Title 16 - Subdivisions

 

Chapters:

16.04   General Provisions

16.08   Administrative Provisions

16.12   General Procedures - Major Subdivisions

16.16   General Procedures - Minor Subdivisions

16.20   Planned Unit Developments

16.24   Subdivisions Created by Rent or Lease

16.28   Condominiums

16.32   General Design and Improvement Standards

 

Chapter 16.04 General Provisions

Sections:

16.04.010        Title

16.04.020        Authority

16.04.030        Purpose

16.04.040        Jurisdiction

16.04.050        Severability

16.04.060        Definitions

 

16.04.010  Title  These regulations shall be known and may be cited as “The Subdivision Regulations of the City of Dillon; hereinafter referred to as “these regulations.”

 

16.04.020  Authority  Authorization for these regulations is contained in the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act (Mont. Code Ann. § 76-3-101 et seq.).

 

16.04.030  Purpose  The purposes of these regulations are to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare by regulating the subdivision of land; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to lessen congestion in the streets and highways; to provide for adequate light, air, water supply, sewage disposal, parks and recreation areas, ingress and egress, and other public requirements; to require development in harmony with the natural environment; to protect the rights of the property owners; and to require uniform monumentation of land subdivisions and transferring interests in real property by reference to a plat or certificate of survey.  Further, to support the purposes of 76-3-102, MCA, these regulations are intended to promote; and to reasonably provide for:

            A.        The orderly development of the jurisdictional area.

            B.        The design and arrangement of roads and streets within subdivided land and the coordination with other roads, both existing and planned.

            C.        The dedication of land for roadways and for public utility easements.

            D.        The provision of proper physical and legal road access, including obtaining of necessary easements and for the improvement of roads.

            E.         The provision of adequate open spaces for travel, light, air, and recreation.

            F.         The provision of adequate transportation, water, drainage, and sanitary facilities.

            G.        The avoidance or minimization of congestion.

            H.        The avoidance of subdivision which would involve unnecessary environmental degradation.

            I.          The avoidance of danger or injury to the public health, safety or welfare by reason of natural hazard or the lack of water, drainage, access, transportation or other public services.

            J.          The identification of areas which, because of natural or man-caused hazards, are unsuitable for subdivision development and prohibit subdivisions in these areas unless the hazards can be eliminated or overcome by approved construction techniques.

            K.        Prohibit subdivisions for building purposes in areas located within the floodway of a flood of 100-year frequency as defined by Title 76, chapter 5, or determined to be subject to flood by the City of Dillon.

            L.         The avoidance of excessive expenditure of public funds for the supply of public services.

            M.        The manner, form and contents of making and filing of any plat for subdivisions of land.

            N.        The administration of these regulations by defining the powers and duties of approving authorities including procedures for the submission and review of all plats of subdivisions covered by these provisions.

 

16.04.040  Jurisdiction  These regulations govern the subdivision of land within the jurisdictional area of the City of Dillon.

Submission of preliminary plat for review: 

            1.         Except when a plat is eligible for summary approval, the subdivider shall present to the Planning Board of the City of Dillon the preliminary plat of the proposed subdivision for local review.  The preliminary plat must show all pertinent features of the proposed subdivision and all proposed improvements.

                        2.

            (a)        If the proposed subdivision lies within the boundaries of the City of Dillon, the preliminary plat must be submitted to and approved by the City Council.

            (b)        If a proposed subdivision lies within one mile of the City of Dillon, the Beaverhead County Commissioners must submit the preliminary plat to the City Planning Board for review and comment.  If a proposed subdivision lies partly within the City and partly within the County, the preliminary plat must be submitted to, and approved by, both the City and the County governing boards.

            (c)        When a proposed subdivision is also proposed to be annexed to the City, the City Council shall coordinate the subdivision review and annexation procedures to minimize duplication of hearings, reports, and other requirements whenever possible.

These regulations supplement all other regulations, and where they are at variance with other laws, regulations, ordinances, or resolutions, the more restrictive requirements shall apply.

 

16.04.050  Severability  Where any word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or other part of these regulations is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall affect only that part held invalid.

 

16.04.060 Definitions  Whenever the following words or phrases appear in this text, they shall have the meaning assigned to them by this section.  When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense shall include the future; the singular shall include the plural, and the plural the singular; the word “shall” is always mandatory, and the word “may” indicates use of discretion in making decisions.

Block:  A group of lots, tracts or parcels within well-defined and fixed boundaries.

Certificate of Survey:  A drawing of a field survey prepared by a registered surveyor for the purpose of disclosing facts pertaining to boundary locations.

Comprehensive Plan or Master Plan:  Defined in Section 76-1-103, MCA, as a comprehensive development plan or any of its parts such as a plan of land use and zoning of thoroughfares, of sanitation, of recreation, and of other related matters.

Condominium:  A form of individual ownership with unrestricted right of disposal of one or more units in a multiple unit project with the land and all other parts of the project held in common ownership or use with owners of the other units.

Covenant:  An agreement, in writing, of two or more parties by which any of the parties pledges to the others that something is done or shall be done.

Dedication:  The deliberate appropriation of land by an owner for any general and public use, reserving to the landowner no rights that are incompatible with the full exercise and enjoyment of the public use to which the property has been devoted.

Division of Land:  The segregation of one or more parcels of land from a larger tract held in single or undivided ownership by transferring or contracting to transfer title to or possession of a portion of the tract or properly filing a certificate of survey or subdivision plat establishing the identity of the segregated parcels pursuant to the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act.  Provided that where required by the Act the land upon which an improvement is situated has been subdivided in compliance with the Act, the sale, rent or other conveyance of one or more parts of a building, structure, or other improvement situated on one or more parcels of land is not a division of land and is not subject to the terms of the Act.

Dwelling Unit:  Any building or portion thereof providing complete, independent and permanent living facilities for one family.

Easement:  A right to use land, other than as a tenant, for a specific purpose; such right being held by someone other than the owner.

Engineer (registered professional engineer):  A person licensed in conformance with the Montana Professional Engineer’s Registration Act (Title 37, Chapter 67, MCA) to practice engineering in the State of Montana.

Examining Land Surveyor:  A registered land surveyor fully appointed by the governing body to review surveys and plats submitted for filing.

Final Plat:  The final drawing of the subdivision and dedication required by these regulations to be prepared for filing for record with the county clerk and recorder and containing all elements and requirements set forth in these regulations and in regulations adopted pursuant thereto.

Flood:  The water of any watercourse of drainage which is above the bank or outside the channel and banks of such watercourse or drainage.

Flood of 100 Year Frequency:  A flood magnitude expected to recur on the average of one every 100 years, or a flood magnitude which has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year.

Floodplain:  The area adjoining the watercourse or drainage which would be covered by the floodwater of a flood of 100 year frequency.

Floodway:  The channel of a watercourse or drainage and those portions of the floodplain adjoining the channel which are reasonably required to carry and discharge the floodwater of any watercourse or drainage.

Governing Body:  The City Council of the City of Dillon.

Irregular Shaped Tract of Land:  A parcel of land other than an aliquot part of the United States government survey section or a United States government lot, the boundaries or areas of which cannot be determined without a survey or trigonometric calculation.

Legal Access:  The subdivision abuts a public road, or the sub-divider has obtained adequate and appropriate easements across all necessary properties from a public road to the subdivision.

Lot:  A parcel, plot, or other land area created by subdivision for sale, rent, or lease.

                        Lot Measurements:

            a.         Lot Depth—The length of a line drawn perpendicularly to the front lot line and extending to the rear lot line.

            b.         Lot Width—The average width of the lot.

            c.         Lot Frontage—The width of the front lot line.

            d.         Lot Area—The area of a lot determined exclusive of street, highway, alley, road, or other rights-of-way.

 

                        Lot Types: 

            a.         Corner Lot: A lot located at the intersection of two streets.

            b.         Interior Lot: A lot with frontage on only one street.

            c.         Through or Double-Frontage Lot: A lot whose front and rear lines both abut on streets.

 

Minor Subdivision:  A subdivision containing five or fewer parcels where proper access to all lots is provided, where no land in the subdivision will be dedicated to public use for parks and playgrounds.

Mobile Home:  A factory-assembled structure or structures equipped with the necessary service connections and made so as to be readily movable as a unit or units on its (their) own running gear and designed to be used as a dwelling unit(s) without a permanent foundation.

Mobile Home Lot:  A designated portion of a mobile home park designed for the accommodation of one mobile home and its accessory buildings or structures for the exclusive use of the occupants.

Mobile Home Park:  A tract of land providing two or more mobile home lots for lease or rent to the general public.

Mobile Home Stand:  That area of a mobile home lot which has been prepared for the placement of a mobile home.

Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences Minimum Standards: Minimum standards as set forth by the Division of Environmental Sciences of the Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, adopted pursuant to Title 76, Chapter 4, Part I, MCA.

Monument (permanent monument):  Any structure of masonry, metal, or other permanent material placed in the ground, which is exclusively identifiable as a monument to a survey point, expressly placed for surveying reference.

Open Space: An undeveloped land or water area devoid of buildings except where accessory to the provision of recreation.

Overall Development Plan:  The plan of a subdivision design for a single tract proposed to be subdivided by stages.

Physical Access:  A road conforming to the local subdivision standards provides vehicular access from a public road to the subdivision.

Planned Unit Development (P.U.D.): A land development project consisting of residential clusters, industrial             parks, shopping centers, or office building parks; that comprise a planned mixture of land uses built in a prearranged relationship to each other and having open space and community facilities in common ownership or use.

Planning Board: The City of Dillon Planning Board, formed pursuant to Title 76, Chapter 1, MCA.

Plat:  A graphical representation of a subdivision showing the division of land into lots, parcels, blocks, streets, alleys, and other divisions and dedications.

Preliminary Plat:  A neat and scaled drawing of a proposed subdivision showing the layout of streets, alleys, lots, blocks, and other elements of a subdivision which furnish a basis for review by a governing body.

Public Improvements:  Any structure or facility constructed to serve the residents of a subdivision or the general public such as parks, streets and roads, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, street lighting, utilities and systems for water supply, sewage disposal and drainage.

Public Road or Street:  A road or street for which a municipality, county or a state or federal agency has maintenance responsibility.

Recreational Vehicle Park:  A place used for public camping where persons can rent space to park individual camping trailers, pick-up campers, motor homes, travel trailers or automobiles for transient dwelling purposes.

Recreational Vehicle Space:  A designated portion of a recreational vehicle park designed for the placement of a single recreational vehicle and the exclusive use of its occupants.

Registered Land Surveyor:  A person licensed in conformance with Title 37, chapter 67, to practice surveying in the state of Montana.

Registered Professional Engineer:  A person licensed in conformance with Title 37, chapter 67, to practice engineering in the state of Montana.

Right-of-Way:  A strip of land dedicated or acquired for use as a public way.

Street Types:  For purposes of these regulations, street types are defined as follows:

 

            a.         Alley: A street used primarily for vehicular access to the rear of properties which abut on and are served by public roads.

            b.         Arterial: A street or road having the primary function of moving traffic with emphasis on a high level of mobility for through movement and the secondary function of providing access to adjacent land.  Arterioles generally carry relatively large volumes of traffic.  Arterioles have two to four lanes of moving traffic and should provide only limited access to abutting property.

            c.         Collector: A street or road having the equally important functions of moving traffic and providing access to adjacent land.  Collector streets have two moving traffic lanes and up to two parking lanes.

            d.         Local Streets: A street or road having the primary function of serving abutting properties, and the secondary function of moving traffic.  Local streets have two moving lanes of traffic, up to two parking lanes, and provide access to abutting properties.

            e.         Half-Street: A portion of the width of a street, usually along the outside perimeter of a subdivision, where the remaining portion of the street must be located on adjacent property.

            f.          Cul-de-sac: A street having only one outlet for vehicular traffic and terminating in a turn-around area.

            g.         Loop: A local street which begins and ends on the same street, generally used for access to properties.

            h.         Frontage Access (service road): A local or collector street, usually parallel and adjacent to an arterial or major collector, which provides access to abutting properties and controls traffic access to arterioles or collectors.

 

Sub-divider:  A person who causes land to be subdivided or who proposes a subdivision of land.

Subdivision:  A division of land or land so divided that creates one or more parcels, containing less than 160 acres that cannot be described as a one-quarter aliquot part of a Unites States government section, exclusive of public roadways, in order that the title to or possession of the parcels may be sold, rented, leased, or otherwise conveyed and includes any re-subdivision and further includes a condominium or area, regardless of its size, that provides or will provide multiple space for recreational camping vehicles or mobile homes.

Swale:  A drainage channel or depression designed to direct surface water flow.

Tract:  Land area proposed to be subdivided.

Tract of Record:  A parcel of land, irrespective of ownership, that can be identified by legal description, independent of any other parcel of land, using documents on file in the records of the county clerk of recorder’s office.

Vicinity sketch: A map at a scale suitable to locate the proposed subdivision, showing the boundary lines of all adjacent properties and streets and other information necessary to determine the general location of the proposed subdivision.

 

Chapter 16.08 Administrative Provisions

Sections:

16.08.010        Fee Schedule

16.08.020        Variances

16.08.030        Amendment of Regulations

16.08.040        Enforcement, Violation and Penalties, Appeals

 

16.08.010  Fee Schedule  Fees shall be submitted on or before the applicable meeting date of the scheduled review.  Fees cover one review only.  If preliminary plats are withdrawn and resubmitted, an additional fee shall be submitted.  If preliminary major plats are recommended to be amended by the planning board and are resubmitted within one month, the additional fee may be waived by the planning board.

            A.  Preliminary Plat Review.  To cover costs of reviewing plans, advertising, holding public hearings, or other expenses incidental to the approval of a subdivision, the sub-divider shall pay a non‑refundable fee at the time of application for approval of a preliminary subdivision plat. Condominium units and lots created by rent or lease are subject to the same per lot fee.

 

The fees, payable to the City Clerk, are as follows:

 

Minor subdivision (1‑5 lots)                                        $500.00 plus $75 per lot

Major subdivision (6 or more lots)                              $1,000.00 plus $40 per lot

Subdivisions for rent or lease;

Planned unit developments; or Condominiums          $300.00 plus $30 per lot

 

            B.  Final Plat Review and Inspection  To cover the cost of on‑site inspection of the subdivision and review of the final plat and supplemental materials, the sub-divider shall pay a non‑refundable fee at the time of application for final approval to the City Clerk at the following rate:

            All subdivisions (including major and minor subdivisions)                $100.00

 

            C.  Final Plat Filing  The sub-divider shall be responsible for paying all costs to the Beaverhead County Clerk & Recorder to file the final plat and supplementary documents.

            All certificates of survey—a review fee will be charged for the examining land surveyor to verify that plats and surveys are correct.  This fee shall be paid by the sub-divider. 

 

            D.  Final Plat Amendment or Correction  The property owners petitioning for the amendment or correction of a filed subdivision plat shall pay all related direct costs incurred by the City Council, including filing fees.

 

16.08.020  Variances  

            A.        Hardship  The City Council may grant variances from the Design and Improvement Standards of these regulations when, because of the particular physical surroundings, shape, or topographical conditions of a specific property, strict compliance would result in undue hardship and when such compliance would not be essential to the public welfare.  Such variances shall not have the effect of nullifying the intent and purpose of these regulations.  The City Council shall not approve variances unless it makes findings based upon the evidence in each specific case that:

            1.         The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or general welfare or injurious to other adjoining properties;

            2.         Because of the particular physical surroundings, shape, or topographical conditions of the specific property involved, an undue hardship to the owner would result if the strict letter of these regulations is enforced;

            3.         The variance will not cause a substantial increase in public costs; and

            4.         The variance will not in any manner place the subdivision in non-conformance with the City zoning regulations or comprehensive plan.

            B.        Variances from Floodway Provisions Not Authorized  The City Council may not by variance permit subdivision for building purposes in areas located within the floodway of a flood of 100-year frequency as defined by Title 76, Chapter 5, MCA.

            C.        Procedure  The sub-divider shall include with the submission of the preliminary plat a written statement describing the requested variance and the facts of hardship upon which the request is based.  The planning board and City Council shall consider each requested variance at the public meeting or hearing on the preliminary plat.

            D.        Conditions  In granting variances, the City Council may impose such conditions as will, in its judgment, secure substantially the objectives of these regulations.

            E.         Statement of Facts  When any such variance is granted, the motion of approval of the proposed subdivision shall contain a statement describing the variance and the facts and conditions upon which the issuance of the variance is based.

 

16.08.030  Amendment of Regulations  Before the City Council amends these regulations it shall hold a public hearing and shall give public notice of its intent to amend these regulations and of the public hearing by publication of notice of the time and place of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the City not less than 15 or more than 30 days prior to the date of the hearing.

 

16.08.040  Enforcement, Violation and Penalties, Appeals

            A.        Enforcement.  Every final subdivision plat must be filed for record with the COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER before title to the subdivided land can be sold or transferred in any manner. If unlawful transfers are made, the City Attorney shall commence action to enjoin further sales or transfers and compel compliance with all provisions of the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act and these regulations.  The cost of such action shall be imposed against the party not prevailing.

            B.        Violation and Penalties  Any person, firm, corporation, or other entity who violates any of the provisions of the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act or these regulations is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 or by imprisonment in jail for not more than three (3) months or by both fine and imprisonment.  Each sale, lease or transfer; or offer of sale, lease, or transfer of each separate parcel of land in violation of any provision of the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act or these regulations shall be deemed a separate and distinct offense.

            C.        Appeals  A decision of the City Council approving or rejecting a proposed subdivision plat may be reviewed by the district court.  The application for review must be filed within thirty (30) days of the decision and must specify the grounds upon which it alleges the illegality of the action of the City Council.

 

Chapter 16.12 General Procedures - Major Subdivisions

Sections:

16.12.010        Major Subdivision Definition

16.12.020        Major Subdivision Review and Approval Procedures

16.12.030        Exemptions From Environmental Assessment

16.12.040        Major Subdivision Final Plats - Step 3

 

16.12.010 Major Subdivision Definition  Those subdivisions containing six (6) or more lots, or subdivisions of five (5) or fewer lots that do not qualify as minor subdivisions shall be reviewed under the procedure set forth in this chapter.

 

16.12.020  Major Subdivision Review and Approval Procedures

            A.        Construction Timing.  The sub-divider shall not proceed with any construction work on the proposed subdivision, including grading and excavating relating to public improvements, until the City Council has given preliminary approval of the proposed subdivision plat.

            B.        Transfers of Title.  Except as noted herein, every final subdivision plat must be filed for record with the COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER before title to the subdivided land can be sold or transferred in any manner.  After the preliminary plat of a subdivision has been approved or conditionally approved, the sub-divider may enter into contracts to sell lots in the proposed subdivision if all of the following conditions are met:

            1.         Under the terms of the contracts the purchasers of lots in the proposed subdivision make any payments to an escrow agent, which must be a bank or savings and loan association chartered to do business in the State of Montana.

            2.         Under the terms of the contracts and the escrow agreement the payments made by purchasers of lots in the proposed subdivision may not be distributed by the escrow agent to the sub-divider until the final plat of the subdivision is filed with the COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER.

            3.         The contracts and the escrow agreement provide that if the final plat of the proposed subdivision is not filed with the COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER within two (2) years of the preliminary plat approval, the escrow agent shall immediately refund to each purchaser any payments made under the contract.

            4.         The county treasurer has certified that no real property taxes assessed and levied on the land to be divided are delinquent, and

            5.         The contracts contain the following language conspicuously set out therein:  “The real property which is the subject hereof has not been finally platted, and until a final plat identifying the property has been filed with the COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER, title to the property cannot be transferred in any manner.”

            6.  A copy of the contracts and escrow agreement described above shall be submitted to the subdivision administrator.

            C.        Pre‑application Procedures.  The sub-divider shall meet with the subdivision administrator prior to submitting the required preliminary plat.  The purpose of this meeting is to discuss these regulations and standards, to familiarize the sub-divider with the applicable goals and objectives of the City of Dillon and to discuss the proposed subdivision as it relates to these matters.  The subdivision administrator shall notify the sub-divider of the option of concurrent review of the subdivision by the City and the Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences.  The sub-divider shall provide a sketch plan of the proposed subdivision for review and discussion.  The sketch plan should be legibly drawn showing in simple form the layout of proposed features in relation to existing site conditions.  The sketch plan may be a freehand sketch made directly on a print of a topographic map.  Scale dimensions should be noted.  The sketch plan should include pertinent information such as: location, approximate tract and lot boundaries, location of easements, utilities, rights‑of‑way, parks and open spaces, and a description of general terrain, natural features, existing structures and improvements, and proposed public improvements.

            D.        Permission to Enter.  The City Council or its designated agent(s) may conduct such investigations, examinations, and site evaluations as they deem necessary to verify information supplied as a requirement of these regulations.  The submission of pre‑application materials or a preliminary plat for review shall constitute a grant of permission to enter the subject property.

 

Major Subdivision ‑ Preliminary Plats.

A.        Preliminary Plat Form, Contents, Submission and Review

The sub-divider shall submit for review and approval a preliminary plat of the proposed subdivision which conforms to the requirements of these regulations, unless exempted under Chapter 16.16, Minor Subdivisions.  The preliminary plat shall be prepared in form and with contents and supplements as required by Appendix B, and conform to the General Design and Improvement Standards set forth in 16.32.

The sub-divider shall submit the following application information to the subdivision administrator:

            1.         The Montana Department of Environmental Quality/Local Government Joint Application Form or City of Dillon Preliminary Plat Application form;

            2.         Environmental assessment unless exempt; When required, the environmental assessment must accompany the preliminary plat and must include:

            (a)        a description of every body or stream of water that may be affected by the proposed subdivision, together with available ground water information, and a description of the topography, vegetation, and wildlife use within the area of the proposed subdivision.

            (b)        a summary of the probable impacts of the proposed subdivision based on the criteria described in 76-3-608; and

            (c)        a community impact report containing a statement of anticipated needs of the proposed subdivision for local services, including education and business; roads and maintenance; water, sewage, and solid waste facilities; and fire and police protection; and

            (d)       additional relevant and reasonable information related to the applicable regulatory criteria adopted under 76-3-501 as may be required by the governing body. 

                        3.         The required review fee as stated in the Fee Schedule on page _______;

                        4.         Twelve (12) copies of the preliminary plat and plat supplements;

 

            Review by affected public utilities and those agencies of local, state and federal government having a substantial interest in a proposed subdivision shall not delay the City of Dillon’s action on the preliminary plat beyond the sixty (60) day review period.  The failure of any agency to complete a review of a plat may not be a basis for rejection of the plat by the governing body.

The application materials and fee must be submitted to the subdivision administrator thirty (30) days prior to a regular meeting of the planning board.  The subdivision administrator will review the information to determine whether or not the application is complete.  If the application is complete, the subdivision administrator will publish a notice of public hearing and review the application at the next regular meeting in accordance with these regulations.  The sixty (60) day review period shall commence on the date that the subdivision administrator accepts the application.

If the subdivision administrator determines the application is incomplete, the sub-divider shall be notified of the deficiencies at least five (5) days prior to the planning board meeting.  The sub-divider may correct the deficiencies and resubmit the application at the next meeting of the planning board.

            B.        Public Hearing.  After accepting a preliminary plat application as complete, the planning board shall hold a public hearing on the preliminary plat.  Notice of the time and date of the hearing shall be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the hearing.  The sub-divider, each property owner of record, and each purchaser under contract for deed of property immediately adjoining the land included in the plat   shall be notified of the hearing by registered or certified mail not less than 15 days prior to the date of the hearing.  The planning board may require the posting of the notice of the hearing at conspicuous places on the proposed site.

            C.        Planning Board Recommendation.  The planning board shall:

                        1.         consider the following:

                                    (a)        relevant evidence relating to the public health, safety, and welfare;

                                    (b)        the environmental assessment;

                                    (c)        the City of Dillon comprehensive plan;

                                    (d)       review criteria as specified in Section D hereof; and

                                    (e)        whether the preliminary plat conforms to the provisions of:

                                                (1)        the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act;

                                                (2)        these regulations;

                                                (3)        applicable zoning regulations;

                                                (4)        the comprehensive plan; and

            (5)        other regulations in effect in the area of the proposed subdivisions; and

            2.         When a proposed subdivision is also proposed to be annexed, the City of Dillon shall hold joint hearings on the preliminary plat and annexation whenever possible.

            3.         Within 10 days after the public hearing, the planning board, acting in their advisory capacity, shall submit in writing the following to the City Council:

            (a)        its findings regarding the items under subsection (a) above;

            (b)        recommended Findings of Fact that weigh the review criteria; and

            (c)        a recommendation for approval, conditional approval, or disapproval of the plat.

            D.        Preliminary Plat Approval by City Council.  The City Council shall approve, conditionally approve, or reject the preliminary plat within 60 days of determination of completeness, unless the sub-divider consents to an extension of the review period.  If the City Council rejects or conditionally approves the preliminary plat, it shall forward one copy of the plat to the sub-divider accompanied by a letter over the appropriate signature stating the reason for rejection or enumerating the conditions that must be met to assure approval of the final plat.

                        The basis for the City Council’s decision to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove a subdivision shall be based upon whether the preliminary plat, applicable environmental assessment, public hearing, planning board recommendations or additional information demonstrates that development of the subdivision meets the requirements of these regulations.

            E.         The City Council shall issue written findings of fact that discuss and weigh the following primary review criteria (pursuant to 76-3-608 MCA):

            1.         effects on agriculture;

            2.         effects on agricultural water user facilities;

            3.         effects on local services;

            4.         effects on the natural environment;

            5.         effects on wildlife and wildlife habitat;

            6.         effects on the public health and safety;

            7.         compliance with survey requirements;

            8.         compliance with City subdivision regulations;

            9.         compliance with established City subdivision review procedures;

            10.       the provision of easements for the location and installation of any needed utilities and

            11.       the provision of legal and physical access to each parcel within the subdivision and the notation of that access on the applicable plat and any instrument of transfer concerning the parcel.

                        The City Council may withdraw approval of a plat if it determines that information provided by the sub-divider, and upon which such decision was based, is inaccurate.

            F.         The City of Dillon may require the sub-divider to design the subdivision to reasonably minimize potentially significant adverse impacts identified through the review required under subsection (E).  The City shall issue written findings to justify the reasonable mitigation required under this subsection.

G.       

            1.         In reviewing a subdivision under subsection (E) and when requiring mitigation under subsection (F), the city may not unreasonably restrict landowner’s ability to develop land, but it is recognized that in some instances the unmitigated impacts of a proposed development may be unacceptable and will preclude approval of the plat.

            2.         When requiring mitigation under subsection (F), the city shall consult with the sub-divider and shall give due weight and consideration to the expressed preference of the sub-divider.

            H.        Preliminary Plat Approval Period.  Upon approving or conditionally approving a preliminary plat, the City Council shall provide the sub-divider with a dated and signed statement of approval.  This approval shall be in force for two years.  At the end of this period the City Council may, at the request of the sub-divider, extend its approval for no more than one (1) calendar year, except that the City Council may extend its approval for a period of more than (1) one year, if that approval period is included as a specific condition of a written subdivision improvements agreement between the governing body and the sub-divider, according to 76-3-507 MCA.

                        After the preliminary plat is approved, the City Council may not impose any additional conditions as a prerequisite to final plat approval, providing said approval is obtained within the original or extended approval period as provided above.

            I.          Review Requirements—Written statement.  In addition to the requirements of 16.12.020 - Major Subdivision Review and Approval, the City Council may not deny or condition a subdivision approval under this part unless it provides a written statement to the applicant detailing the circumstances of the subdivisions denial or condition imposition.  The statement must include:

            1.         The reason for the denial or condition imposition;

            2.         The evidence that justifies the denial or condition imposition; and

            3.         Information regarding the appeal process for the denial or condition imposition.

 

16.12.030  Exemptions From Requirement of an Environmental Assessment  Subdivisions totally within a master planning area adopted pursuant to chapter 1 wherein zoning regulations pursuant to part 3 of chapter 2 or 76-2-201 and a long-range development program of public works’ projects pursuant to 76-1-601 have been adopted are deemed to be in the public interest and exempt from the requirements of an environmental assessment. 

When a subdivision is proposed in an area for which a master plan has been adopted pursuant to chapter 1 and the proposed subdivision will be in compliance with the plan or when the subdivision will contain fewer than 10 parcels and less than 20 acres, the planning board may exempt the sub-divider from the completion of all or any portion of the environmental assessment.

When such an exemption is granted, the planning board shall prepare and certify a written statement of the reasons for granting the exemption.  A copy of this statement shall accompany the preliminary plat of the subdivision when it is submitted for review.

 

16.12.040  Major Subdivision Final Plats

A.        Final Plat Submission

                        The final plat must be submitted to the subdivision administrator before expiration of the preliminary plat approval period.  An application for final plat approval, together with the final plat, twelve (12)  blue-line copies of the final plat and the appropriate review fee shall be submitted to the subdivision administrator.

            B.        Final Plat Contents

                        The final plat submitted for approval shall conform to the preliminary plat as previously reviewed and approved by the City Council and shall incorporate all required modifications.  The final plat shall comply with the Standards for Final Subdivision Plats.  The final plat may constitute only that portion of the approved preliminary plat the sub-divider wishes to file, provided that such portion conforms to all requirements of these regulations and is approved by the City Council in writing.

            C.        Final Plat Review.  The City shall examine each final plat and shall approve the plat only if:

            1.         it conforms to the conditions of approval set forth on the preliminary plat and to the terms of this chapter and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter; and

            2.         the county treasurer has certified that all real property taxes and special assessments assessed and levied on the land to be subdivided have been paid.

 

Any significant change in the final plat from its original form may require the holding of a public hearing for review.

The City Council requires that final subdivision plats be reviewed for errors and omissions in calculation or drafting by an examining land surveyor before recording with the CLERK AND RECORDER.  The sub-divider shall bear the cost of this review.  When the survey data shown on the plat meet the requirements set forth by the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act and the Montana Uniform Standards for Monumentation and Final Subdivision Plats, the examining land surveyor shall so certify on the plat.  No land surveyor having a financial interest in a plat shall act as an examining land surveyor.

The Sub-divider shall submit with the final plat a certificate of a title abstractor showing the names of the owners of record of the land to be subdivided and the names of lien holders or claimants of record against the land and the written consent to the subdivision by the owners of the land, if other than the sub-divider, and any lien holders or claimants of record against the land.

The City Council may provide for the review of the abstract or certificate of title of the land in question by the city attorney.

D.        Restrictive Covenants ‑ Approval and Enforcement by City Council

            1.         Every restrictive covenant shall contain the following language:  “This (These) covenant(s) may not be repealed or amended without the prior written consent of the City Council.”

            2.         The City Council may require that in addition to the language specified above certain restrictive covenants contain the following language:  “The Dillon City Council is a party to this restrictive covenant and may enforce the provisions hereof.”

            3.         All covenants shall be considered to run with the land, whether marked or noted on the subdivision plat or contained in a separate instrument recorded with the plat.

            E.         Guaranty of Public Improvements.  As a condition of approval of the final plat, the sub-divider shall have installed all required public improvements or shall enter into a subdivision improvements agreement guaranteeing the construction, installation, and/or maintenance of all such improvements.

                        Provision for bonding requirements to ensure construction of public improvements

            1.         In lieu of the completion of the construction of any public improvements prior to the approval of the final plat, the sub-divider shall provide or cause to be provided a bond or other reasonable security, in an amount and with surety and conditions satisfactory to the City of Dillon, providing for and securing the construction and installation of the improvements within a period specified by the City of Dillon and expressed in the bonds or other security.  The City of Dillon shall reduce the bond requirements commensurate with the completion of the improvements. 

                        If common property is to be deeded to a property owners’ association, the covenants and restrictions which govern the association shall, at a minimum, provide for:

            1.         Formation of property owners’ association before any property is sold;

            2.         Mandatory membership for each property buyer and any subsequent buyer;

            3.         Perpetual reservation of the common property;

            4.         The association’s responsibility for liability insurance, local taxes, and the maintenance of recreational and other facilities;

            5.         Property owners paying their pro rata share of the cost and that the assessment charged by the association can become a lien on the property;

            6.         The association adjusting assessments to meet changing needs;

            7.         Means of enforcement and of receiving and processing complaints;

            8.         Required permission of the City Council before the association can be dissolved or the restrictions can be modified; and

            9.         A regular maintenance program for roads, parks, buildings, drainage facilities, lift stations and other mutually controlled facilities.

            F.         Final Plat Approval.  The City Council shall approve or disapprove the final plat within 45 days of its acceptance for review by the subdivision administrator.  The subdivision plat administrator shall examine the final subdivision plat and shall recommend approval only when it incorporates all required modifications and conforms to the conditions of approval set forth on the preliminary plat, to the terms of the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act and these regulations.

                        The City Council shall examine each final subdivision plat and shall approve the plat only if it incorporates all required modifications and conforms to the conditions of approval set forth on the preliminary plat, the terms of the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act and these regulations.

                        If the final plat is disapproved, the reasons for disapproval shall be stated in the records of the City Council and a copy forwarded to the applicant.  The City Council shall return the final plat to the sub-divider within ten (10) days of the action.  The applicant may then make the necessary corrections and resubmit the final plat for approval.  Approval shall be certified by the City Council on the face of the final plat.  The acceptance of land dedications shall be made by specific resolution of the City Council and noted on the final plat.

                        The City Council may withdraw approval of a plat if it determines that such information provided by the sub-divider, and upon which such decision was made, is inaccurate.

            G.        Final Plat Filing.  Within ten (10) days of the approval of the final plat, the sub-divider shall submit for filing the approved final plat and supplementary documents with the COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER.  After approval, the plat shall not be altered in any manner, either before or after filing.  The COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER shall refuse to accept any plat for record that fails to have approval in proper form or has been altered, and shall file the approved plat only if it is accompanied by the documents specified in Uniform Standards for Final Subdivision Plats.

 

Chapter 16.16 General Procedures - Minor Subdivision

Sections:

16.16.010        Minor Subdivision Definition

16.16.020        Minor Subdivision Review and Approval Procedures

16.16.030        Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plats - Step 2

16.16.040        “Low Impact” Minor Subdivisions

 

16.16.010  Minor Subdivision Definition  Those subdivisions containing five or fewer lots in which proper access to all lots is provided and in which no land is to be dedicated to the public for parks or playgrounds, are to be reviewed as follows:

 

16.16.020  Minor Subdivision Review and Approval Procedures

            A.        Construction Timing  The sub-divider shall not proceed with any construction work on the proposed subdivision, including grading and excavation relating to public improvements, until the City Council has given preliminary approval of the proposed subdivision plat.

            B.        Transfers of Title.  Except as noted below, every final subdivision plat must be filed for record with the COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER before title to the subdivided land can be sold or transferred in any manner.  After the preliminary plat of a subdivision has been approved or conditionally approved, the sub-divider may enter into contracts to sell lots in the proposed subdivision if all of the following conditions are met:

            1.         Under the terms of the contracts the purchasers of lots in the proposed subdivision make any payments to an escrow agent which must be a bank or savings and loan association chartered to do business in the State of Montana.

            2.         Under the terms of the contracts and the escrow agreement the payments made by purchasers of lots in the proposed subdivision may not be distributed by the escrow agent to the sub-divider until the final plat of the subdivision is filed with the COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER.

            3.         The contracts and the escrow agreement provide that if the final plat of the proposed subdivision is not filed with the COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER within two (2) years of the preliminary plat approval, the escrow agent shall immediately refund to each purchaser any payments made under the contract, and

            4.         The county treasurer has certified that no real property taxes assessed and levied on the land to be divided are delinquent, and

            5.         The contracts contain the following language conspicuously set out therein:  “The real property which is the subject hereof has not been finally platted, and until a final plat identifying the property has been filed with the COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER, title to the property cannot be transferred in any manner.”

            6.         A copy of the contracts and escrow agreement described above shall be submitted to the subdivision administrator.

            C.        Pre - application Procedures.  The sub-divider should meet with the subdivision administrator prior to submitting the required preliminary plat.  The purpose of this meeting is to discuss these regulations and standards, to familiarize the sub-divider with the applicable goals and objects of the City of Dillon and to discuss the proposed subdivision as it relates to these matters.  The subdivision administrator shall notify the sub-divider of the option of concurrent review of the subdivision by the local government and the Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences.  The sub-divider should provide a sketch plan of the proposed subdivision for review and discussion.  The sketch plan should be legibly drawn showing in simple form the layout of proposed features in relation to existing site conditions.  The sketch plan may be a freehand sketch made directly on a print of a topographic map.  Scale dimensions should be noted.  The sketch plan should include pertinent information such as: location, approximate tract and lot boundaries, location of easements, utilities, rights‑of‑way, parks and open spaces, and a description of general terrain, natural features, existing structures and improvements, and proposed public improvements.

            D.        Permission to Enter.  The City Council or its designated agent(s) or agency may conduct such investigations, examinations, and site evaluations as they deem necessary to verify information supplied as a requirement of these regulations.  The submission of pre‑application materials or a preliminary plat for review shall constitute a grant of permission to enter the subject property.

 

16.16.030  Minor Subdivisions ‑ Preliminary Plats  Minor subdivisions shall comply with the requirements contained in these regulations.

            A.        Preliminary Plat Form,  Contents, Submission and Review  The sub-divider shall submit the following application information to the subdivision administrator:

                        1.         Dillon minor subdivision application form;

                        2.         The required review fee as stated in the Fee schedule on page _______;

                        3.         Twelve (12) copies of the preliminary plat and plat supplements;

            4.         The requirements for holding a public hearing and preparing an environmental assessment do not apply to the first minor subdivision created from a tract of record.

            5.         Subsequent subdivisions from a tract of record must be reviewed under 76-3-505 and regulations adopted pursuant to that section, 16.12.

The application materials and fee shall be submitted to the subdivision administrator twenty one (21) days prior to a regular meeting of the planning board.  The subdivision administrator will review the information to determine whether or not the application is complete.  If the application is complete, the subdivision administrator will notify the applicant in writing that the application is complete and accepted for review. 

The planning board shall review the proposed subdivision.  The thirty-five (35) day review period shall commence on the date that the subdivision administrator accepts an application as being complete.

For second and subsequent minor subdivisions the review process will be extended to sixty (60) days and will commence on the date the subdivision administrator notifies the applicant in writing that the application is complete and accepted for review.

If the subdivision administrator determines that the application is incomplete, the sub-divider shall be notified in writing of the deficiencies at least five (5) days prior to the planning board meeting. The sub-divider may then correct the deficiencies and present the application to the planning board.  If the application is complete, the procedure specified above shall be followed.

            B.        Minor Subdivision Plat Form and Content.  The minor subdivision plat submitted for review shall be prepared in form and with contents and supplements as required for preliminary plats in these regulations.  The minor subdivision plat shall conform to the design standards as set forth in these regulations.

            C.        Exemption from Environmental Assessment.  For the first minor subdivision created from a tract of record the requirement for an environmental assessment shall not apply.  For the second or subsequent minor subdivision from a tract of record the planning board may waive preparation of all or any part of an environmental assessment.

            D.        Public Hearing.  For the first minor subdivision created from a tract of record the requirement for holding a public hearing shall not apply.  For the second or subsequent minor subdivision from a tract of record the planning board shall require a public hearing.  When a public hearing is held, the requirements in these regulations shall be followed.

            E.         Planning Board Recommendation.  The planning board shall:

                        1.         consider the following:

                                    (a)        relevant evidence relating to the public health safety, and welfare;

                                    (b)        the City of Dillon comprehensive plan;

                                    (c)        review criteria as stated in Section F below; and

                                    (d)       whether the preliminary plat conforms to the provisions of:

                                                (1)        the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act;

                                                (2)        these regulations;

                                                (3)        applicable zoning regulations and/or the comprehensive plan for the area involved; and

                                                (4)        other regulations in effect in the area of the proposed subdivision.

                           2.      Within ten (10) days after any public hearing, the planning board acting in their advisory capacity, shall submit in writing the following to the City Council:

                                    (a)        findings, regarding the four items under Section d, above;

                                    (b)        recommended findings of fact which weigh the review criteria; and

                                    (c)        a recommendation for approval, conditional approval, or disapproval of the plat.

            F.         Preliminary Plat Approval by City Council.  The City Council shall approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the preliminary plat within thirty-five (35) days of its determination of completeness, sixty (60) days for a second or subsequent minor subdivision, unless the sub-divider consents to an extension of the review period.  Subsequent subdivisions from a tract of record must be reviewed under 76-3-505 and regulations adopted pursuant to that section.

 

If the City Council rejects or conditionally approves the preliminary plat, it shall forward one copy of the plat to the sub-divider accompanied by a letter over the appropriate signature stating the reason for rejection or enumerating the conditions which must be met to assure approval of the final plat.

The basis for the City Council’s decision to approve, conditionally approve or reject a subdivision is whether the preliminary plat, applicable environmental assessment, public hearing, planning board recommendations, or additional information demonstrates that development of the subdivision meets the requirements of this chapter.  

The City Council shall issue written findings of fact that weigh the following primary review criteria:

            1.         effects on agriculture;

            2.         effects on agricultural water user facilities;

            3.         effects on local services;

            4.         effects on the natural environment;

            5.         effects on wildlife and wildlife habitat;

            6.         effects on the public health and safety;

            7.         compliance with survey requirements;

            8.         compliance with the requirements of the MSPA;

            9.         compliance with the regulations and review procedures of these local subdivision regulations;

            10.       the provision of easements for the location and installation of necessary utilities; and

            11.       the provision of legal and physical access to each parcel within the subdivision and the required notation of that access on the applicable plat and any instrument of transfer concerning the parcel.

                        The City Council may withdraw approval of a plat if it determines that information provided by the sub-divider, and upon which such decision was based, is inaccurate.

            G.        The City of Dillon may require the sub-divider to design the subdivision to reasonably minimize potentially significant adverse impacts identified through the review required under subsection (E).  The City shall issue written findings to justify the reasonable mitigation required under this subsection.

H. 

                        1.         In reviewing a subdivision under subsection (E) and when requiring mitigation under subsection (F), the city may not unreasonably restrict landowner’s ability to develop land, but it is recognized that in some instances the unmitigated impacts of a proposed development may be unacceptable and will preclude approval of the plat.

                        2.         When requiring mitigation under subsection (F), the city shall consult with the sub-divider and shall give due weight and consideration to the expressed preference of the sub-divider.

            I.          Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plat Approval Period.  Upon approving or conditionally approving a preliminary plat, the City Council shall provide the sub-divider with a dated and signed statement of approval.  This approval shall be in force for two calendar years.  At the end of this period the City Council may, at the request of the sub-divider, extend its approval for no more than one calendar year, except that the City Council may extend its approval for a period of more than one year if that approval period is included as a specific condition of a written subdivision improvements agreement between the City Council and the sub-divider, according to 76-3-507, MCA.

 

After the preliminary plat is approved, the City Council may not impose any additional conditions as a prerequisite to final plat approval, providing said approval is obtained within the original or extended approval period as provided above.

The City of Dillon may not deny or condition a subdivision approval under these regulations unless a written statement to the applicant detailing the circumstances of the subdivision denial or condition imposition.  The statement must include:

            (1)        the reason for the denial or condition imposition;

            (2)        the evidence that justifies the denial or condition imposition; and

            (3)        information regarding the appeal process for the denial or condition imposition.

 

16.16.040  “Low Impact” Minor Subdivisions

A.        Criteria Defining “Low Impact” Minor Subdivisions

            “Low impact” subdivisions are those subdivisions where:

                        1.         Only one or two additional lots would be created;

                        2.         The proposed subdivision is the first division of land from a tract of record;

                        3.         The occasional sale or family conveyance exemptions have been previously used to create the subject property or adjacent parcels; and

                        4.         The proposed subdivision is not located on land:

                                    (a)        unsuitable for development, as defined by these subdivision    regulations;

                                    (b)        subject to natural or man-made hazards; or

                                    (c)        where significant adverse effects on wildlife, the natural environment or public health or safety would occur.

                        5.         The proposed subdivision is served by City Sewer and Water and existing City streets.

            B.        Review Procedures for “Low Impact” Minor Subdivisions

            1.         The sub-divider and subdivision administrator hold a pre-application meeting.

            2.         Sub-divider or agent submits plat and application to subdivision administrator.  Application includes:

                                    (a)        12 paper copies of plat that conforms to the requirements for preliminary plats, except that (3) below can substitute for the required contour maps and drainage plan;

                                    (b)        Plat’s title block includes “Subdivision Plat No._____”;

                                    (c)        USGS topographic map showing location of subdivision and road access;

                                    (d)       Evidence of a suitable building site and verification that the property is served by city water and sewer;

                                    (e)        Evidence of legal and physical access, including adequate and appropriate easements if necessary, and necessary utility easements;

                                    (f)        Names of property owners adjacent to subdivision;

                                    (g)        An improvements agreement and financial guaranty, if applicable; and

                        3.         When the administrator notifies the sub-divider in writing the application accepted as complete, the statutory thirty-five (35) day review period, and if possible, a shorter (15-21 day) local review period for “low impact” subdivisions will start.

                        4.         Subdivision administrator reviews subdivision plat and application for compliance with:

                                    (a)        survey requirements;

                                    (b)        local design standards;

                                    (c)        provision of legal and physical access, including adequate and appropriate easements, if necessary;

                                    (d)       utility easements;

                                    (e)        primary review criteria of 76-3-608 MCA; and

                                    (f)        an acceptable improvements agreement with financial guaranty, if applicable.

                        5.         Subdivision administrator reviews plat and application and submits a recommended written Findings of Fact pursuant to 76-3-608 MCA, to the City Council within 7-14 days after submittal.

                        6.         The City Council, at its next regular meeting, makes any changes to the written Findings of Fact, and acts to approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the subdivision.  The sub-divider is notified of the City Council’s action.

                        7.         The sub-divider:

                                    (a)        completes any required surveying functions and prepares a final plat that complies with the Uniform Standards for Surveying and Monumentation;

                                    (b)        meets any conditions specified by City Council;

                                    (c)        submits final plat, any supplements, cash donation in lieu of park land if required to the administrator for a final check; and

                                    (d)       submits final plat and required documents to the County Clerk and Recorder for filing.

 

16.20 Planned Unit Developments

Sections:

16.20.010        Intent

16.20.020        Designation as P.U.D.

16.20.030        Procedures

16.20.040        Design Standards

 

16.20.010  Intent  The intent of this section is to provide flexibility ln certain subdivision standards, allowing the sub-divider creativity in subdivision design using a concept which clusters development to promote economies in providing services while preserving and enhancing open space and unique natural features.  The Planned Unit Development (P.U.D.) concept promotes the planning of a tract of land to allow for a single use such as residential or for a harmonious combination of uses, such as a mixture of residential and commercial.

 

16.20.020  Designation as P.U.D

            A.        The proposed subdivision must be designated as a P.U.D. by the planning board before being reviewed under this Section.  To obtain designation of a subdivision as a P.U.D., the sub-divider before submitting a preliminary plat application, must submit to the planning board the following:

                        1.          A written request that the plan of the proposed subdivision is to be reviewed as a P.U.D.

                        2.         Twelve (12) copies of the layout plan showing the proposed location and use of lots and structures, and the location and number of parking spaces, if appropriate.

                        3.         Twelve (12) copies a of a sketch plan of the proposed subdivision, containing all information requested Pre-application Procedures set out in these regulations.

                        4.         A description of open space, recreational facilities, roads and other facilities proposed to be under common ownership.

                        5.         Proposed restrictive covenants, if any.

                        6.         A statement of proposed forms of property ownership within the development.

                        7.         A statement describing measures to be taken to assure permanence and maintenance of open space and other facilities to be held in common ownership.

                        8.         A schedule showing street and utility improvement completion dates.

                        9.         A description of all proposed modifications from the Design and Improvement Standards herein.

                        10.       Any additional reasonable information that the planning board may require.

            B.        Criteria for Designation.  The planning board shall review the information and proposed plan and, before designating the subdivision a P.U.D. shall determine that the development plan promotes the clustering of individual building sites, conforms to the definition and intent of this section, and does one or more of the following:

            1.         Preserves to the maximum extent possible the natural characteristics of the land including topography, vegetation, streams and other bodies of water.

            2.         Provides economies in the provision of roads and other public improvements.

            3.         Preserves productive agricultural land, open space or riparian areas.

            4.         Protects important historic sites or structures or areas of important wildlife habitat.

            5.         Provides developed facilities for recreational purposes.

            C.        Notification of Sub-divider.  The planning board shall review the plan and within ten (10) days of the planning board meeting, write a letter to the sub-divider stating that the plan has or has not been designated a P.U.D.  If disapproved, the reasons for disapproval shall be stated in the letter.

            D.        Designation is not Approval.  Designation as a P.U.D. does not constitute approval of the specific details or modifications proposed by the plan.

 

16.20.030  Procedures.  If the City Council designates the development plan a P.U.D., the preliminary plat may be submitted for review.  Submittal shall comply with requirements and procedures contained in the provisions in these regulations governing the following:

A.        Subdivision Review and Approval Procedures

B.        Preliminary Plats

C.        Final Plats

 

            16.20.040  Design Standards.

            A.        P.U.D.’s must comply with the appropriate standards contained in the Design and Improvement Standards of these regulations, as stated in 16.32.010 “General Standards.”

            B.        The design and improvement standards contained herein (lots, blocks, streets and roads, improvements, street, road and building identification, and park land requirements) may be modified by the City Council upon request of the sub-divider where the plan for a P.U.D. includes provisions for efficient traffic circulation, adequate light, air and open space and where such standards are not practical or reasonable in respect to the overall P.U.D. subdivision design.  In such cases, no application for a variance under of these regulations shall be necessary.

            C.        Determining Overall Density.  In those areas where no zoning exists, the planning board shall determine in consultation with the Sub-divider the overall dwelling unit density.

            D.        Streets.  The arrangement, type, extent, width, grade and location of all streets shall be considered in their relation to existing and planned streets, to topographical conditions and to public convenience and safety.

            E.         Each planned unit residential development shall provide at least one-ninth (l/9) of the platted area, exclusive of all other dedications, for common open space.  The open space shall be:

1.         Held in common ownership by a property owners’ association; or

2.         Dedicated to public use, if acceptable to the City Council; or

3.         A combination of “a” or “b” above.

 

Chapter 16.24 Subdivisions Created By Rent Or Lease

Sections:

16.24.010        Procedures for Review

16.24.020        General Standards for Subdivisions Created By Rent or Lease

16.24.030        Streets

16.24.040        Mobile Home Park Standards

16.24.050        Recreational Vehicle Park Standards

 

16.24.010  Procedures for Review

            A.        Definition.  A subdivision created by rent or lease, including a mobile home or recreational vehicle park, is any tract of land divided by renting or leasing portions thereof.  It is owned, however, as one parcel under single ownership (which can include a number of persons owning property in common).

            B.        Review and Approval.  Subdivisions created by rent or lease are exempt from the surveying and filing requirements of the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act but must be submitted for review and approved by the City Council before portions thereof may be rented or leased.  The sub-divider shall submit a completed application form, with twelve (12) copies and twelve (12) copies of the preliminary plat of the proposed development.  Approval will be based upon the primary review criteria in the preliminary plat approval provisions of major subdivisions in these regulations.

            C.        Improvements.  Before any portion of a rental or lease subdivision may be rented or leased the sub-divider shall have installed all required improvements.  Preliminary plans, profiles, tentative grades and specifications for proposed improvements shall be submitted to the City Council for its approval prior to the construction of improvements. The City Council will provide for inspection of all required improvements in order to assure conformance with the approved construction plans and specifications, costs of which will be reimbursed to the City by the sub-divider.

            D.        Summary Review.  Where a rental or lease subdivision qualifies as a minor subdivision, it may receive summary review as provided for these regulations.

            E.         Final Plan Review.  In lieu of filing a final plat, the sub-divider shall submit a plan conforming to the requirements for preliminary plats contained in these regulations.  The plan shall show the lot layout and the typical location of the mobile home, recreational vehicle, or other unit on the lot.  The sub-divider shall submit the plan to the subdivision administrator.  The plan will be reviewed to assure that it conforms to the approved preliminary plan.  The approved plan shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk.

            F.         DHES License.  Mobile home and recreational vehicle parks are required to be licensed by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality under the provisions of Title 50, Chapter 52, MCA.

 

16.24.020  General Standards for Subdivisions Created by Rent or Lease

            A.        Design Standards.  Subdivisions created by rent or lease shall comply with the Design and Improvements Standards of these regulations, unless otherwise noted.

            B.        Additional Provisions.  The City Council may require provision for:

            1.         Storage facilities on the lot or in compounds located within a reasonable distance.

            2.         A central area for storage or parking of boats, trailers, or other recreational vehicles, and excess vehicles.                      

            3.         Landscaping to serve as a buffer between the development and adjacent properties.

            4.         An off - street area for mail delivery.

            5.         Street lighting.

 

16.24.030  Mobile Home Park Standards  A mobile home park will be any subdivision created for rent or lease which will allow for location of two (2) or more mobile home units.

            A.        Mobile Home Lots

            1.         Mobile home lots must be arranged to permit the safe and practical placement and removal of mobile homes.

            2.         All mobile homes must be located at least 25 feet from any property boundary line abutting upon a public street or highway right‑of‑way and at least 15 feet from other boundary lines of the park.

            3.         The mobile home pad must be located at least ten feet from the street that serves it.

            4.         The size of the mobile home pad shall be suitable for the general market to be served and shall fit the dimensions of mobile homes anticipated.

            5.         A mobile home pad may not occupy more than one‑third (1/3) of the area of its lot.  The total area occupied by a mobile home and its roofed accessory buildings and structures may not exceed two‑thirds (2/3) of the area of a lot.

            6.         The Council may require that the mobile home pad be improved to provide adequate support for the placement and tie‑down of the mobile home. 

            7.         No mobile home nor its attached structures, such as awning or carports, may be located within 20 feet of any other mobile home or its attached structures.

            8.         No detached structure, such as a storage shed and camp trailers may be located within five feet of any mobile home or its attached structures.

            9.         A minimum of two off‑street parking spaces must be provided on or adjacent to each mobile home lot.  The driveway must be located to allow for convenient access to the mobile home.  The minimum width shall be ten feet.

            10.       One guest parking space for each ten mobile home lots must be provided.  Group parking may be provided.

            11.       The limits of each mobile home lot must be clearly marked on the ground by permanent flush stakes, markers or other suitable means.  Location of lot limits on the ground must be approximately the same as shown on the acceptable plans.  The degree of accuracy obtainable with an engineer’s scale and a tape is acceptable.  Precise engineering of lot limits is not required either on the plans or on the ground.

            12.       Each mobile home shall be skirted within 60 days after said mobile home is moved upon a lot within the mobile home park.  Said skirting shall be of a fire‑resistant material similar to that of which the mobile home exterior is constructed and attached to the mobile home.

            B.        Streets.  Streets within a mobile home park must meet the design standards for streets and roads in the design standards of these regulations.  Streets must be designed to allow safe placement and removal of mobile homes.

            C.        Electrical Systems.  Electrical systems installation must be designed and constructed in accordance with the applicable codes adopted by the State of Montana.

            D.        Gas Systems.  Gas equipment and installations must be designed and constructed in accordance with the applicable codes adopted by the State of Montana.

            1.         A readily accessible and identified shutoff valve controlling the flow of gas to the entire gas piping system must be installed near to the point of connection of the liquefied petroleum gas container.

            2.         Each mobile home lot must have an accessible, listed gas shutoff installed.  Such valve shall not be located under a mobile home.  Whenever the mobile home lot outlet is not in use, the shutoff valve must be plugged to prevent accidental discharge.

 

16.24.040  Recreational Vehicle Park Standards

            A.        Spaces in recreational vehicle parks must be arranged to permit safe parking and removal of recreational vehicles.

            B.        Recreational vehicles must be separated from each other and from other structures by at least 15 feet.  Any accessory structures such as attached awnings must, for purposes of this separation requirement, be considered part of the recreational vehicle.

            C.        All recreational vehicle spaces must be located at least 25 feet from a public street or highway right‑of‑ way.

            D.        The density shall not exceed 25 recreational vehicle spaces per acre of gross site area.

            E.         Streets must be designed to provide safe access to public roads, including approaches with sufficient width to allow safe turning onto public roads.

            F.         Roads within the recreational vehicle park must be designed to provide safe parking and removal of recreational vehicles, and safe circulation within the park.

            G.        One-way roads must be at least 15 feet wide; two-way roads must be at least 24 feet wide.

 

Chapter 16.28 Condominiums

Sections:

16.28.010        Procedures

16.28.020        Standards

 

16.28.010  Procedures  All condominium developments are subdivisions subject to the terms of the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act as follows:

            A.        The construction of condominium buildings or installation of related public improvements is not subject to subdivision review and approval procedures if the condominiums or improvements are to be constructed in a subdivision approved and filed after July 1, 1973, and if the approval of the subdivision was based on the anticipated construction of the condominiums and improvements.

            B.        Where no division of land is created by a condominium subdivision, the subdivision must be reviewed under the procedures contained in the Procedures for Subdivisions Created by Rent or Lease of these subdivision regulations, with the following exception:  in lieu of the completion of all required improvements before final approval is given, the sub-divider may enter into a subdivision improvements agreement as defined in Section 16.12.040 (E) of these regulations.

            C.        Where divisions of land take place in a condominium subdivision, the subdivision must be reviewed under the Procedures contained in the following sections under Major Subdivisions:

1.         Subdivision Review and Approval Procedures

2.         Preliminary Plats

3.         Final Plats

 

16.28.020  Standards

            A.        Condominium developments must comply with those standards contained in these design and Improvement Standards in these regulations, which the City Council deems applicable.

            B.        Condominium developments shall meet the minimum standards of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

            C.        Condominium developments shall comply with all provisions of the Unit Ownership Act, Sections 70‑23‑102 through 70‑23‑703, MCA.

 

Chapter 16.32 General Design and Improvement Standards

Sections:

16.32.010        General Standards

 

16.32.010  General Standards  All subdivisions approved by the City Council must comply with the provisions of this section, except where granted a variance pursuant to section 16.08.020.  The City Council may not grant variances from the floodplain provisions of these regulations.  For planned unit developments, subdivisions created by rent or lease, and condominiums, refer to the specific area of these regulations governing them.

            A.        Conformance.  The design and development of a subdivision shall conform with the comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance, and other resolutions and regulations of the City.

            B.        Natural Environment.  The design and development of subdivisions must provide satisfactory building sites which are properly related to topography, and must preserve the natural terrain, natural drainage, existing topsoil, trees, cultural and historic resources, and natural vegetation to the extent possible.

            C.        Lands Unsuitable for Subdivision.  The City Council may find land to be unsuitable for subdivision because of potential hazards such as flooding, snow avalanches, rock falls, land slides, steep slopes in excess of 25 percent slope, high potential for wildfire, subsidence, high water table, polluted or non-potable water supply, high voltage lines, high pressure gas lines, aircraft or vehicular traffic hazards or congestion, or severe toxic or hazardous waste exposure; or because of unreasonable burdens on the general public such as requirements for the excessive expenditure of public funds or environmental degradation; or other features which may be detrimental to the health, safety, or general welfare of existing or future residents.  These lands must not be subdivided for building or residential purposes unless the hazards are eliminated or will be overcome by approved design and construction plans. 

            D.        Floodplain Provisions.  Land located in the floodway of a flood of 100 year frequency as defined by Title 76, Chapter 5, MCA as delineated by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, or land deemed subject to flooding as determined by the City Council shall not be subdivided for building or residential purposes, or other uses that may increase or aggravate flood hazards to life, health, or property.

                        If any portion of a proposed subdivision is within 2,000 horizontal feet and 20 vertical feet of a live stream draining an area of 25 square miles or more, and no official floodway delineation or floodway studies of the stream have been made, the sub-divider must furnish survey data to the Floodplain Management Section of the Water Resources Division of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Survey data must comply with the Standards for Flood Hazard Evaluations as contained in Appendix F of these regulations.  After the Floodplain Management Section of the Water Resources Division has prepared a report delineating the floodway, the sub-divider must submit it to the planning board along with the Environmental Assessment required for the preliminary plat.

                        The City Council must waive this requirement where the sub-divider contacts the Water Resources Division and that agency states in writing that available data indicated that the proposed subdivision is not in a flood hazard area.

            E.         Improvement Design.  Engineering and survey plans, specifications and reports required in connection with public improvements and other elements of the subdivision required by the City Council shall be prepared by a registered engineer or a registered land surveyor as their respective licensing laws allows in accordance with the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act and these regulations.

                        The City Council will require a sub-divider to pay or guarantee payment for part or all of the costs of extending capital facilities related to public health and safety, including but not limited to public roads, sewer lines, water supply lines, and storm drains to a subdivision.  The costs must reasonably reflect the expected impacts directly attributable to the subdivision. 

            F.         Lots.  Each lot must contain a satisfactory building site which is properly located to topography and conforms to health department regulations, zoning regulations, and these regulations.

            1.         No single lot shall be divided by a municipal boundary line.

            2.         No single lot shall be divided by a public street, road, alley or utility right‑of way or easement.

            3.         Each lot shall abut and have access to a public or private street or road.  Alleys may not be used to provide the primary means of access to a lot.

            4.         Corner lots shall be of sufficient area to provide acceptable visibility for traffic safety.

            5.         No lot shall have an average depth greater than three times its average width.

            6.         Side lot lines shall be at substantially right angles to street or road lines and radial to curved street or road lines.

            7.         Through lots are prohibited except where essential to provide separation of residential development from traffic arteries or to overcome specific disadvantages of topography or orientation.

            8.         Liquid petroleum gas storage tanks are limited in size to 500 gallons water capacity, also no one lot can have more than one 500 gallon tank.

G.        Blocks

            1.         Blocks shall be designed to assure traffic safety and ease of traffic control and circulation, to accommodate the special needs of the use contemplated, and to take advantage of the limitations and opportunities of the topography.

            2.         Block length shall not be designed, unless otherwise impractical, to be more than 1,600 feet.

            3.         Blocks shall be wide enough to allow for two tiers of lots except where essential to provide separation of residential development from traffic arteries or to overcome specific disadvantages of topography and orientation or unless the City Council approves the design of irregularly shaped blocks indented by cul-de-sacs.

            4.         Rights-of-way for pedestrian walks, not less than ten feet wide, shall be required where deemed essential to provide circulation or safe access to schools, playgrounds, shopping, transportation and other community facilities.

H.        Streets and Roads

                        1.         Designs

            (a)        The arrangement, type, extent, width, grade and location of all streets shall be considered in their relation to existing and planned streets, to topographical conditions and to public convenience and safety, and in their relation to the proposed uses of the land to be served by them.

            (b)        Roads in low density subdivisions shall meet the design specifications in Table 5.

            (c)        Streets and roads in high density subdivisions shall meet the design specifications in Table _____.

            (d)       Where streets terminate, either a cul-de-sac or “T” turnaround must be provided at the terminus.  Cul-de-sacs and “T” turnarounds must conform to the design specifications in Table ___.

            (e)        All streets within a subdivision shall either be dedicated to the public or be private streets to be owned and maintained by an approved property owners’ association.

            (f)        Residential driveways shall not have direct access to primary highways.  For extreme circumstances the Montana Department of Transportation may issue a road approach permit.

            (g)        Local streets shall be designed so as to discourage through traffic.

            (h)        Whenever a subdivision abuts or contains an existing or proposed arterial highway or major thoroughfare, the City Council may require frontage roads, with a reservation prohibiting access along the rear property line, deep lots, or other treatment as may be necessary for adequate protection of residential properties and to separate arterial and local traffic.

            (i)         Preservation and extension of the street grid is essential and dead end streets are discouraged.  Streets shall extend to the boundary of the subdivision or be so platted and accompanied with an irrevocable offer to dedicate a public right-of-way to the boundary if any possibility of development exists beyond.  Dead end streets shall be provided with a cul-de-sac and not be longer than 1000 feet.

            (j)         Half streets are prohibited except where essential to the development of the subdivision and where the City Council is assured that it will be possible to require the dedication of the other half of the street when the adjoining property is subdivided.  Whenever an existing half street is adjacent to a tract to be subdivided, the other half of the street shall be platted within such tract.

            (k)        Horizontal alignment of streets shall ensure adequate sight distances.

            (l)         Intersections.  The following items apply to intersections:

            (2)        streets shall intersect at 90 degree angles, except when topography precludes, and in no case shall the angle of intersection be less than 60 degrees to the center line of the roadway being intersected.

            (3)        two streets meeting a third street from opposite sides must be offset at least 125 feet for local roads and 300 feet for arterial or collectors.

            (4)        no more than two streets may intersect at one point.

            (5)        intersections of local streets with major arterial or highways shall be kept to a minimum.

            (6)        intersection design shall provide acceptable visibility for traffic safety as dictated by the designed operating speeds on the individual roadways.

            (7)        hilltop intersections are prohibited, except where no alternatives exist.  Intersections on local roads within 100 feet of a hilltop are prohibited.  Intersections on arterial and collector roads within 200 feet of a hilltop are prohibited.

            (8)        maximum grade of approach to major highways shall not exceed five percent.

            (l)         Names of new streets aligned with existing streets shall be the same as those of the existing streets.  Proposed street names shall not duplicate or cause confusion with existing street names, in conformance with the City addressing system.

 

            I.          Improvements

            1.         All roadway improvements including pavement, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and drainage shall be constructed in accordance with the specifications and standards prescribed in these regulations, using materials approved by the City.

            2.         Roadway sub-grades shall be free of topsoil, sod, vegetation or organic matter, soft clay, or other substandard materials, properly rolled, shaped and compacted and subject to approval by the City.

            3.         Where access from a public road to the subdivision will cross properties not owned by the sub-divider, the sub-divider must obtain proper easements, at least 60 feet wide, from each property owner or the appropriate administrator of public lands.  Each easement must allow construction and perpetual maintenance of a road across the property and allow vehicular travel on the road. 

                        Adequate and appropriate easements must be granted by each property owner through a signed and notarized document that grants the easement in conformance with the design standards herein. 

                        The location of any road easements must be shown on the plat or on a supplemental map.  The existence of easements must be noted on the face of the final plat and on any deeds or other instruments conveying lots within the subdivision.

            4.         Streets must be designed to ensure proper drainage, including, but not limited to, surface crown, culverts, curbs and gutters, drainage swale and storm drains.

            5.  Existing trees and other vegetation shall be preserved whenever possible.  Plantings may be required for buffering, screening, or soil erosion protection and are subject to approval by the City Council.

            6.         Street light installation will be required by the City Council on all streets within the subdivision or will be included as part of the public improvements agreement.

            7.         Street or road signs and traffic control devices, of the size, shape and height approved by the City Council, shall be placed at all intersections by the developer or included as part of the public improvements agreement.  Traffic control devices shall be consistent with “Manual on Uniform Control Devices,” available from the Montana Department of Highways.

            8.         If mail delivery will not be to each individual lot within the subdivision, the developer shall provide an off street area for mail delivery within the subdivision in cooperation with the United States Post Office.  Responsibility for maintenance may be included as part of the public improvements agreement.

            9.         An addressing system shall be developed in conformance with the requirements of the ordinances of the City of Dillon.

            J.          Street, Road and Building Identification.  The lettering on street or road identification shall be installed per the city requirements.  Numbering on all structures shall be in place 60 days of completion of construction.

            K.        Drainage Facilities

            1.         The drainage system and facilities required for any surface run‑off affecting the subdivision is subject to the approval of the City Council.  Subdivisions containing less than 20 acres in size also must meet the minimum drainage standards of the Department of Environmental Quality.

            2.         Curbs and gutters or swales shall be required as determined by the City Council according to the character of the area, density of development, and nature of adjoining properties.  Curbs and gutters of adjoining properties shall be extended according to current specifications of local and state authorities.

            3.         Culverts or bridges of adequate size shall be provided and installed by the sub-divider where drainage channels intersect any street right‑of‑way or easement.  All culverts shall extend at least across the entire width of the base of the fill; the amount of backfill to be placed over the culvert and the culvert’s capacity shall be determined by a registered engineer.  This shall include arrangements for driveway culverts.

            4.         The sub-divider must provide suitable drainage facilities for any surface run-off affecting the subdivision; these facilities shall be located in street rights‑of‑way or in perpetual drainage easements of appropriate widths and are subject to approval by the City Council.

            5.         Each culvert or other drainage facility shall be large enough to accommodate potential run‑off from upstream drainage areas.

            6.         Drainage systems shall not discharge into the municipal sanitary sewer facility.

            7.         The grading and drainage system shall be designed and certified by a registered engineer.

            8.         The City Council may require the sub-divider to grant easements to prevent encroachment or disruption of drainage ways or facilities.  Drainage easements must be drawn on the plat and a signed statement granting the easements must appear on the plat.

            L.         Water Supply Systems.  All subdivisions shall be required to connect to the municipal supply system.  The sub-divider shall install complete water system facilities in accordance with the requirements of the City and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.  The sub-divider shall submit plans and specifications for the proposed facilities to the City and to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and shall obtain their approvals prior to undertaking any construction.

            M.        Sewage Treatment Systems.  The sub-divider shall install complete sanitary sewer system facilities in accordance with the requirements of the City and the Montana Department Environmental Quality.  The sub-divider shall submit plans and specifications for the proposed facilities to the City and to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and shall obtain their approvals prior to undertaking any construction.

                        If a lift station is required as a condition of approval of the subdivision, the sub-divider shall provide for long-term ownership and maintenance of the lift station by formation of a homeowners association and placing restrictive covenants on the lots.

            N.        Solid Waste.  The sub-divider shall assure that provisions for collection and disposal of solid waste meet the regulations and minimum standards of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.  The means for solid waste collection and disposal shall be subject to approval by the City Council.

            O.        Utilities

            1.         Utilities shall be placed underground, wherever practical.  Underground utilities, if placed in the street right-of-way, shall be located between the roadway and the right-of-way line to simplify location and repair of lines.  Such underground facilities shall be installed after the street has been brought to grade and before it is surfaced, to eliminate as far as practicable the necessity for disturbing such surfacing for the connection of individual services.

            2.         Overhead utility lines shall be located at the rear property line, where practical.

            3.         Utility facilities shall be designed by utility firms in cooperation with the sub-divider, subject, however, to all applicable laws and ail rules and regulations of any appropriate regulatory authority having jurisdiction over such facilities.

            P.         Utility and Drainage Easements

            1.         Where required by the City Council, the sub-divider shall provide adequate and appropriate easements for utilities, drainage and vehicular or pedestrian access.  The sub-divider must obtain any easements necessary to extend utilities to the subdivision.

            2.         Utility easements shall be centered along side and rear lot lines wherever necessary, and, if placed in the street, be located between the roadway and the right-of-way line.

            3.         Utility easements shall be 15 feet wide unless otherwise specified by a utility company or City Council.

            4.         Where a utility is to be located in an existing, dedicated right–of-way, a notice of utility occupancy must be obtained from the City Council and the local or state highway department.

            5.         Where a subdivision is traversed by a watercourse, drainage way, channel, ditch, or stream, easements or rights-of-way may be required to parallel the lines of such watercourse at a sufficient width to allow for maintenance or to protect natural drainage.  A minimum width of ten feet is required each side of irrigation canals for maintenance on each side of irrigation canals for maintenance purposes.

            6.         In addition to showing the location of the easement on the plat with dashed lines, the following statement shall be on the final plat:

 

“The undersigned hereby grants unto each and every person, firm or corporation, whether public or private, providing or offering to provide telephone, electric power, gas, cable television, water or sewer service to the public, the right to the joint use of an easement for the construction, maintenance, repair and removal of their lines and other facilities, in, over, under and across each area designated on this plat as “Utility Easement” to have and to hold forever.”

            Q.        Vacation of plats—utility easements

            1.         Any plat prepared and recorded as provided in this section may be vacated either in whole or in part as provided by 7-5-2501, 7-5-2502, 7-14-2616 (1) and (2), 7-14-2617, 7-14-4114 (1) and (2), and 7-14-4115.  Upon vacation, the City Council or the District Court, as provided in 7-5-2502, shall determine to which properties the title to the streets and alleys of the vacated portions must revert.  The City Council or the District Court, as provided in 7-5-2502, shall take into consideration the previous platting; the manner in which the right-of-way was originally dedicated, granted, or conveyed; the reasons stated in the petition requesting the vacation; the parties requesting the vacation; and any agreements between the adjacent property owners regarding the use of the vacated area.  The title to the streets and alleys of the vacated portions may revert to one or more of the owners of the properties within the platted area adjacent to the vacated portions.

            2.         However, when any pole-line, pipeline, or any other public or private facility is located in a vacated street or alley at the time of the reversion of the title to the vacated street or alley, the owner of the public or private utility facility has an easement over the vacated land to continue the operation and maintenance of the public utility facility.

            R.        Park Land

            1.         Except as provided in subsections (2), (3) and (6), a sub-divider shall dedicate to the City of Dillon a cash or land donation equal to:

            (a)        11% of the area of the land proposed to be subdivided into parcels of one-half acre or smaller;

            (b)        7.5% of the area of the land proposed to be subdivided in parcels larger than one-half acre and not larger than 1 acre;

            (c)        5% of the area of the land proposed to be subdivided into parcels larger than 1 acre and not larger than 3 acres; and

            (d)       2.5% of the area of the land proposed to be subdivided into parcels larger than 3 acres and not larger than 5 acres.    

            2.         When a subdivision is located totally within an area for which density requirements have been adopted pursuant to a master plan under Title 76, chapter 1, or pursuant to zoning regulations under Title 76, chapter 2, governing body may establish park dedication requirements based on the community need for parks and the development densities identified in the plans or regulations.  Park dedication requirements established under this subsection are in lieu of those provided in subsection (1) and may not exceed 0.03 acres per dwelling unit.

                        3.         A park dedication may mot be required for:

                                    (a)        a minor subdivision;

                                    (b)        land proposed for subdivision into parcels larger than 5 acres;

                                    (c)        subdivision into parcels that are all nonresidential;

            (d)       a subdivision in which parcels are not created, except when that subdivision provides permanent multiple space for recreational camping vehicle, mobile homes, or condominiums; or

                                    (e)        a subdivision in which only one additional parcel is created.     

            4.         The City Council, in consultation with the sub-divider and the planning board or park board that has jurisdiction, may determine suitable locations for parks and playgrounds and, giving due weight and consideration to the expressed preference of the sub-divider, may determine whether the park dedication must be a land donation, cash donation, or a combination of both.  When a combination of land donation and cash donation is required, the cash donation may not exceed the proportional amount not covered by the land donation.

            5.         In accordance with subsections 5a) and 5b) below, the governing body shall use the dedicated money or land for development, acquisition, or maintenance of parks to serve the subdivision.

            (a)        The City Council may use the dedicated money to acquire, develop, or maintain, within its jurisdiction, parks or recreational areas or for the purchase of public open space or conservation easements only if:

            (1)        The park, recreational area, open space, or conservation easement is within a reasonably close proximity to the proposed subdivision; and

            (2)        The City Council has formally adopted a park plan that establishes the need and procedures for use of the money.

            (b)        The governing body may not use more than 50% of the dedicated money for park maintenance.

                        6.         The City Council shall waive the park dedication requirement if:

            (a)        the preliminary plat provides for a planned unit development or other development with land permanently set aside for park and recreational uses sufficient to meet the needs of the persons who will ultimately reside in the development; and

                        The area of the land and any improvements set aside for park and recreational purposes equals or exceeds the area of the dedication required under subsection (1);

            (b)        the preliminary plat provides long-term protection of critical wildlife habitat; cultural, historical, or natural resources; agricultural interests; or aesthetic values; and the area of the land proposed to be subdivided, by virtue of providing long-term protection provided for in subsection b) above, is reduced by an amount equal to or exceeding the area of the dedication required under Subsection (1).

            (c)        the area of the land proposed to be subdivided, by virtue of a combination of the provisions of subsection 6 (a) and (b), is reduced by an amount equal to or exceeding the area of the dedication required under subsection (1).

                        7.         For the purposes of this section:

            (a)        “dwelling unit” means a residential structure in which a person or persons reside; and

            (b)        “cash donation” is the fair market value of the unsub-divided, unimproved land.

            8.         Funds in a park fund that exceed $10,000 as of _________________________ must be used for park land acquisition and initial development.  Funds in a park fund up to $10,000 as of ___________________________ may be used for park maintenance in accordance with a formally adopted park plan.

            S.         Fire Protection.  All subdivisions shall be planned, designed, constructed, and maintained so as to minimize the risk of fire and to permit the effective and efficient suppression of fires in order to protect persons, property, and forested areas.  In setting standards, the City Council shall consult the Uniform Fire Code, International Fire Code adopted by the State of Montana.  Measures shall include:

            1.         The placement of structures in such a manner so as to minimize the potential for flame spread to permit efficient access for fire fighting equipment.

            2.         An adequate water supply and water distribution system including fire hydrants to fight fires on site, when required by the City Council.

            3.         No highly flammable substance such as straw, hay or other materials shall be used as insulation material around any mobile home, recreational vehicle, home, or other structure.           

            T.         Weed Abatement.  The following procedures will be implemented for all new minor or major subdivisions, subdivisions developed for rent of lease, planned unit developments and condominiums within the limits of the City of Dillon, and any subdivisions proposed for annexation into the City of Dillon.

            1.         A weed management plan must be filed and approved by the Beaverhead County Weed Board or its representative.  This plan will include:

                                    (a)        the owner or representatives name and address

                                    (b)        location by legal description

                                    (c)        noxious weed date, including:

                                                (1)        Types of noxious weeds

                                                (2)        Approximate acres of infestations

                                                (3)        Planned weed control activities

                                                (4)        Plans for future weed control (3 - 5 years)

                                                (5)        Map of location of subdivision and weed locations

                                                (6)        Signature of owner

            2.         After reviewing the plan and the subdivision, the plan will be acted on.  If the plan is approved, and approval letter will be sent to:

                                    (a)        the sub-divider or representative

                                    (b)        the Board of Beaverhead County Commissioners

            (c)        the City of Dillon Planning Board If the plan is not approved the sub-divider has the following options:

            (1)        revise and resubmit the plan

            (2)        request assistance from the Weed Board or its representative in revising the plan

            (3)        request an administrative hearing pursuant to Section 7-22-2110, MCA

            3.         An inspection of the subdivision will be completed by the sub-divider and the County Weed Board or its representative.  All noxious weeds will be treated by the sub-divider before any disturbance occurs.  If the proposed development occurs during the winter, the sub-divider then will treat all noxious weeds the next spring.

            4.         The sub-divider must minimize the extent and duration of soil exposure during the subdividing activities.

            5.         Weed free seed must be used for all distribution areas to retain and enhance desired vegetation.

            6.         The sub-divider must convey to future owners that a weed management plan has been approved.  Also that it is unlawful to permit the propagation of noxious weeds on their land