§ 16.20. Sketch Plan Review.

A.

Intent. The intent of this section is to permit submittal of a sketch plan in certain specific instances where a complete development plan is not considered essential to ensure compliance with the intent and standards of this Ordinance.

B.

Procedure. The process for administrative approval stated in section 16.15, above, shall involve submittal of a sketch plan and required application form and fee to the building inspector. The sketch plan shall be reviewed in the accordance with the same procedure, requirements, and standards used by the planning commission for a formal development plan. The building inspector shall make a report of the administrative reviews to the planning commission.

The sketch plan shall meet the requirements for a preliminary development plan as specified in subsection C., of this section. The building inspector retains the option to require additional information or a complete development plan for review by the planning commission, particularly for sites that do not comply with previously approved development plans, sites with parking deficiencies, sites abutting residential districts, or sites experiencing problems with drainage, traffic, noise, aesthetics, or other general health and safety issues. If a formal development plan is required, the building inspector shall inform the applicant in writing to submit a set of plans in accordance with this Article.

C.

Application Requirements. The sketch plan for administrative approval shall contain the following information unless the building inspector determines that some of the required information is not reasonably necessary:

1.

The legal description and dimensions of the parcel in question.

2.

The location of existing and proposed buildings and structures.

3.

The locations of drives, public or private roadways, sidewalks, easements, and parking areas.

4.

Location of existing and proposed utilities, water and sewage systems.

5.

Description of adjacent land uses.

6.

Location of existing natural and man-made site features including wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds, and similar environmental features.

7.

A description of any proposed change in grade or drainage system, except those changes to accommodate basement and driveway grading.

8.

Any other information required by the building inspector necessary to establish compliance with this and other ordinances of the City of Eaton Rapids.

D.

Eligibility. A sketch plan, rather than a complete development plan package, may be submitted for minor modifications to a legally existing and conforming use and building which is permitted in the zoning district, (conditional uses are not eligible) including alterations to a building or site that do not result in expansion or substantially affect the character or intensity of the use, vehicular or pedestrian circulation, drainage patterns, the demand for public infrastructure or services, significant environmental impacts, or increased potential for hazards.

E.

Planning Commission Review. The sketch plan may be referred to the planning commission for review when deemed necessary by the building inspector.