Council reviews overhaul of subdivision ordinance to align with transportation and park plans

City planning staff presented proposed updates to the subdivision ordinance (Ordinance No. 763), saying the rewrite reflects a multi‑department effort to align local rules with the master transportation and park plans and current development practice. The planning director told the council the update emphasizes trail connections and removes outdated paper‑copy and size requirements for submittals.

The proposal would require a pre‑application meeting for all preliminary plans so staff and developers can discuss parks, trails and long‑range infrastructure rather than addressing single phases in isolation. The city would remove the separate “conceptual plan” submittal requirement, which staff said has been used infrequently in the past five years.

Staff also proposed an administrative approval pathway for final plats where other regional municipalities use that approach, and a revised warranty bond structure. Under the change described by staff, the warranty period would remain two years after infrastructure acceptance; bond release would be permitted only when lots are completed, under an active building permit, or when required sidewalks are in place — a change staff said would address problems with missing sidewalks in incomplete developments.

The council opened and closed the public hearing on the ordinance at the meeting; no members of the public spoke on this item during tonight's hearing. The ordinance will remain subject to the council’s formal adoption process and any required subsequent hearings.