Site Plan Review

Question 1

Purposes of Site Planning

Answer 1

Determine consistency with zoning, check for necessary public facilities, protect topographic features and adjacent properties

Question 2

Statutory Site Plan Review

Answer 2

Evaluates how multifamily or nonresidential proposals fit into a larger development proposal

Question 3

Discretionary Site Plan Review

Answer 3

Occurs where planning officials have the authority to decide whether a proposed land use appropriately relates to its surrounding area. Usually applies to the approval of PUDs, conditional uses, and special use permits

Question 4

Conditional Approvals include:

Answer 4

Adequacy of parking, traffic access, provisions for pedestrians and vehicles, landscaping buffers, exterior lighting, size and location and design of signage

Question 5

Site Plan Review Steps

Answer 5

1) Check to make sure all required fields are included
2) Check for correct scale and compliance with zoning ordinance
3) Question effects on adjacent proposals on issues like traffic and natural features
4) Inform the applicant of any changes that need to be made

Question 6

What should reviewers always include for applicants?

Answer 6

A checklist of required items

Question 7

Best Practices for Site Plan Review

Answer 7

1) Where possible, locate compatible uses adjacent to one another
2) Minimize serious changes to existing topography and vegetation
3) Restrict development in the floodplain, steep slopes, wetlands, etc.
4) Make provisions for pedestrian and bike travel
5) Suggest landscaping and screening to hide parking areas