§ 6-1. Site plan requirements

A. Generally. Whenever a site plan is required by this ordinance, such site plan must conform to the requirements of this section. Unless otherwise specified in this ordinance, all site plans must be approved by the city council, upon recommendation of the planning and zoning commission. The site plan submitted in support of an application shall satisfy the requirements for site plan submittals as set forth by the city staff. Site plans shall be reviewed by the city staff, and comments shall be returned after the review by the city staff. The submittal date of the site plan shall be the date upon which the site plan is found to be in compliance with the provisions of the site plan application by the city staff.

B. Required prior to building permit. When required by this ordinance, a site plan must be approved prior to the issuance of a building permit by the city.

C. Changes to the site plan.

1. Changes to the site plan shall be processed in the same manner as the original approved site plan.

2. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph 3 below, any site plan that is amended shall require approval of the city council, upon recommendation of the planning and zoning commission.

3. Changes to the site plan which will affect the use of the land may require either an amendment to a planned development or a rezoning of property, whichever applies.

4. Changes of details within a site plan which do not alter the basic physical relationship of the property to adjacent properties; do not alter the use permitted; and do not increase the density, floor area, height, or reduce the yards provided at the boundary of the site as indicated on the approved site plan, may be authorized by the mayor or his/her designee. An aggrieved party may appeal the decision of the mayor or his/her designee to the board of adjustment in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance.

D. Council approval. Council approval of a site plan that accompanies a zoning change request shall become part of the amending ordinance.

E. Site plan content. The site plan shall contain the information listed below, and any or all of the required features may be incorporated on a single drawing if the drawing is clear and capable of evaluation by the city council and the staff personnel required to enforce and interpret this ordinance.

1. The boundary lines and dimensions of the property, existing subdivision lots, available utilities, fire hydrants, easements, roadways, sidewalks, emergency access easements, and public rights-of-way.

2. Topography of the property proposed for development in contours of not less than two feet, together with any proposed grade elevations, if different from existing elevations.

3. Flood plains, water courses, marshes, drainage areas, and other significant environmental features including, but not limited to, rock outcroppings and major tree groupings.

4. The location and use of all existing and proposed buildings or structures, including all refuse storage areas, and the minimum distance between buildings. Where building complexes are proposed, the location of each building and the minimum distances between buildings, and between buildings and the property line, street line, and /or alley.

5. Total number, location, and arrangement of off-street parking and loading spaces, where required.

6. All points of vehicular ingress, egress, and circulation within the property and all special traffic regulation facilities proposed or required to assure the safe function of the circulation plan.

7. Setbacks, lot coverage, and when relevant, the relationship of the setbacks provided and the height of any existing or proposed building or structure.

8. The location, size, and arrangement of all outdoor signs, exterior auditory speakers, and lighting.

9. The type, location, and quantity of all plant material used for landscaping, and the type, location, and height of fences or screening and the plantings around them.

10. If multiple types of land uses are proposed, a delineation of the specific areas to be devoted to various land uses.

11. Vicinity map, north point, scale, name of development, name of owner, name of planner, total acreage of project, and street address or common description of the property.

12. Current land uses and zoning district of the property and current land uses and zoning districts of contiguous properties.

13. Buildings on the exterior of the site and within 25 feet of all property lines.

14. The location and size of existing and proposed surface and subsurface drainage facilities, including culverts, drains, and detention ponds, showing size and direction of flow.

15. The number of square feet of the property after construction which will constitute impervious area or impervious surface and vegetated areas.

16. Architectural drawings, such as elevations, concept sketches or renderings depicting building types and other significant proposed improvements including the treatment and use of open spaces, etc., where the submission of such drawings would more clearly portray the nature and character of the applicant's land use and development proposals.

17. Legal description of the total site area proposed for rezoning, development or specific use permit.

18. Signature, title and date of the applicant, at the conclusion of the written documents certifying the information presented in the plans, and supporting documents reflect a reasonably accurate portrayal of the general nature and character of the applicant's proposals.

19. A development timetable if development is to be in phases.

20. The percentage of the site that will be covered by building and structures.