§ 66-112. Review procedure.

The following procedure shall be followed in the submission, review, and action upon all subdivision plats:

(1)

Sketch plan procedures. Prior to the review, consideration, and approval of a preliminary plat by the planning commission, the subdivider must submit to the building and zoning official a simple sketch plan of the proposed development. If phase development is contemplated, then a sketch for each phase will be required. Included with the sketch plan must be a sketch map which shows the subdivision in relation to the surrounding area. The purpose of the sketch plan is to assist the subdivider prior to extensive site planning necessary for the preparation of the preliminary plat and enable the subdivider to become familiar with the regulations affecting the land to be subdivided. Utilizing the comprehensive plan and this chapter, the building and zoning official shall review the sketch plan submittal for compliance with this chapter. If the sketch plan meets the requirements of this ordinance, the building and zoning official shall schedule it for presentation to the planning commission at its next regularly scheduled meeting. If discrepancies are found in the sketch plan, the building and zoning official shall note all such discrepancies on the sketch plan and return it to the subdivider for correction before presenting the same to the planning commission. Approval of the sketch plan does not authorize the developer to begin the proposed construction or improvements.

(2)

Preliminary plat procedures.

a.

Application for preliminary approval of a subdivision plat shall be submitted to the planning commission. The plat of the subdivision shall be submitted in four blue line prints and shall be such as to meet the minimum requirements contained in this chapter. Preliminary plats submitted to the planning commission shall contain the name, phone number, and address of the subdivider (or subdivider's designee); and may not be approved until all requirements for preliminary plats are met.

b.

Additional copies of the plat and supplemental information may be requested by the planning commission. The copies mentioned in this subsection shall be distributed as required by section 66-152 and other person or agency as deemed necessary by the planning commission. The person or agency to which a copy of the plat is directed shall indicate desired changes or comments of the plat and shall promptly return the plat to the planning commission.

c.

Application for preliminary approval of a subdivision plat shall be submitted to the planning commission at least 30 days prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting date of the commission. The planning commission shall act on the preliminary plat request within two regularly scheduled meetings after formal submission by making its recommendations concerning the plat in writing to the board of commissioners. Preliminary plats must be approved by the board of commissioners prior to proceeding with subdivision development.

d.

The date on which the board of commissioners granted approval of the preliminary plat shall be noted on the plat. Failure of a subdivider to submit for final plat approval (where applicable) and initiate development within 18 months from the approval of the preliminary plat will require resubmittal of a preliminary plan to the planning commission.

e.

Application for approval of the final record plat will be considered only after the requirements for the preliminary plat approval as specified in this article have been fulfilled and after all other specified conditions have been met. Upon approval of the preliminary plat, the subdivider may proceed to comply with the other requirements of this chapter and the preparation of the final subdivision plat. If the subdivider fails to act within 18 months of approval of the preliminary plat, such approval shall become void unless an extension is requested by the subdivider and approved by the planning commission.

(3)

Final plat procedure.

a.

Application. Application for final plat approval of the subdivision plat, whether major or minor, shall be submitted to the zoning administrator. The zoning administrator shall examine the final plat to determine if it meets all requirements of these regulations, conforms to the approved preliminary plat, complies with the county zoning ordinance, has approval of the health department, has been reviewed and approved by Ogeechee Soil and Water Conservation District if required, includes roads designed and installed per specifications of this chapter or per the requirements of the zoning administrator, and includes the necessary easements, statements of dedication, and other specified plat notations.

b.

Improvement guarantees. For applications for final plat approval involving property served or required to be served by a water and/or sewer system, the subdivider shall indicate who will operate the system or systems and what assurance will be given to the board of commissioners for continued operation. If roads are to be built, the subdivider will indicate such subdivider's proposal for a bond to the board of commissioners to assure their proper and timely construction and maintenance.

c.

Approval of major subdivisions. If the application is complete and is for a major subdivision, the final plat shall be scheduled for consideration by the planning commission. The planning commission shall grant approval or require the subdivider to make necessary modifications to conform to the standards required of the final plat.

d.

Approval of minor subdivisions. If the application is complete and is for a minor subdivision, the zoning administrator shall administratively approve the final plat of a minor subdivision or require the subdivider to make necessary modifications to conform to the standards required of the final plat.

e.

Recording. If approved, upon gaining the signature of the zoning administrator and in the case of a major subdivision, the chairman of the planning commission, a final plat shall be recorded in the clerk's office of the county superior court. All final plats to be recorded shall bear the following approval statement and signature block:

Approved for recording on the ____________ / ____________ / ____________ day of ____________ , 2 ____________ by the Screven County Zoning Administrator.

____________

Screven County Zoning Administrator

Major subdivisions shall also contain the following approval statement and signature block:

This subdivision was granted approval by the Screven County Planning Commission on ____________ / ____________ / ____________ , 2 ____________ .

____________

Chairman, Screven County Planning Commission

f.

Approval by board of public dedications. Plats including a public dedication shall be submitted to the board of commissioners for acceptance of the proposed dedication of public property.

(4)

Development plan procedure.

a.

Application. Applications for development plan approval, whether major or minor, shall be submitted to the zoning administrator. The zoning administrator shall examine the development plan to determine if it meets all requirements of these regulations, conforms to the approved sketch plan if applicable, complies with the county zoning ordinance, has approval of the health department, has been reviewed and approved by Ogeechee Soil and Water Conservation District if required, includes roads designed and installed per specifications of this chapter or the requirements of the zoning administrator, and includes the necessary plan notations.

b.

Approval of major developments. If the application is complete and is for a major development, the major development plan application shall be scheduled for consideration by the planning commission and board of commissioners. The planning commission and board of commissioners shall grant approval, grant conditional approval, or require the developer to make necessary modifications to conform to the standards required of the major development plan.

c.

Approval of minor developments. If the application is complete and is for a minor development, the zoning administrator shall administratively approve the development plan, conditionally approve, or require the developer to make necessary modifications to conform to the standards required of the development plan.

(Ord. No. 97-08, § 4.2, 6-10-1997; Ord. of 11-9-2004(1), §§ 7, 8)