in the city make use of the city's park
system, particularly trails and natural areas. Because the city's park system is focused on
trails and natural areas versus active community parks and ballfields, commercial/industrial
employees use the city's park system in ways similar to city residents. Therefore, the
commercial/industrial dedication requirement will be tied to the residential dedication
requirement by determining the number of employees that is equivalent to a residential
dwelling unit in terms of impact on the city's park system.Periodically the city will establish
both a maximum and minimum park dedication amount per employee based on this
determination and the determination of the residential dedication requirement as set out in
subsection(3)a of this section. This will be done by resolution of the city council.
c. Because the city's park system is focused on trails and natural open space areas,the city does
not have a broad system of neighborhood parks. If a subdivision is planned to be served by
a neighborhood park, this subdivision will receive a greater benefit from the city's park
system than that received by the general population. Therefore, the maximum park
dedication amount as determined in subsection (3)a of this section may be exceeded up to
the full eight percent dedication requirement in the case of a subdivision that is planned to
be served by a neighborhood park.
Final Draft page 28
(4) Cash contribution in lieu of lands. In those instances where a cash contribution is to be made by
the subdivider, in lieu of a conveyance or dedication of land, the cash contribution to be
contributed shall be equivalent to the fair market value of the equivalent undeveloped land that
would otherwise have been conveyed or dedicated. The city shall account for such funds in a
special fund named park dedication funds. These funds are to be used only for the acquisition,
development and improvement of public parks,playgrounds,trails,wetlands or open spaces,and
debt retirement in connection with the foregoing.
(5) Fair market value of lands. Fair market value for purposes of this section shall be the land
predevelopment value to be determined by the city council as of the time of preliminary plat
application in accordance with the following:
a. The city assessor shall recommend to the city council as to the fair market value of the land
after consultation with the subdivider.
b. If agreement is not reached between the city assessor and subdivider, the fair market value
shall be determined in accordance with the following:
1. Fair market value as determined by the city council based upon a current appraisal
submitted to the city by the subdivider,at their expense. The appraisal shall be made by
appraisers who are approved members of SREA or MAI, or equivalent real estate
societies.
2. If the city disputes such appraisal amounts, it may obtain an appraisal of the property
by a qualified real estate appraiser which the city council selects and which appraisal
may be accepted by the city as being an accurate appraisal at fair market value.The cost
of the appraisal shall be paid by the subdivider.
c. The determination of fair market value of the undeveloped land by the city assessor, city
council or designated appraisers shall be determined at the time of preliminary subdivision
approval, provided that there is final plat approval within the time limits as set forth in this
chapter. The time of preliminary plat approval is utilized because the nature of the
subdivision,its probable population,lot size and value,and other relevant factors are known.
If an extension of the time limits in this chapter is approved by the city council, the fair
market value shall be determined as of the time of the approval of that extension. In
determining the fair market value as of time of preliminary plat application,or its extension,
the factors to be included in the analysis shall include any and all factors which are generally
accepted and used by approved members of SREA or MAI or equivalent real estate appraisal
societies.
(6) Future subdivision. Any land which is further subdivided, divided or applied for such
subdivision, division subsequent to May 1, 1990, shall be subject to the requirements of the
ordinance then in effect concerning dedication of land for public purposes; and credit shall be
given for any charges previously imposed upon that land if the subdivider can prove that fees
were previously paid. In no event shall the city be liable for any payment which may be due
because of a subsequent reduction in the application percentage of land or equivalent market value
in cash to be dedicated.
Secs. 82-227-82-250. - Reserved.
DIVISION 2.- LOTS
Sec. 82-251.—Security to include lot improvement.
The security required shall include an amount to guarantee completion of all requirements contained
in this division, including but not limited to erosion control, soil preservation, final grading, lot drainage,
Final Draft page 29
land stabilization, ,removal of debris and waste, fencing, and all other lot improvements required by the
city.
Sec. 82-252.-Lot arrangement.
The lot arrangement shall be such that there will be no foreseeable difficulties, for reasons of
topography or other conditions, in securing building permits to build on all lots in compliance with
chapter 78 and in providing driveway access to buildings on such lots from an approved street.
Sec. 82-253.-Lot dimensions.
Lot dimensions shall comply with the minimum standards of chapter 78. Where lots are more than
double the minimum required area for the zoning district,the city may require that such lots be arranged
so as to allow further subdivision and the opening of future streets where they would be necessary to
serve such potential lots, all in compliance with chapter 78. In general, side lot lines shall be at right
angles to street lines(or radial to curving street lines)unless a variation from this rule will give a better
street or lot plan. Dimensions of corner lots shall be large enough to allow for erection of buildings,
observing the minimum yard setback from both streets. Depth and width of properties reserved or laid out
for business, commercial or industrial purposes shall be adequate to provide for the off-street parking and
loading facilities required for the type of use and development contemplated,as established in chapter 78.
Notwithstanding the required width of each lot, each lot shall maintain a minimum frontage of 18 feet on
a public or private street, or access outlot.
Sec. 82-254.-Lot area,minimum.
A. In areas not served by sanitary sewer, each lot must contain a minimum of two acres of contiguous
Dry Buildable Land exclusive of public rights-of-way,vehicular easements,or areas at or below the
floodplain elevation for a specific property.
B. In areas served by sanitary sewer, each lot must contain contiguous Dry Buildable Land equal to the
minimum areas as prescribed in chapter 78 or half-acre,whichever is less(exclusive of public rights-
of-way,vehicular easements, or areas at or below the floodplain elevation for a specific property),
and have legal access to the building site without encroachment of a wetland or floodplain area.
C. Outlots. Outlots are not intended for development except for the purpose in which they are created,
which may include streets,stormwater management, monument signs, etc. Outlots intended for future
development shall not be subject to development fees until they are platted as buildable lots.
Sec. 82-255.-Lakeshore lots.
The granting of easements which purport to grant access to the lake to any person for any uses,
including but not limited to docking,mooring, swimming and launching of boats,is prohibited and shall
be deemed a violation of this chapter and subject to all of the penalties and proceedings as set forth in this
chapter.
Exception. An owner of a riparian lot within the Seasonal Recreational (RS)zoning
district may grant an easement over their riparian, RS zoned property to benefit a non-riparian, RS
zoned property for lake access purposes.
Final Draft page 30
Sec. 82-256.-Double-frontage lots,access to lots, and front/back lot divisions.
(a) Double frontage lots. Double-frontage and reversed-frontage lots shall be avoided except where
necessary to provide separation of residential development from traffic arterials or to overcome
specific disadvantages of topography and orientation.
(b) Access from any arterial roadway. Lots shall not,in general,derive access exclusively from an arterial
roadway. Where driveway access from any arterial roadway may be necessary for several adjoining
lots, the council may require that such lots be served by a combined access drive in order to limit
possible traffic hazard on such roadway. Where possible,driveways shall be designed and arranged so
as to avoid requiring vehicles to back into traffic on any arterial roadway.
(c) Front/back lot subdivisions. Flag lots shall not be created. For the purposes of this chapter, a flag lot
shall be defined as a lot so shaped such that the main building site is set back from the street on which
it fronts and includes an access strip connecting the main building site with the fronting street.
Front/back lot divisions shall be allowed only in conjunction with the creation of a separate outlot to
provide access from the back lot to the public or private road. Such outlot shall not be allowed as
creditable lot area for either the back or front lots. Front/back lot subdivisions shall adhere to the
following standards:
(1) Applicability.
a. Front/back lot divisions may be used when existing property dimensions are narrow and
deep, such that lot width does not allow for a side-by-side lot split, but acreage is adequate
to provide a front lot and a back lot without requiring an area variance when the area of the
outlot access corridor is excluded.
b. Front/back lot divisions may be used for individual lot splits but may not be used when
subdividing a large parcel into numerous lots if creation of a back lot is merely a convenience
to the developer rather than supported by unique site factors.
c. A front/back lot division shall not be allowed when any existing residence on a neighboring
property abutting the proposed access outlot is located nearer its affected side lot line than a
distance equivalent to the zoning district required front yard depth.
(2) Dimensional standards. Dimensional standards for back lots shall be as follows:
a. Lot area shall be 150 percent of the zoning district requirement. Wetlands may be allowed
as area credit for meeting the 150 percent back lot area requirement, as long as the back lot
contains sufficient contiguous dry buildable land to satisfy the minimum acreage
requirement of the underlying zoning district.
b. Lot width measured parallel to the front or street lot line at the street yard setback line of a
lakeshore back lot, or at the rear of the front yard setback line of a non-lakeshore back lot,
shall meet the zoning district width requirement. The street yard or front yard for any back
lot will be a yard starting where the narrow access outlot corridor ends and the lot begins.
Lakeshore back lots shall meet the lot width standard at the shoreline, at the lakeshore
setback line and at the street yard setback line.
c. The depth of the required street yard or front yard shall be 150 percent of the zoning district
front yard requirement.
d. The required side yard and rear yard depths for back lots shall be 150 percent of the zoning
district yard requirements.The required lakeshore yard of a lakeshore back lot shall meet the
zoning district lakeshore yard requirements.
(3) Dimensional standards for front lots. A front lot created as part of a front/back lot division shall
meet all zoning district area, width and setback standards; except that the required side yard of
Final Draft page 31
the front lot adjacent to the access outlot shall be equivalent to the side street yard requirement
for that zoning district.
(4) Access requirements.
a. Access outlots shall be wide enough to accommodate drainage,snow removal and screening
without encroaching on neighboring properties. In no case shall an outlot be narrower than
30 feet in width.
b. In approving front/back lot divisions, the city may require that both front lot and back lot
share a driveway access within the access outlot if the council determines that creating an
additional access to the existing street will be a potential safety hazard.
c. Driveways within a back lot shall be located at least ten feet from the side or rear lot lines of
adjacent lots.
d. No more than two residences may be served by a driveway located within an access outlot.
e. No access outlot may be platted abutting an adjacent outlot except when the intent is to
combine the two access outlots for creation of a public or private road meeting city standards.
(5) Screening requirements and accessory structure standards. Front/back lot subdivisions shall be
designed in a manner such that the screening requirements and accessory structure standards of
section 78-1370 can be met.
(3) Effective date. The requirements and standards of this section shall apply only to those front/back
lot divisions which received preliminary plat approval after January 1, 1994.
Sec. 82-257.-Soil preservation,grading and seeding.
(a) Soil preservation and final grading. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued until final grading
has been completed in accordance with the approved final subdivision and the lot precovered with soil
with an average depth of at least six inches,which shall contain no particles over two inches in diameter
over the entire area of the lot, except that portion covered by buildings or included in streets,or where
the grade has not been changed. Topsoil shall not be removed from residential lots or used as spoil but
shall be redistributed so as to provide at least three inches of cover on the lots and boulevards.
(b) Lawn-grass seed and sod. All disturbed areas shall be stabilized with a vegetative mix approved by
the city engineer. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued until the disturbed areas meet the
standard of Final Stabilization, as defined in Section 79-5; except that during the period of the year
when seed cannot be sown,the property owner and/or developer shall submit an agreement in writing
to assure that re-spreading of soil and seeding of lawn will be done during the immediate following
planting season, and shall leave a security in a form acceptable to the city for performance in such an
amount as shall be determined by the city. The developer may choose to include final lot grading and
required lawn grass seeding improvements in a development contract and shall leave a security in a
form acceptable to the city for performance in such an amount as shall be determined by the city. Sod
may be used to comply with any requirements of seeding set forth in this section.
(c) Lot drainage. Lots shall be graded so as to provide positive drainage away from all buildings, and
individual lot drainage shall be coordinated with the general storm drainage pattern for the area.
Drainage shall be designed so as to avoid concentration of storm drainage water from each lot to
adjacent lots.
Sec. 82-258.-Debris and waste.
Final Draft page 32
No cut trees,timber, debris, earth,rocks, stones, soil,junk, rubbish or other waste materials of any
kind shall be buried in any land, or left or deposited on any lot or street at the time of the issuance of a
certificate of occupancy on a subdivision,nor shall any be left or deposited in any area of the subdivision
at the time of expiration of the performance security or dedication of public improvements,whichever is
sooner.
Secs. 82-259-82-280.-Reserved.
DIVISION 3.- ROADS AND PUBLIC WAYS
Sec. 82-281.-Design standards.
(a) Generally. In order to provide for roads of suitable location,width and improvement to accommodate
prospective traffic and afford satisfactory access to police, firefighting, snow removal, sanitation and
road maintenance equipment,and to coordinate roads so as to compose a convenient system and avoid
undue hardships to adjoining properties,the following design standards for roads are required:
(1) Road surfacing and improvements. After the sewer and water utilities have been installed by the
subdivider, the subdivider shall construct all road pavement, shoulders, drainage improvements
and structures, curbs, culs-de-sac, and sidewalks in conformance with all construction standards
and specifications adopted by the city and shall be incorporated into the construction plans
required to be submitted to the subdivider for final subdivision approval.
(2) Rights-of-way. Rights-of-way shall be in accordance with the following performance standard:
a. Minimum right-of-way widths.
Principal arterial, intermediate arterial FAS recommended by the State Department of Transportation j
Minor arterial 80 feet
Collector 70 feet
Local 50 feet
Parkway l00 feet
Cul-de-sac 50 feet radius
b. Rights-of-way are needed for future roadways in the opinion of the city.
c. Right-of-way widths or additional widths in existing rights-of-way in excess of the standards
designated in this chapter when, due to topography, additional width is necessary to provide
adequate earth slopes. Such slopes shall not be in excess of 3:1.
(b) Railroads and limited-access roadways. Railroad rights-of-way and limited-access roadways where
so located as to affect the subdivision of adjoining lands shall be treated as follows:
(1) In residential districts, a buffer strip at least 25 feet in depth shall be provided adjacent to the
railroad right-of-way or limited-access roadway.
(2) In districts zoned for business,commercial or industrial uses,the nearest street extending parallel
or approximately parallel to the railroad shall be at a sufficient distance to ensure suitable depth
for commercial or industrial sites.
(3) Streets parallel to the railroad when intersecting a street which crosses the railroad at grade shall
be at a distance of at least 150 feet from the railroad right-of-way. Such distance shall be
Final Draft page 33
determined with due consideration of the minimum distance required for future separation of
grades by means of appropriate approach gradients.
(4) Roadways crossing the railroads shall be avoided.
(c) Intersections.
(1) Roadways shall be laid out so as to intersect as nearly as possible at right angles. A proposed
intersection of two new streets at an angle or less than 75 degrees shall not be acceptable. An
oblique street should be curved approaching an intersection and should be approximately at right
angles for at least 100 feet from the intersection.Not more than two streets shall intersect at any
one point unless specifically approved by the city.
(2) Proposed new intersections along one side of an existing street shall coincide with any existing
intersections on the opposite side of such street. Intersection jogs with centerline offsets of less
than 150 feet shall not be permitted,except where the intersected street has separated dual drives
without median breaks at either intersection. Where streets intersect collectors or arterials„their
alignment shall be continuous. Intersections of arterial roadways shall be at least 800 feet apart.
(3) Minimum curb radius at the intersection of two local streets shall be at least 15 feet, and
minimum curb radius at an intersection involving a collector street or local streets in a commercial
or industrial area shall be at least 25 feet. Alley intersections and abrupt changes in alignment
within a block shall have the corners cut off in accordance with standard engineering practice to
permit safe vehicular movement.
(4) Intersections shall be designed with a flat stopping area of at least 30 feet in a residential area
and 60 feet in a commercial or industrial area. The stopping area shall be designed to provide a
maximum grade of two percent.
(5) Where any street intersection will involve earth banks or existing vegetation inside any lot corner
that would create a traffic hazard by limiting visibility,the subdivider shall cut such ground and/or
vegetation (including trees) in connection with the grading of the right-of-way to the extent
deemed necessary by the city to provide an adequate sight distance.
(6) The crown of all streets, including intersections, shall be three percent or less.
Final Draft page 34
(d) Typical section. Typical sections shall be as prescribed in the Orono Standard Construction Details,
as amended from time to time. Soil borings may be required to be determined by the city.
(1) Private street, residential
Units R.O.W.* M.P.W.**
(feet) (feet)
---
3-6 --- 50
----- --- 24 -- -
-+_Over 6 5028
Cul de sac 50 radii 45 radii
(2) Public street, residential
Units R.O.W.* M.P.W.**
(feet) (feet)
3-10 50 28
Over 10 50 32
r-
Cul de sac—ja 50 45 radii
Maximum cul-de-sac length= 1,000 feet
Maximum number of units on cul-de-sac= 10
(3) Public street, commercial or industrial
Units R.O.W.* M.P.W.**
(feet) (feet)
1+ 70 f 32
Cul de sac 50 45
*Right-of-Way Width
**Minimum Paved Width
(e) Horizontal and vertical control. Horizontal and vertical control shall be as follows:
T Vertical j Horizontal
Functional Design Control Control
Class Speed Maximum Minimum
(mph) Gradient Radius
(percent) (feet)
Private street 30 12 275
(residential)
Final Draft page 35
Public street 30 10 275
(residential)
Public street
(commercial and 40 8 400
industrial)
Sec. 82-282.- Off-site premises; roadways.
(a) Access to improved public or private roadways. No subdivision shall be approved unless the area to
be subdivided shall have adequate access from an existing publicly dedicated and opened roadway or
on a private roadway open to travel or vehicular use pursuant to an easement between persons or
between persons and the city. Such roadway must be suitably improved as required by the city, the
State or the county. If the public roadway, including but not limited to existing bridges, drainage
structures, lighting, shoulders, base, pavement, alignment or sight distance, is not suitable to handle
the proposed additional vehicular traffic from the subdivision,the subdivider at their expense will be
responsible for first improving the public roadway to a standard acceptable to the city, to ensure that
the health, safety and welfare of the citizens presently using the roadway and in the future will be
protected and will not be adversely affected by the increased use of the roadway caused by the
subdivision. This improvement shall be accomplished prior to final subdivision approval unless the
city agrees and the subdivider provides a suitable performance Bond to complete the improvements in
the development contract.
(b) Access to improved public roadways over existing private roadways. Wherever the area to be
subdivided is to utilize an existing private roadway in order to gain access to the public roadway,such
private roadway shall be suitably improved as provided in this section for public roadways.
Sec. 82-283.-On-site roadways.
(a) Grading and improvement plan. Roadways shall be graded and improved to conform to the city's
construction standards and specifications and shall be approved as to design and specifications by the
city engineer, in accordance with the construction plans required to be submitted prior to final
subdivision approval.
(b) Topography and arrangement.
(1) Roadways shall be related appropriately to the topography.Roadways shall be curved wherever
possible to avoid conformity of lot appearance. All roadways shall be arranged so as to obtain as
many as possible of the building sites at or above the grades of the street. Grades of streets shall
conform as closely as possible to the original topography. A combination of steep grades and
curves shall be avoided.
(2) All streets shall be properly integrated with the existing and proposed system of thoroughfares
and dedicated rights-of-way as established in the Community Management Plan.
(3) All thoroughfares shall be properly related to specific traffic generators, such as industries,
business districts, schools, churches, and shopping centers; to population densities; and to the
pattern of existing and proposed land uses.
(4) Roadways shall be laid out to conform as much as possible to the topography,to discourage use
by through traffic, to permit efficient drainage and utility systems, and to require the minimum
number of roadways necessary to provide convenient and safe access to property.
Final Draft page 36
(5) The gridiron roadway pattern need not necessarily be adhered to, and the use of curvilinear
roadways or U-shaped roadways shall be encouraged where such use will result in a more
desirable layout.
(6) Cul-de-sacs shall be discouraged; proposed roadways shall be extended to the boundary lines of
the tract to be subdivided unless prevented by topography or other physical conditions or unless
in the opinion of the city such extension is not necessary or desirable for the coordination of the
layout of the subdivision with the existing layout or the most advantageous future development
of adjacent tracts.
(7) In business and industrial developments,the roadways and other accessways shall be planned in
connection with the grouping of buildings, location of rail facilities, and the provisions of alleys,
truck loading and maneuvering areas, and walks and parking areas so as to minimize conflict of
movement between the various types of traffic, including pedestrian.
(c) Blocks.
(1) Blocks should have sufficient width to provide for two tiers of lots of appropriate depths.
Exceptions to this prescribed block width shall be permitted in blocks adjacent to arterial
roadways,railroads or waterways.
(2) In all blocks, the city shall require the reservation of an easement through the block to
accommodate utilities,drainage facilities or pedestrian traffic.Pedestrian ways or crosswalks,not
less than ten feet wide, may be required by the city through the center of blocks more than 800
feet long where deemed essential to provide circulation of access to schools, playgrounds,
shopping centers,transportation or other community facilities.Blocks designed for industrial uses
shall be of such length and width as may be determined suitable by the city for prospective use.
(d) Access to primary arterials. Where a subdivision borders on or contains an existing or proposed
arterial,the city may require that access to such roadways be limited by one of the following means:
(1) The subdivision of lots so as to back onto the arterials and front onto a parallel local or collector
roadway; no access shall be provided from the arterial,and screening shall be provided in a strip
of land along the rear property line of such lots.
(2) A series of cul-de-sacs, U-shaped streets, or short loops entered from and designed generally at
right angles to such a parallel street, with the rear lines of their terminal lots backing onto the
arterial.
(3) A marginal-access or service road separated from the arterial by a planting or grass strip and
having access to the arterial at suitable points.
(e) Road names and street addresses. The city shall name all roads at the time of preliminary subdivision
approval and assign street addresses. Names shall be sufficiently different in sound and in spelling
from other road names in the area so as not to cause confusion. A road which is or is planned as a
continuation of an existing road shall bear the same name.
(f) Road regulatory signs. All road signs shall be installed prior to issuance of building permits for any
residence on the streets approved. The city shall place all signs at the developer's expense at all
intersections within or abutting the subdivision, the type and location of which shall be approved by
the city.
(g) Reserve strips. The creation of reserve strips shall not be permitted adjacent to a proposed street in
such a manner as to deny access from adjacent property to such street.
(h) Construction of roads and dead-end roads.
Final Draft page 37
(1) Construction of roads. The arrangement of streets shall provide for the continuation of streets
between adjacent properties when such continuation is necessary for access, convenient
movement of traffic, effective fire protection, for efficient provision of utilities, and where such
continuation is in accordance with the city Community Management Plan.If the adjacent property
is undeveloped and the street must be a dead-end street temporarily, the right-of-way shall be
extended to the property line and a temporary cul de sac provided. The city may limit the length
of temporary dead-end streets in accordance with this chapter.
(2) Dead-end roads (permanent). Where a road does not extend to the boundary of the subdivision
and its continuation is not required by the city for access to adjoining property, its terminus shall
not be nearer to such boundary than 50 feet. However,the city may require the reservation of an
appropriate easement to accommodate drainage facilities,pedestrian traffic or utilities.A cul-de-
sac shall be provided at the end of a permanent dead-end street in accordance with the city's
construction standards and specifications.
Sec. 82-284.-Road dedication and reservations.
(a) New perimeter streets. Street systems in new subdivisions shall be laid out so as to eliminate or avoid
new perimeter half-streets. Where an existing half-street is adjacent to a new subdivision, the other
half of the street shall be improved and dedicated by the subdivider. The city may authorize a new
perimeter street where the subdivider improves and dedicates the entire required street right-of-way
width within his own subdivision boundaries.
(b) Widening and realignment of existing roads. Where a subdivision borders an existing narrow road or
when the Community Management Plan or some other agency indicates plans for realignment or
widening a road that would require use of some of the land in the subdivision,the subdivider shall be
required to improve and dedicate at their expense such areas for widening or realignment of such roads.
Such frontage roads and streets shall be improved and dedicated by the subdivider at their own expense
to the full width as required by this chapter.
(c) Use of reserved land. Land reserved for any road purposes may not be counted in satisfying yard or
area requirements of chapter 78, whether the land is to be dedicated to the city in fee simple or an
easement is granted to the city.
Sec. 82-285.-Pedestrian access.
The council may require sidewalks or other pedestrian trails in order to facilitate pedestrian access
from the roads to schools,parks,playgrounds or other nearby roads. Sidewalks shall be five feet in width
and trails no more than eight feet in width.
Secs. 82-286-82-299.-Reserved.
DIVISION 4. -CONSERVATION DESIGN
Sec. 82-300.- Conservation design required.
The following residential subdivisions shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 78, article XII
with regards to conservation design.
a. All proposed residential subdivisions greater than five acres in total area and proposing
Urban medium or higher densities (greater than 3 units per acre)
b. All proposed residential subdivisions greater than 7 acres and proposing 2 acre minimum
lot size or smaller.
Final Draft page 38
c. The City Council may waive this requirement due to the nature of the proposed
subdivision.
SECTION 2.EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage and
publication.
ADOPTED this 14th day of September, 2020 on a vote of 5 ayes and 0 nays by the City Council
of Orono,Minnesota.
ATTEST:
JAYA_
Anna Carlson, City Clerk Dennis Walsh,Mayor
Ordinance published in The Laker Pioneer newspapers the week of , 2020.
Final Draft page 39