Chapter 16.04
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sections:
16.04.010 Short title.
The regulations set out in this title, and any future amendments to this title, shall be known as the “Land Division Ordinance of the City of Colville.” (Ord. 1159 NS § 1, 1997).
16.04.020 Authority.
Regulation of the division of land, and the attachment of reasonable conditions, is a valid exercise of the police power as granted to the city by the state of Washington in Chapter 58.17 RCW. (Ord. 1159 NS § 1, 1997).
16.04.030 Purpose and intent.
The purpose of this title is to:
A. Regulate the division of land;
B. Promote the public health, safety and general welfare in accordance with standards established by the state to prevent the overcrowding of land;
C. Lessen congestion in the streets and highways;
D. Promote effective use of land;
E. Promote safe and convenient travel by the public on streets and highways;
F. Provide for adequate light and air;
G. Facilitate adequate provision for water, sewerage, parks and recreation areas and other public requirements;
H. Provide for proper ingress and egress;
I. Provide for the expeditious review and approval of proposed land divisions which conform to zoning standards and local plans and policies;
J. Adequately provide for housing and commercial needs of the citizens of the city;
K. Require uniform monumenting of land divisions and conveyances by accurate legal description; and
L. Ensure that public facilities and services are available at the minimum level of service adopted in the Colville comprehensive plan at the time that new development is occupied. (Ord. 1159 NS § 1, 1997).
16.04.040 Applicability.
Every division or redivision of land for the purpose of lease, sale or transfer of ownership into two or more lots, tracts or parcels in the city shall proceed in compliance with this title. (Ord. 1159 NS § 1, 1997).
16.04.050 Exemptions.
The provisions of this title shall not apply to:
A. Cemeteries and other burial plots while used for that purpose.
B. Divisions of land into lots or tracts each of which is 20 acres or larger; provided, that for purposes of computing the size of any lot under this item which borders on a street or road, the lot size shall be expanded to include that area which would be bounded by the centerline of the road or street and the side lot lines of the lot running perpendicular to such centerline.
C. Divisions made by testamentary provisions, the laws of descent, or upon court order.
D. A division for the purpose of lease when no residential structure other than mobile homes or travel trailers are permitted to be placed upon the land and the city has approved a binding site plan for the use of land in accordance with CMC Title 17, Zoning.
E. Any division of property made by recorded survey or contract sale prior to March 15, 1977. (Ord. 1159 NS § 1, 1997).
16.04.060 Administration.
A. The plat administrator shall be responsible for the administration and interpretation of the regulations of this title. The plat administrator may prepare and require the use of forms as necessary to administer this title.
B. The planning commission shall adopt rules and procedures for the effective and expeditious administration of duties assigned to it in this title. The planning commission shall be responsible for the review of applications associated with or governed by this title and not specifically the duty of the plat administrator, and shall make recommendations concerning the approval, conditional approval, or denial of such applications to the city council. The planning commission shall be responsible for reviewing appeals of interpretations of this title and its contents made by the plat administrator.
C. The city council is responsible for the approval of preliminary plats and final plats of subdivisions, and for the adoption or amendment of this title. (Ord. 1488 NS § 1, 2012; Ord. 1225 NS § 1, 2001; Ord. 1159 NS § 1, 1997).
16.04.070 Unapproved plat.
The county auditor shall refuse to accept any plat for filing until approval of the plat has been given by the city. Should a plat or dedication be filed without such approval, the Stevens County prosecuting attorney shall apply for a writ of mandate in the name of and on behalf of the city council, directing the auditor and assessor to remove from their files or records the unapproved plat or dedication of record. (Ord. 1159 NS § 1, 1997).