In addition to the zoning map and regulations, the land development document enforced at the local level provides a comprehensive set of standards and criteria governing project design. It is important to obtain a copy of this manual to understand the development attitude of the community. In many cases, local municipalities have not modified their criteria to correspond with new sustainable planning approaches. Investigate the process in which standards can be changed to match the design intent of the project. Design waivers are not uncommon and the Town Engineer may have the authority to revise standards for specific cases.
The land development manual will address the technical criteria needed to design a subdivision or site plan based on the uses permitted in the jurisdiction. The standards are imposed for public right-of-way and for private site development. All infrastructure design elements of a project are outlined in this document and their approach to development has a direct relationship on the cost of development. As an example, this document will provide road widths, number of parking spaces required for retail commercial buildings, street light standards, drainage inlet designs to performance bonding requirements. Every provision in the land development ordinance will have design and cost ramifications.
Many land development ordinances also refer to other documents for reference. Other agencies or departments within the municipality may be responsible for certain elements of the infrastructure design, construction and maintenance. The most common is water and sewer. There may be a separate manual for water and sewer facilities and obtain a copy of this document as well.
In addition to infrastructure design standards and criteria, the land development regulations may address the regulatory review process. This process may consist of applications and forms to be completed with each plan submission. A time table may also be included for government to act on a submission. A specific time line for review and approval of land development projects may be included and it is important to understand this procedure.
The land development ordinance is an important reference throughout the project development process, construction and facility turnover. Know and understand this document because the provisions outlined will have a direct affect on the schedule, design and cost of every type of land development project.
Residential Street Standards - width of streets to horizontal and vertical design criteria
Commercial Projects including access road widths to the required number of parking spaces
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