§ 74-87. Site development plans.

(a)

In commercial and industrial districts, site development plans must be prepared by the applicant and approved by the planning commission as hereafter set forth. Site development plans shall contain information required by the city as necessary to show compliance with all requirements applicable to the development as contained in this chapter and the Merriam Code and to show the exterior appearance of any buildings or other structures proposed to be constructed or altered. No notice to adjoining property owners will be required in the administration of site development plans. Internal improvements to existing structures shall not require site development plans.

(b)

Site development plans will be required in the following situations:

(1)

Construction of any new building on the site;

(2)

Additions to a building exceeding five percent of the existing floor area;

(3)

Significant changes to a building exterior relative to building construction materials, color, appearance or signage; or

(4)

Significant changes to the site relative to drainage, grading, parking and driveway layout, landscaping, fencing, signage or other site improvements.

(c)

An application for approval of a site development plan shall be accompanied by sufficient information and plans to clearly demonstrate the intent of the applicant regarding the development proposed. Unless a specific requirement is waived by the zoning administrator, site development plans shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following information:

(1)

The size and shape of the site.

(2)

The location of adjoining streets and alleys.

(3)

The size, shape and location of all buildings, fences, and other structures.

(4)

The location of all paved areas including drives, parking areas and other paved areas.

(5)

Building materials and exterior appearance of all buildings, signs, fences, and other structures.

(6)

A landscaping plan.

(7)

A stormwater management study or stormwater management plan if required by this Code.

(8)

Other information necessary, in the sole reasonable discretion of the planning commission, to fully illustrate the development proposed by the applicant.

(d)

In reviewing and approving or disapproving site development plans, the planning commission shall consider the proposal of the applicant, the minimum requirements of these zoning regulations and other ordinances of the city, state and federal law to the extent applicable, and reasonable aesthetic standards considering best design practices appropriate to the type of building, occupancy, land use, and other factors applicable to the development proposed.

(e)

If construction has not commenced within twelve months of the final approval of the site development plan, the site development plan expires and is considered null and void.

(1)

Prior to the site development plan's expiration, the property owner may submit, in writing, a request to the community development director for one, six-month extension. The community development director at his discretion may approve or deny the request.

(2)

If the site development plan expires, the property owner may apply for renewal of the site development per this section.

(Ord. No. 54, art. 3, § 3-314, 12-4-1958; Ord. No. 1320, § 1, 2-23-1998; Ord. No. 1529, § 1, 3-13-2006; Ord. No. 1762 , § 2, 3-27-2017)