Any property owner or contractor wishing to submit a preliminary plat for a planned subdivision, must first complete and submit a preliminary plat application to the city's Department of Planning and Economic Development. 

The developer shall submit a minimum of five (5) copies of the proposed Preliminary Plat or more, as required by the city.  Application and processing fees of $225.00 plus $1.00 for each lot will be due at least 20 days prior to the meeting at which the approval is requested.  All applicants must also complete and submit the preliminary plat checklist to accompany the application form.

The application and Preliminary Plat shall be reviewed by the Planning and Development Department for conformance with all applicable city codes and regulations.  If the Planning and Development Department or City Engineer reviews the application and plat and finds that it is incomplete or that any requirements have not been met, the Planning and Development Department will notify the applicant in a timely manner that revisions are needed.  Once all deficencies have been addressed and city staff has approved the plat, then a recommendation for approval or denial shall be transmitted to the city's Planning and Zoning Commission. 

The Planning and Zoning Commission shall review the plat to ensure the development:

1. Will not endanger the public health or safety
2. Will not injure the value of adjoining property or abutting property
3. Will be in conformiy to the city's Comprehensive Plan, Transportation Plan, Zoning Code, Water System Master Plan, Wastewater System Facility Plan or other plans officially adopted by the City Council
4. Will be in harmony with the area in which it is located

The Planning and Zoning Commission may request modifications to the Preliminary Plat and shall confer approval, conditional approval, or disapproval of the plat within 45 days of filing and provide their recommendation to City Council.  City Council will then take action to wither approve or deny the plat within 30 days from the date of the Planning and Zoning Commissions recommendation.

After approval of the Preliminary Plat, the developer may proceed with infrastructure and detailed construction.  The developer will have a period of two (2) years to complete work and have a final plat approved by the City Council.  An extension may be given in certian instances, provided there is a written request from the developer and city approval of such extension.  If no extension is granted, the developer will be forced to resubmit an application for a Preliminary Plat and pay all applicable fees and charges.

For more details, click here to review the city's Muncipal Code concerning Preliminary Platting.

For further information, please contact the city's Planning and Economic Development Office at (417) 732-3150.

Preliminary Plat Application and Checklist