§ 19.26.040. Alternative subdivision improvement design.

A.

Intent. This chapter contains the regulations for the alternative subdivision improvement design procedure. These regulations are supplemented and qualified by additional general regulations appearing elsewhere in this title, which are incorporated as part of this chapter by reference. It is in the intent of the alternative subdivision improvement design procedure to allow one or more alternative improvement designs to those required in this title and the DSC to be utilized in a comprehensive manner throughout a proposed development, provided the improvements meet the intent and have the same or higher level of service or adequacy of the original required improvement. It is not the intent of the alternative subdivision improvement design procedure to allow an inferior improvement to the original one required by this title for the purpose of reducing costs.

B.

Application. An application for the alternative subdivision improvement design procedure shall be submitted at the time of preliminary plat application, along with a subdivision improvement plan showing the proposed changes. Subdivision improvement plans in accordance with this title with the proposed alternative subdivision improvement design clearly designated shall be provided in order for the designated staff to make an evaluation of the proposal. Engineering or other studies should be provided to establish that the proposal meets the intent of this title and provides the same level or greater of protection, service or adequacy of the original requirement. The alternative subdivision improvement design will be reviewed under the provisions outlined in Chapter 19.03, Preliminary Plats, of Section 19.08.010, subdivision improvement plans, as amended, as well as provisions outlined in this chapter. All applications shall be submitted on a form supplied by the planning official with the required information as stated on the application form and meeting the administrative submission requirements available in the office of the planning official.

C.

Based on Engineering. Decisions regarding the design of various physical improvements in a subdivision should be based on engineering or other studies. Thus, while this code provides standards for design, the regulations are not a substitute for sound engineering judgment. Therefore, a licensed engineer may submit alternative designs to be reviewed and considered by the city manager or designee.

D.

Relationship to Standards in Chapter 19.15, Roadways. If the proposed alternative design is approved by the city manager or designee, then the applicable provisions of Chapter 19.15 shall be deemed to have been met. If the proposed alternative design standards are not approved by the city manager or designee, then the standards contained within Chapter 19.15 shall apply.

E.

Relationship to All Other Improvement Standards. If the proposed alternative subdivision improvement design is determined to meet or exceed the standard for such improvement contained in this title and the DSC and approved by the CPC upon recommendation of city manager or designee, then the applicable provisions of this title shall be deemed to have been met. If the proposed alternative design standards are determined not to be the equivalent of the standard contained in this title and not approved by the city manager or designee, then the standards contained within this chapter shall apply.

(Ord. 16882 § 2 (part), 2008)

(Ord. No. 17236, § 2, 11-10-2009; Ord. No. 17396, § 21, 8-24-2010; Ord. No. 17811, § 7, 6-5-2012, eff. 6-11-2012)