§ 19-101. Purpose.

The subdivision of land is the first step in the process of development. The regulation of land subdividing within a formalized procedure provides for the evolution of a contract between the land owner (developer) and a governmental entity acting in behalf of the public and for the benefit of subsequent individual owners and/or tenants. Precise commitments concerning a described geographic area of proposed development are specifically set forth in relation to and in accord with graphic and written documentation as filed of record.

The arrangement of land parcels in the community for residential, commercial, and industrial uses and for streets, alleys, schools, parks and other public purposes, will determine to a large degree the conditions of health, safety, economy and amenity that prevail in the area. The quality of these conditions is of public interest. These regulations and standards for the subdivision and improvement of land are designed to make provisions for adequate light, air, open spaces, drainage, transportation, public utilities, and other needs, to insure the development and maintenance of a healthy, attractive and efficient community that provides for the conservation and protection of its human and natural resources.

In construing this chapter, it is intended that these provisions be administered so as to create an environment which will provide the setting for the accomplishment of the best possible quality of life for all of the citizens of the City of Norman and in a manner that will insure the minimum adverse effect to the environment.

This chapter is designed, intended, and should be administered in a manner to:

A.

Implement the Norman 2025 Plan in relation to:

1.

The use of land and land use relationships;

2.

The transportation system including but not limited to highways, streets, alleys, bicycle paths, bicycle lanes, sidewalks;

3.

Community facilities including recreational and educational facilities, fire stations, etc.;

4.

The extension or expansion of the sanitary sewer system including adequate easements to accommodate lines and facilities;

5.

The extension or expansion of the water distribution system and the provision of fire hydrants including adequate easements to accommodate lines and facilities;

6.

The appropriate disposition of surface runoff water; and

7.

The accommodation of all other utilities within adequate easements.

B.

Provide neighborhood conservation and prevent the development of slums and blight;

C.

Harmoniously relate the development of the various tracts of land to existing development and facilitate the future development of adjoining tracts;

D.

Provide that the cost of improvements which primarily benefit the tract of land being developed be borne by the owners or developers of the tract, as provided in these regulations;

E.

Provide the best possible design for the tract;

F.

Resolve any differences of interest;

G.

Establish adequate, accurate and accessible public records of land subdivision; and,

H.

Insure a maximum effort for the protection of the environment and to encourage, in the development of land, the minimum adverse effect thereto.

This chapter intends to require that all land located in the City of Norman be platted in conformance with these provisions prior to the actual accomplishment of development and that an approved final plat shall be filed of record prior to the issuance of a required building permit for the development of any and all institutional, industrial, commercial, and residential uses; provided, however, that variations and exceptions are accommodated in article VI of this chapter enumerating those cases where the full application of these provisions is not required.

(Ord. No. 0-7273-87; Ord. No. 0-8081-60; Ord. No. 0-9697-43; Ord. No. 0-0001-15; Ord. No. 0-0405-27)