Chapter 16.20
MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS

Sections:

16.20.010    Applicability.

16.20.020    Administrator’s duties.

16.20.030    Presubmission consultation.

16.20.040    Review by planning commission.

16.20.050    Review criteria.

16.20.060    Preliminary plats--Application and fees.

16.20.070    Plats and plans--Distribution.

16.20.080    Preliminary plat approval.

16.20.090    Expiration.

16.20.100    Standard format.

16.20.110    Final plats--Filing period.

16.20.120    Final plats--Review by administrator.

16.20.130    Final plats--Council action.

16.20.140    Final plats--Submission of additional copies.

16.20.150    Standard format--Maps and drawings.

16.20.160    Standard format--Written data.

16.20.010 Applicability.

Every subdivision of land into five or more parcels or lots as defined in this title shall proceed in compliance with this chapter and RCW Chapter 58.17.  Land divided as a short subdivision, the short plat of which has been approved within five years immediately preceding, may be subdivided pursuant to this chapter.  (Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.020 Administrator’s duties.

The administrator is vested with the duty of administering subdivision and platting regulations within the incorporated areas of the city and may prepare and require the use of such forms as are essential to their administration.  (Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.030 Presubmission consultation.

Prior to the filing of a preliminary plat the subdivider shall submit to the administrator plans and other information sufficient to describe essential features of the property and the proposed or contemplated uses and development.  The subdivider shall schedule a discussion meeting with the subdivision review committee to review the preliminary sketch map and establish any special requirements or considerations affecting the proposed subdivision.  The subdivision review committee shall make general recommendations regarding the preliminary sketch map and shall recommend consultation by the subdivider with such other public or private agencies as it shall designate.  (Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.040 Review by planning commission.

Prior to submitting a preliminary plat and detailed design data the subdivider may request a general review of the proposed subdivision by the planning commission in an effort to determine if there are any obvious changes the planning commission feels are needed.  Such request for a general review shall be made at least fifteen days before the planning commission meeting at which the subdivision will be reviewed and not until after the subdivision review committee has reviewed and made its recommendations regarding the preliminary plat.  (Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.050 Review criteria.

Full subdivisions shall be given preliminary approval by the administrator or planning commission upon finding that all the following have been satisfied:

A.    The proposed subdivision conforms to:

1.    Goldendale comprehensive plan;

2.    Goldendale zoning code;

3.    Engineering standards;

4.    Critical area regulations; and

5.    Other applicable policies or plans adopted by the city.

B.    Availability of utilities and other public services necessary to serve the needs of the proposed subdivision.

C.    Potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures have been considered.

D.    Approval of the proposed subdivision will serve the public’s best interest and adequate provisions have been made to ensure public health, safety, and welfare.

E.    A proposed subdivision may be denied due to flooding or inundation of the property.  Where any portion of the proposed subdivision lies within the one-hundred-year floodplain as specified by Chapter 17.38 GMC, the planning commission shall not approve the preliminary plat unless it imposes a condition requiring the applicant to comply with the flood control ordinance.  (Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.060 Preliminary plats--Application and fees.

Any person desiring to subdivide land in the incorporated city shall submit a completed application for subdivision approval accompanied by a base filing fee of three hundred dollars plus an additional fee of ten dollars for each lot over ten lots created by the application, which fees shall be paid at the time of application submittal.  (Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.070 Plats and plans--Distribution.

A subdivider shall submit with his application six copies of a preliminary plat and copies of plans, profiles, specifications and other proposed improvements of the proposed subdivision.  If the administrator determines that the preliminary plat contains sufficient data to furnish a basis for approval or disapproval and if the plans, profiles and specifications are adequate to allow the city engineer to approve or disapprove construction of future improvements, the administrator shall affix a file number and date of receipt to the application and promptly forward two copies of the plans, profiles, specifications and other proposed improvements to the city engineer.  The administrator shall promptly forward copies of the preliminary plat to other interested agencies which may include:

A.    Public works supervisor;

B.    Public health officer;

C.    Chief of police;

D.    County planning director;

E.    County assessor;

F.    Public utility district;

G.    Washington State Department of Ecology; and

H.    Other federal, state, or local agencies as determined by the administrator which may have an interest in the preliminary plat.  (Ord. 1457 §2(part), 2015; Ord. 1372 §1(part), 2008; Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.080 Preliminary plat approval.

Approval of the preliminary plat shall constitute authorization for the subdivider to develop the subdivision’s facilities and improvements in strict accordance with standards established by this title and any conditions imposed by the subdivision review committee or planning commission.  This authorization shall not imply approval to convey lots.  (Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.090 Expiration.

Preliminary plats of any proposed subdivision and dedication shall be approved, disapproved or returned to the applicant for modification or correction within ninety days from the date of filing unless the applicant consents to an extension; provided, that if an environmental impact statement is required as provided in RCW 43.21C.030, the ninety-day period shall not include the time spent preparing and circulating the environmental impact statement by the local government agency.  Final plats and short plats shall be approved, disapproved or returned to the applicant within thirty days from the date of filing unless the applicant consents to an extension.  A final plat meeting all requirements of this title shall be submitted to the city council for approval within three years of the date of preliminary plat approval.  An applicant who files a written request with the city council at least thirty days before the expiration of the three-year period may be granted one one-year extension upon a showing that the applicant has attempted in good faith to submit the final plat within the three-year period.  (Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.100 Standard format.

Every preliminary plat shall consist of six or more maps, the horizontal scale of which for street and sewer profiles shall be one hundred or less feet to the inch, together with written data in such form that when the maps and written data are considered together they shall fully and clearly disclose the following information:

A.    Name of the proposed subdivision.  Such subdivision name shall not duplicate or nearly duplicate the name of any other subdivision in the city;

B.    Legal description of land contained within the subdivision;

C.    Names, addresses and telephone numbers of all persons, firms and corporations holding interest in the land;

D.    Name, address, telephone number and seal of the registered land surveyor who made or under whose supervision was made a survey of the proposed subdivision;

E.    Date of the survey;

F.    Boundary lines of the proposed subdivision and, if required by the city engineer, a map showing the section breakdown will be submitted showing bearings and distances surrounding the proposed subdivision;

G.    All existing monuments and markers found and shown;

H.    Boundaries of all blocks and lots within the proposed subdivision together with the numbers and letters proposed to be assigned each lot and block.  Such lot and block numbers shall consist of consecutive numbers beginning with number “1.” Parcels to be dedicated to the public may be shown by letter designation;

I.    Location and width of all existing streets, roads and easements within the proposed subdivision and adjacent thereto;

J.    Approximate boundaries of all areas subject to inundation or storm water overflow and the location, width and direction of flow of all watercourses;

K.    Location and, where ascertainable, sizes of all existing structures, wells, overhead and underground utilities, railroad lines, municipal boundaries, section lines, township lines and other important features existing upon, over or under the land proposed to be subdivided;

L.    Smallest, largest and average lot area in the tract;

M.    A statement of proposed provisions for water supply and sewage disposal;

N.    Contours at one-foot intervals if required by the city engineer, from zero to five percent cross slope; five-foot intervals for five to thirty percent cross slope; and spot elevations to determine the high and low points and general slope of the land;

O.    Date, north arrow and area in acres of the subdivision;

P.    A layout of proposed roads, alleys, utility mains, easements or parcels proposed to be dedicated or reserved for public or community facilities or uses;

Q.    Statement that the proposed water distribution system, sewage disposal system and drainage system including sizes and locations will meet city requirements;

R.    A sketch of the general vicinity in which the land proposed for subdivision lies and upon which are identified owners of land adjacent to the subdivision and the name of any adjacent subdivision;

S.    Copies of all proposed restrictive covenants to be imposed upon land in the subdivision;

T.    Location of soil log holes together with data regarding percolation rates and a statement as to soil conditions prepared by a registered soils engineer or civil engineer;

U.    Location of any foregoing improvements which may be constructed beyond the boundaries of the subdivision;

V.    Every subdivision shall conform with design standards as provided for in Chapter 16.20 GMC.  (Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.110 Final plats--Filing period.

At any time within twelve months following planning commission approval of a preliminary plat the subdivider may cause the subdivision or any part thereof to be surveyed and a final plat to be prepared.  The original and five copies shall be filed with the administrator.  Any failure to record a final plat within the time limits specified in GMC Section 16.20.090 shall terminate all proceedings.  The final plat prepared in accordance with the provisions of this section and GMC Sections 16.20.130 through 16.20.160 shall be submitted to the administrator not less than five days prior to the date of the meeting at which the board will be requested to act thereon.  (Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.120 Final plats--Review by administrator.

The administrator shall acknowledge receipt of a final plat which meets the requirements of GMC Sections 16.20.120 through 16.20.160 and shall forward the original and four copies to the city clerk-treasurer.  The administrator shall verify that:

A.    The final plat meets all standards established by state law and this title relating to final plats;

B.    Conditions imposed when the preliminary plat was approved have been met;

C.    The proposed final plat bears the certificates and statements of approval required by this title;

D.    A title report from a title insurance company confirms that title of the land in the proposed subdivision is vested in the name of the owners whose signatures appear on the plat certificate; and

E.    The facilities and improvements required to be provided by the subdivider have been completed or, alternatively, that the subdivider has provided bonds in a form acceptable to the city engineer.  (Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.130 Final plats--Council action.

A.    The council shall, at its next public meeting, determine:

1.    Whether requirements of state law and this title have been satisfied by the subdivider;

2.    Whether conditions imposed on the preliminary plat when approved have been met;

3.    Whether the bond, if required, assures completion of improvements and sets the time thereof, and

4.    Whether the public use and interest will be served by approving the final plat.

B.    The council shall thereupon approve or disapprove the proposed final plat.  (Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.140 Final plats--Submission of additional copies.

A.    Immediately following council approval and the recording of the final plat the subdivider shall furnish the city engineer with copies of the final plat as follows:

1.    One duplicate tracing (reproducible);

2.    Two paper prints.

B.    The engineer shall forward one copy to the county assessor and one copy to the administrator.  (Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.150 Standard format--Maps and drawings.

A.    Every final plat shall consist of one or more sheets each twelve by eighteen inches clearly and legibly drawn on mylar or equivalent material acceptable to the city engineer.  All drawings and lettering on the final plat shall be in permanent black ink.

B.    A marginal line shall be drawn completely around each sheet leaving an entirely blank margin of one inch on the left side and one-half inch on the remaining sides.  The scale of the map shall be sufficient to show all details clearly and shall not be smaller than one inch equals one hundred feet nor greater than one inch equals fifty feet.

C.    The perimeter of the subdivision shall be depicted with heavier lines than appear elsewhere on the plat.  Each sheet of the final plat shall contain the subdivision name, the graphic scale and the north point.  All signatures affixed to a final plat shall be original signatures written in permanent black ink.

D.    Every final plat shall include an accurate map of the subdivided land based on a complete survey thereof, which map shall include:

1.    All section, township, municipal and county lines lying within or adjacent to the subdivision;

2.    Location of all monuments or other evidence used as ties to establish the subdivision boundaries;

3.    Location of all permanent control monuments found and established within the subdivision;

4.    Length and bearings of all straight lines; the radii, arc lengths and central angles of all curves;

5.    Boundaries of the subdivision with complete bearings and lineal dimensions;

6.    Length of each lot line and other data necessary for the location of any lot line in the field;

7.    Location, width, centerline and name or number of all streets within and adjoining the subdivision;

8.    Location and width, shown with broken lines, and a description of all easements;

9.    Numbers assigned to all lots and blocks within the subdivision;

10.    Names of any adjacent subdivision.  (Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)

16.20.160 Standard format--Written data.

In addition to the map or maps, every final plat shall contain written data including:

A.    Name of the subdivision.

B.    A legal description of land contained within the subdivision.

C.    Certificate of the registered land surveyor who made or under whose supervision was made the survey of the subdivision, in substantially the following language:

I, __________, registered as a land surveyor by the State of Washington, certify that this plat is based on an actual survey of the land described herein, conducted by me or under my supervision, that the distances, courses and angles are shown thereon correctly; and that the monuments other than those monuments approved for setting at a later date, have been set and lot corners staked on the ground as depicted on the Plat.

____________________(seal)
Licensed Land Surveyor

Dated this _______ day of __________, 20___.

D.    A statement of approval signed by the city engineer in substantially the following language:

I hereby certify that this plat of __________ has been reviewed and examined by me and that it conforms with city of Goldendale standards for survey data, layout of roads, alleys and easements, road names and numbers, and other improvements as required.

____________________(seal)
City engineer

Dated this _______ day of __________, 20___.

E.    A statement of signed by the county treasurer in substantially the following language:

I hereby certify that all taxes, and compensating taxes and/or penalties on property contained within the plat shown herein have been paid, discharged, or satisfied.

____________________(seal)
County Treasurer

Dated this _______ day of __________, 20___.

F.    A statement of approval signed by the public health officer in substantially the following language:

I hereby certify that the plat of __________ has been examined by me and that the design and/or construction of sanitary sewage disposal systems and public water supply systems comply with all requirements of the local health department.

____________________(seal)
County Treasurer

Dated this _______ day of __________, 20___.

G.    A statement of signed by the owners in substantially the following language:

We, owners of the plat of __________ shown herein, hereby declare that this division of land has been made with our free consent and in accordance with our desires.

____________________    ____________________

Owner    Owner

____________________    ____________________

Owner    Owner

WITNESS MY HAND AND OFFICIAL SEAL the day and year first written.  Notary Public in and for the State of Washington, residing in __________.”

____________________
(Signature)

H.    Space for approval by the mayor of the city.

Examined and approved this __________ day of __________, 20___.

____________________
(Signature)

(Ord. 1259 §2(part), 1999)