HomeMy WebLinkAbout1840Ordinance No. 1840
(Amending or Repealing Ordinances)
CFN=458 - Subdivision Code
Passed 9/17/1973
Adopting Kent Subdivision Code
Amended
by: Ord.
3424, 3443 (Sec. 2.2.9; Now Sec. 12.04.280)
Amended
by Ord.
3511
Amended
by Ord.
3551
Amended
by Ord.
3561
Amended
by Ord.
3664
Amended
by Ord.
3690
Amended
by Ord.
3752
Amended
by Ord.
3830
Amended
by Ord.
3898;3906
Amended
by Ord.
3944 (Sec 12.04.025)
Amended
by Ord.
4035 (Sec. 12.04.210)
ORDINANCE NO. 1740
0(y.
AN ORDINANCE of the City of Kent, Wash-
ington adopting by reference that code known
as "Kent Sub -Division Code"; providing for
future additions and amendments to the Code;
and repealing prior City of Kent Ordinances
in conflict therewith.
APTHECITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENT, WASHINGTON, DO
HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. There is hereby adopted upon the effective
date of this Ordinance and upon the filing of three (3) copies
with the Kent City Clerk, that certain code known as the "Kent
Sub -Division Code", together with all amendments and additions
thereto.
Section 2. The Code may be amended by the City Council
at any regular City Council meeting upon motion duly made,
seconded and passed.
Section 3. City of Kent Ordinance 807 and all other
Ordinances or portions thereof in conflict with the provisions of
the Code be, and the same hereby are repealed.
Section 4. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in
force five (5). days from and after its passage, approval and pub-
lication as provided by law.
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ISABEL HOGAN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
MARIE JENSEN, CITY CLERK
LLAS TO FORM:
DONALD E. MIRK, CITY ATTORNEY
PASSED the day of September, 1973.
APPROVED the day of September, 1973.
PUBLISHED the day of September, 1973.
I hereby certify that this is a true copy of Ordinance
NO. ja4a , passed by the City Council of the City of Kent,
Washington, ty of as
hereon indicated.
(SEAL)
MARIE JENSEN C TY CLERX
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PROPOSED
KENT SUBDIVISION CODE
RECOMMENDATION OF THE
KENT PLANNING COMMISSION
TO THE KENT CITY COUNCIL
MAY 1973
A code of the City of Kent, Washington pro-
viding for the municipal adoption of rules,
regulations, requirements, standards, and
procedures for the approval or disapproval of
the subdivision of land into two (2) or more
parcels, including, but not limited to the
approval of subdivision metes and bounds
descriptions or dedications, acquisitions,
improvements, and reservation of sites for
public use; providing for the variation and
exception thereto in hardship cases; pro-
viding penalties for the violation of such
adopted rules, requirements, regulations and
standards; providing for the effectuation of
the expressed and implied authority of the
City of Kent in accordance with the intents
of State statutes; invalidating all parts or
sections of other ordinances in conflict
herewith. This code is to be known as the
City of Kent Subdivision Code.
SECTION I
Section 1.1 TITLE
This code shall be hereinafter known as the City of Kent
Subdivision Code.
Section 1.2 PURPOSE
The purpose of this code is to provide rules, regulations,
requirements, and standards for subdividing land in the
City of Kent, insuring that the highest feasible quality
in subdivision will be attained; that the public health,
safety, general welfare, and aesthetics of the City of
Kent shall be promoted and protected; that orderly growth,
development, and the conservation, protection and proper
use of land shall be insured; that proper provisions for
all public facilities (including circulation, utilities,
and services) shall be made; that maximum advantage of
site characteristics shall be taken into consideration;
that conformance with provisions set forth in the City of
Kent Zoning Code and Kent Comprehensive Plan shall be
insured.
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Section 1.3 SCOPE
This code shall apply to the division of land for sale or
lease into two (2) or more parcels, one or more of which
is less than twenty (20) acres. This code shall not apply
to any lot or block forming a part of any subdivision
created and recorded prior to the effective date of this
code.
Where this code imposes greater restrictions or higher
standards upon the development of land than other laws,
ordinances or restrictive covenants, the provisions of this
code shall prevail.
Section 1.4 DEFINITIONS
1) Alley. A public thoroughfare or way having a width of not
more than thirty (30) feet which affords only a secondary
means of access to abutting property.
2) Block. A group of lots, tracts, or parcels which have been
su c7lvided and are entirely surrounded by highways or streets
or in part by a well defined and fixed boundary.
3) City Council. The City Council of the City of Kent, Washington.
4) Common Open Space. A parcel or parcels of land or an area of
water or a coom ination of land and water within the site de-
signated for a subdivision and designed and intended for the
use or enjoyment of residents of a subdivision. Common open
space may contain such complimentary structures and improve-
ments as are necessary and appropriate for the benefit and
enjoyment of residents of the subdivision.
5) Comprehensive Plan. The plans, maps, and reports which com-
prise the official development plan as adopted by the City
Council in accordance with RCW 35.63 or RCW 35A.
6) Cul -de -Sac. A short street having one end open to traffic and
being terminated at the other end by a vehicular turn -around.
7) Dedication. A deliberate appropriation of land by its owner
or any general and public uses, reserving to himself no other
rights than such as are compatible with the full exercise
and enjoyment of the public uses to which the property has
been devoted. The intention to dedicate shall be evidenced
by the owner by the presentment for filing of a final plat
or short plat showing the dedication thereon; and, the accep-
tance by the public shall be evidenced by the approval of
such plat for filing by the City of Kent.
8) County Auditor. As defined in Chapter 36.22 RCW or the office
of the person assigned such duties under the King County
charter.
9) Division of Land. The Subdivision of any parcel of land into
two or more parcels.
10) Final Approval. The final official action taken by the City
Council on the proposed plat, subdivision, dedication or
portion thereof that has previously received preliminary
approval.
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11) Final Plat. The final drawing of the subdivision and dedica-
tion prepared for filing for record with the County Auditor
and containing all elements and requirements set forth in this
code.
12) Hillside Subdivision. A subdivision in which any lot in the
subdivision has average slopes greater than fifteen (15) per-
cent and in which any'street in the subdivision has grades
greater than seven (7) percent at any point,
13) Home Owners Association. An incorporated nonprofit organiza-
tion operating un er recorded land agreements through which,
a) each lot owner is automatically a member, b) each lot is
automatically subject to a proportionate share of the expenses
for the organization's activities, such as maintaining common
property, and c) a charge if unpaid becomes a lien against
the property.
14) Lot. A fractional part of subdivided lands having fixed
boundaries, being of sufficient area and dimension to meet
minimum zoning requirements for width and area. The term
shall include tracts or parcels.
15) Lot, corner. A lot abutting upon two (2) or more streets at
their intersection, or upon two (2) parts of the same street,
such streets or parts of the same street forming an interior
angle of less than one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees
within the lot lines.
16) Lot Frontage. The front of a lot shall be that portion
nearest t e street except on a corner lot in which case the
front yard shall be considered the narrowest part of the lot
that fronts on a street.
17) Lot Lines. The property lines bounding the lot.
18) Lot Measurements.
(a)
Depth of a lot shall be considered to be the distance
between the foremost points of the side lot lines in
front and the rear -most points of the side lot lines
in the rear.
e
(b)
Width of a lot shall be considered to be the distance
between the side lines connecting front and rear lot
lines, provided however, that width between side lot
lines at their foremost points (where they intersect
with the street line) shall not be less than eighty
(80) percent of the required lot width except in the
case of lots on the turning circle of cul-de-sacs,
where eighty (80) percent requirement shall not apply.
19) Lot of
Record. A lot which is part of a subdivision recorded
In the
office of the County Assessor, or a lot or parcel des-
cribed
by metes and bounds, the description of which has been
so recorded.
20) Lot, through. A lot that has both ends fronting on a street.
Either end may be considered front.
21) Lot Splits. The division of land into four (4) or less lots,
tracts, parcels, sites, or divisions for the purpose of sale
or lease.
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22) Meander Line. A line along a body of water intended to be
used solely as a reference for surveying.
23) Official Plans. Those maps, development plans, or portions
t ereo , adopted by the City Council of the City of Kent as
provided in Chapter" '44, Section 6, Laws of 1935, as amended.
Such plans or maps shall be deemed to be conclusive with
respect to the location and width of streets, public -parks,
and playgrounds and drainage rights-of-way as may be shown
thereon.
24) Performance Bond or Guarantee. That security which may be
accepted in lieu of a requirement that certain improvements
be made before the City Council approves the Final Plat, in-
cluding performance bonds, escrow agreements, and other
similar collateral or surety agreements.
25) Planning Commission. That body as defined in Ordinance 1674,
City of Kent.
26) Plat. A map or representation of a subdivision, showing thereon
tie division of a tract or parcel of land into lots, blocks,
streets, and alleys or other divisions and dedications.
27) Preliminary Plat. A neat and approximate drawing of a proposed
subdivision showing the general layout of streets and alleys,
lots, blocks, and restrictive covenants to be applicable to
the subdivision, and other elements of a plat or subdivision
which shall furnish a basis for the approval or disapproval
of the general layout of a subdivision.
C2 8) Short Plat. The map or representation of a short subdivision.
9) Short Subdivision. The division of land into four (4) or
less lots, tracts, parcels, sites, or divisions for the
purpose,of sale or lease.
30) Preliminary Approval. The official favorable action taken on
thePreliminary Plat of a proposed subdivision, metes -and -
bounds description, or dedication, by the City Council
following a duly advertised public hearing.
31) Subdivision. The division of land into two (2) or more lots,
Tracts, parcels, sites or divisions for the purpose of sale
-or lease; provided that subdivisions of less than five (5)
parcels may be defined as lot splits.
3') Short Subdivision Committee. The Short Subdivision Committee
shall consist of One ' -M Planning Commissioner; the Parks
and Recreation Director; the Planning Director, who shall
be chairman; the Public Works Director; and the Fire Chief.
33) Tract. A parcel of land proposed for subdivision or sub-
i3'vJing,
34) Tentative Plat. A map similar to the Preliminary Plat, but
in s etc orm.
35) Roadway. That portion of a street intended for the accomo-
ad tion of vehicular traffic, generally within curb lines.
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Section 1.5 STATE ENABLING LEGISLA_TI.ON_ AS IT APPLIES TO THIS
CODE
This code is in conformance with Chapter 58.17 of the Re-
vised Code ofthe State of Washington regulating platting, sub-
division, and the dedication of land.
Section 1.6 ADMINISTERING AUTFIORITY
1) Kent Planning Agency
The Kent Planning Agency is designated as the official agency
of the City for making a review of and a recommendation on
all proposed subdivisions in the City as prescribed as
follows:
(a) Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is authorized to hold a pub-
lic hearing on all preliminary plats and to make
recommendations to the City Council.
(b) Planning Department
The Planning Department is responsible for the
administration and coordination of this ordinance
unless another department is authorized to administer
and enforce a specific section or sections.
2) Kent Engineering Department
-The Engineering Department is responsible for reviewing
all engineering and technical requirements of this ordinance.
3) City Council
The Kent City Council shall hold a public meeting or hearing
on all Preliminary Plats; further, the City Council shall
have sole authority to approve final plats.
Section 1.7 NOTIFICATION OF OTHER AGENCIES
Notice of the filing of a preliminary plat of a proposed sub-
division in the City of Kent, which subdivision is adjacent to
or-wiThin one mile of the City of Kent's municipal boundaries
or which contemplates the use of King County's or any other
city's or town's utilities shall be given to the appropriate
county, city, or town authorities. Notice of the filing of a
preliminary plat of a proposed subdivision located adjacent to
the right-of-way of a State Highway shall be given to the State
Department of Highways. Such notice shall include the hour and
location of the hearing and a description of the property to be
platted.
Section 1.8 EXCEPTIONS
The provisions of this code do not apply to:
1) Cemeteries and burial plots while used for that purpose.
2) Division of land into lots or tracts where the smallest lot
is twenty (20) acres or more and not containing a dedication
of a public right-of-way.
3) Divisions made by testamentary provisions, the laws of descent,
or upon court order.
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4) Boundary line adjustments where no new lot is created thereby
or where no lot is reduced in size below the minimum square
footage requirements required by the applicable zoning control.
5) Division of land due to condemnation or sale under threat
thereof, by an agency or division of government vested witn
the power of condemnation.
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SECTION II - PROCEDURES
Section 2.1 OUTLINE OF SUBDIVISION PROCEDURES
Section 2.1,1 Preliminary Meeting
Any person who desires to subdivide land in the City of Kent
should consult with the Planning Department at an early date
on an informal basis in order to become familiar with the
requirements of this code. The Engineering Department should
also be consulted at this time for advice and assistance in
understanding the engineering requirements of this code.
Section 2.1.2 Application for Subdivision - General Overview of
Procedures
1) Short Subdivision. The general procedures for processing
applications for -a short subdivision are as follows: The
application is filed with the Planning Department; re-
viewed by the Short Subdivision Committee; said Committee
may approve, modify, or deny the short subdivision; appeal
of the decision of the Short Subdivision Committee shall
be to the City Council.
2) Subdivision. The general procedures for processing an
application for a subdivision consists of four (4)
separate steps as follows: (1) Preparation and sub-
mission to the Planning Department of a Tentative Map
of the proposed subdivision; (2) Submission of a Pre-
liminary Plat of the proposed subdivision to the
Planning Commission and City Council for public hearing;
(3) Installation or bonding of improvements according to
the approved Preliminary Plat; (4) Submission of the Final
Plat to the City Council for approval. The approved Final
Plat is recorded in the office of the King County Depart-
ment of Records and Elections.
Section 2.2 DETAILED PROCEDURES FOR SHORT SUBDIVISIONS
Section 2.2.1 Purpose
The procedures regulating short subdivisions are established
to promote orderly and efficient division of lots on a small
scale, avoiding placing undue burdens on the subdivider and
to comply with provisions of RCW 58.17.
Section 2.2.2 Principles of Acceptability
1) Create legal building sites with respect to zoning and
health regulations.
2) Establish access to a public road for each segregated
parcel.
3) Have suitable physical characteristics - a proposed short
plat may be denied because of flood, inundation, or
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swamp conditions
improvements may
proval.
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or construction of protective
be required as a condition of ap-
4) If adjacent to another municipality or King County,
take into consideration the subdivision standards of
that jurisdiction, as well as the requirements of this
code.
5) Make adequate provision for: drainage ways, streets,
alleys, other public ways, water supplies and sanitary
wastes, as deemed necessary.
Section 2.2.3 Scone
Any land being divided in four (4) or less parcels, lots,
tracts, sites, or subdivisions, any one of which is less
than twenty (20) acres in size, and which has not been
divided in a short subdivision within a period of five (5)
years, shall meet the requirements of this Section.
Section 2.2.4 Application Reauirements
1) Application. Application for a short subdivision shall be
made with the Planning Department on forms prescribed by that
Department. Said application shall be accompanied by ten (10)
copies of the Short Subdivision Plat.
2) The Short Subdivision Plat shall conform to the following
requirements:
(a) Shall be a neat and approximate drawing on
reproducible material at a decimal scale.
The Plat map shall measure between 8 1/2" x
11" and 17" x 22". g x a q
(b) Shall show how the proposed subdivision will
be served by streets and utilities.
(c) Shall be accompanied by a certificate of approval
to be signed by the Chairman of the Short Subdivi-
sion Committee.
Section 2.2.5 Referral to Other Departments
Upon receipt of an application for a Short Subdivision, the
Planning Department shall transmit one (1) copy of the appli-
cation to each member of the Short Subdivision Committee,
and one (1) copy to any department or agency deemed necessary.
The application shall be transmitted at least five (5) working
days prior to the Short Subdivision Committee meeting.
Section 2.2.6 Short Subdivision Committee Meetin
1) A meeting attended by the applicant at his option and
the Short Subdivision Committee members shall be held
l�no earlier than six (6) days and no later than thirty
--�9 days of receipt of the application. Said meeting
shall be open to the public.
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2) Quorum-. Three (3) of the five (5) members of the Short
Subdivision Committee must be present in order for the
Committee to take any action.
3) Action. The Short Subdivision Committee may approve,
approve with modifications, or deny the application for
a Short Subdivision. The decision of the Short Sub-
division Committee shall be made at the Subdivision
Committee meeting. An additional meeting may be called
if no decision is reached at the first meeting. The
second meeting shall be no later than seven (7) days
after the first meeting.
(a) Approval. If approved, the Short Plat shall
e marked "Approved" and signed by the Chair-
man of the Short Subdivision Committee, and
the applicant shall be notified in writing
of the decision.
(b) Approval with Modifications. If modifications
are deemed necessary y e Short Subdivision
Committee, they may be added to the original
Short Subdivision Plat or a new Short Sub-
division Plat may be required.
(c) Denial. If denied, the Short Plat shall be
marke3 "Denied" and the applicant shall be
notified in writing of the decision, giving
the reasons therefore.
Section 2.2.7 Appeal
The decision of the Short Subdivision Committee shall be
final, unless an appeal by any aggrieved party is made to
the City Council within fourteen (14) days after the Short
Subdivision Committee's decision. Said appeal shall be in
writing to the City Council and filed with the City Clerk
and Planning Department. The City Council shall act on
said appeal within thirty days unless an extension
thereto is agreed to, in wri ing, by the applicant.
Section 2.2.8 Filing Short Plat
1) A plat must be signed by the Chairman of the Short
Subdivision Committee before it is filed.
2) Kent Planning De artment. Short Plats shall be filed
wit ,t a Kent Planning Department, the Kent City Clerk,
and the Kent Engineering Department.
Section 2.2.9 Expiration Period
If the Short Plat is not filed within six (6) months of the
date of approval, the Short Plat shall be null and void.
Upon proper application by the subdivider, the Planning
Department may grant one (1) extension of not more than
six (6) months.
Section 2.2.10 Limitations on Further Subdivision
Any land subdivided under the requirements of this Section
shall not be further divided for a period of five (5)
years without following the procedures for subdivision
(Section 2.3).
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Section 2.3 DETAILED PROCEDURES FOR SUBDIVISION
Any land being divided into five (5) or more parcels, lots,
tracts, sites, or subdivision, any one of which is less than
twenty C20) acres in size, or any land which has been divided
under the Short Subdivision procedures within five (5) years,
shall conform to the procedures and requirements of this
Section.
Section '2.3.1 Tentative Plat Procedures
1) A. lication. Applications for a tentative plat meeting
and review shall be filed with the Planning Department.
Twelve copies of the tentative plat shall be filed.
2) Map Scale and Documentation. The scale and information
required for a tentative plat shall be in accordance with
the requirements of Section 2.3.2 2), except that the
scale and information do not need to be precise and the
snap does not need to be prepared by a registered land
surveyor.
3) Referral to Other Departments. The Planning Department
shall transmit copies of the tentative plat to the fol-
lowing departments: four (4) copies to the Engineering
Department; one (1) copy to the Building Department;
and one copy to the Health Agency; one (1) to the Eire
Department; and one (1) each to the public utilities
agencies serving the area.
4) Tentative Plat Meeting. A meeting may be held attended
y the apartments which received copies of the tentative
plat, the Planning Department, and the subdivider. Any
recommendations of the various departments for revision
of the tentative plat should be discussed at such meeting
as well as recorded in writing.
5) General Requirements or -Findings for Tentative Plat.
Following the aforesaid tentative plat meeting, an
receipt of the recommendations of the city departments,
the Planning Department shall find that the tentative
plat:
(a) Is in general conformance with the regulations
i
of this code.
(b) Streets conform to the circulation pattern estab-
lished or proposed for the area the subdivision
will be developed in;
(c) Is in conformance with sc;iver, water and other
utility plans for the area;
(d) Not detrimental to its surroundings.
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6) Further Action. If the tentative plat is approved as
presented, or as modified as per the suggestions presented
in writing at the tentative plat meeting, the applicant
should proceed to the preliminary plat stage. If not
approved, a preliminary plat may still be submitted to
the Planning Commission. However, it is likely that
the same objections and problems will arise at that
stage. 41
Section 2.3.2 Preliminary Plat Procedures
1) Application.
(a) Application for a preliminary plat shall be filed
with the Planning Department on forms prescribed by
the Planning Department at least 25 days prior.
to the Planning Commission hearing at which it
is to be considered.
(b) The application shall be accompanied by a fee of
one -hundred (100) dollars.
(c) Twelve (12) copies of the preliminary plat shall
be submitted, which shall be prepared by a land
surveyor registered in accordance with the
requirements of RCW 18.43.010.
2) Preliminary Plat Requirements. The following shall be
part o the preliminary plat.
(a) Vicinity Map. Adequate to show the location of
the plat.
(b) Preliminary Plat. Shall include or conform to the
following:
(1) The subdivision name and number, the name
and address of the owner or owners, and
the name and address of the licensed land
surveyor and subdivision engineer.
(2) The date of preparation, the true north
point, a graphic scale and legal descrip-
tion of the property to be subdivided.
(3) Preliminary plats shall be drawn to an
appropriate engineering (decimal) scale.
(4) Show the location of existing and proposed
platted property lines, and existing sec-
tion lines, streets, buildings, water
courses, railroads, bridges, and any recorded
public or private utility or roadway
easements, both on the land to be sub-
divided and on the adjoining lands (land
that abutts the proposed subdivision), to
a distance of one -hundred (100) feet from
the edge of the subject property.
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(5) Contours and/or elevations (at 5' inter-
vals minimum) shall be shown to that
extent necessary to accurately predict
drainage characteristics of the property
Contour lines shall be extended at least
100 feet beyond the boundaries of the
proposed plat.
(6) Give the names, location$, widths, and
other dimensions of proposed streets,
alleys, easements, parks and other open
spaces, reservations, and utilities.
(7) Indicate the acreage of land to be sub-
divided; the number of lots; the area. of
the smallest lot and the approximate square
footage and approximate percent of total
acreage in open space.
(8) Indicate the approximate dimensions of
each lot.
(9) Include a statement of soil type, drainage
conditions, present landscaping (describe
any natural or man-made land cover),
wildlife present, and any other environ-
mental factors which may be prescribed
by the Planning Department.
3) Referral to Other City Departments and Agencies. The
Planning Department shall istri ute four copies of
the preliminary map to the Engineering Department, one (1)
copy to the Building Department; one (1) copy to the Health
Agency; one (1) copy to the Fire Department, and one (1)
copy to each of the Public Utility Agencies serving the
area in which the subdivision is to be constructed. Each
department or agency may file recommendations with the
Planning Department within ten (10) days of receipt of
the preliminary plat; or in the event that a preliminary
plat meeting should be called by the Planning Department,
may present their recommendation at that time.
4). Preliminary Plat Meeting. The Planning Department shall
compare the applicant's tentative and preliminary plat and
shall reach a decision within three (3) working days after
the application's submission, as to whether a preliminary
plat meeting is necessary. A preliminary plat meeting
may be deemed necessary when there are significant differ-
ences between the tentative and preliminary plats. The
determination of the necessity of a preliminary plat
meeting shall be based on the following considerations:
(a) The degree of commonality between the two plans
(i.e. is the preliminary plat a refinement of the
tentative plat, or is it a completely now plat for
the same property?).
(b) The presence or absence of revisions present in the
preliminary plat resulting from objections raised at
the tentative plat meeting.
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5) Planning Commission Public Hearing
(a) The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing
on any preliminary plat and forward its recommenda-
tions to the Kent City Council. Said public hearing
shall be held no later than the second regular meeting
of the Planning Commission after submission of the
application, and the recommendations shall be
forwarded to the City Council within fourteen (14)
days of the Planning Commission's action.
(b) The Planning Department shall give notice in the
following manner:
(1) Three notices of the public hearing shall
be posted on or adjacent to the land to
be subdivided at least ten (10) days prior
to the public hearing.
(2) One (1) notice of the public hearing shall
be given in a newspaper of general circu-
lation at least ten (10) days prior to the
public hearing.
6) Health Agency Recommendation. The health agencies res-
ponsia for approval of t e proposed means of sewerage
disposal and water supply shall file with the City Council,
prior to the Council's consideration of the preliminary
plat, written statements as to the general adequacy of the
proposed means of sewerage disposal and water supply.
7) City Council Action. After receiving the Planning Com-
mission's recommendation, the City Council shall, at its
next public meeting, set a date for a public meeting to
consider the adoption or rejection of the recommendation.
If at this meeting the City Council deems that a change
in the Planning Commission's recommendation is necessary,
the change of the recommendation shall not be made until
the City Council has conducted a public hearing and there-
upon adopted its own recommendations and approved or
disapproved the preliminary plat.
8) ApZroval Period. Preliminary plats of any proposed subdiv-
ision s a 1'Fe—approved, disapproved, or returned to the
applicant for modification or correction within sixty (60)
days from the date of submission, unless the applicant
consents to an extension of such time period.
9) Expiration Date. Approval of the preliminary plat shall
apse within one (1) year from the date of approval unless
the City Council grants an extension of time for a period
of not greater than one (1) year or unless a final plat
based on the preliminary plat is submitted prior to the
one (1) year limit.
Section 2.3.3 Installation of Improvements or Bonding in Lieu of
improvements.
1) Required Im rovements. The following tangible improvements
may be required before a final plat is submitted; every sub-
divider may be required to grade and pave streets and alleys,
install curbs and gutters, sidewalks, monuments, sanitary
and storm sewers, street lights, water mains and street
name signs, together with all appurtenances thereto in
accordance with specifications and standards of this code,
approved by the Engineering Department and in accordance
with other standards of the City.
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2) Inspection, Approval and Fees. The Engineering Department
shall a responsible for t e supervision, inspection and
acceptance of all subdivision improvements and shall make
a charge therefore to the subdivider in the amount of the
hourly cost to the City of Kent. The hourly cost shall
include the wages of the inspector and the City's cost for
fringe benefits calculated on an hourly basis.
3) Permits. Prior to proceeding with subdivision improvements,
t e su divider shall make application for such permits from
the City as are necessary. The applicant is also responsi-
ble for complying with all permit requirements of other
federal, state and local agencies.
4) Deferred Improvements. No final plat shall be submitted to
tFe City ouncil until all improvements are constructed in a
satisfactory manner and approved by the responsible de-
partments or a bond has been satisfactorily posted for
deferred improvements.
(a) Bonds. If a developer wishes to defer certain on-
site improvements, written application shall be made
to the Engineering and Planning Departments stating
the reasons why such delay is necessary. If the
deferment is approved, the developer shall furnish
a performance bond to the City in an amount equal
to a minimum of one hundred fifty (150) percent
of the estimated cost of the required improvements.
The decision of the City Engineer and Planning
Director as to amount of such bond shall be con-
clusive.
(b) Time Limit. Such bond shall list the exact work
that shaTT be performed by the applicant and shall
specify that all of the deferred improvements be
completed within the time established by the Depart-
ment of Engineering; and if no time is established,
then not later than one (1) year after approval of
the final plat by the City Council. The bond shall
be held by the City Clerk.
(c) Check in Lieu of Bond. The developer may substitute
a certified or cas ier's check or assignment of
funds in lieu of a performance bond. Such check or
assignment shall be made payable to the City
Treasurer and shall be in the same amount as the
bond it is substituting.
(d) Proceed Against Bond or Other Securit . The City
reserves the right, in addition to al other remedies
available to it by-law, to proceed such bond or other
payment in lieu thereof. In case of any suit or action
to enforce any provisions of this code, the developer
shall pay unto the City all costs incidental to such
litigation including reasonable attorney's fees. The
applicant shall enter into an agreement with the City
requiring payment of such attorney's fees.
(e) Binding U on Applicant. The requirement of the
posting of any performance bond or other security shall
be binding on the applicant, his heirs, successors
and assigns.
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M Notificaticn to Planning Department. The City
Engineer shall noti y t e Planning Department in
writing of the following: the improvements deferred,
amount of bond or check deposited, time limit of
bond or check, name of bonding company, and any
other pertinent information.
5) Certificates of Completion. The Engineering Department shall
submit a certificate in duplicate to the Planning Department
verifying that the subdivider has completed the required
installations and/or bonding in accordance with the pro-
vLsons of this code and the specifications and standards
of the departments. One (1) copy of the completed certifi-
cate shall be furnished to the subdivider by the Planning
Department together with a notice advising him to proceed
with preparation of a final plat for that portion of the area
in which minimum improvements have been installed and
approved or adequate security has been posted as provided
in Section 2.3.3 4). Certificate originals shall be
retained by the Planning Department.
..ie. _'-Lion 2,3.4 Final Plat Procedures
1) Application.
(a) Application for final map shall be filed with
the Planning Department on forms prescribed by
the Planning Department.
fb) The application shall be accompanied by a filing
fee of twenty-five (25) dollars plus three (3)
dollars per residential lot, and in no event shall
the tee be less than fifty (50) dollars. The fee
for industrial and commercial subdivisions shall'.
be ten (10) dollars for each one acre of land
area and in no event shall the fee be less than
fifty (50) dollars. No fee shall exceed three
hundred -fifty (350) dollars.
(c) Eleven (11) copies of the final plat plus the
original shall be submitted; said plat shall be
prepared by a land surveyor registered in accord-
ance with the requirements of RCW 18.43, and shall
conform to the preliminary plat.
.y
Plat Requirements.
The final plat shall be drawn to a scale of not
less than one (1) inch representing one hundred
(100j feet unless otherwise approved by the Engineer-
ing Department on sheets eighteen by twenty-two
(18 x 22) inches. The original drawing shall be
in black ink on linen tracing cloth or on stabi-
lized crafting film, and shall contain the follow-
ing information.
(�j Date, tite , name and location of sub-
divisraiY, gcaphic kale, and true north
point,
(2) The sine; 01 all streets and roads, alley
lines, lot lines, lot and blocks numbered
in numerical order, reservations, ease-
ments, and any areas to be dedicated to
public use, with notes stating their pur-
pose and any limitations.
15-
(3) Certification by a licensed land surveyor
that a survey will be made and that
monuments and stakes will be set.
(4) Certification by the responsible Health
Agencies that the methods of sewage
disposal and water service are acceptable.
(S) Certification by the Engineering Depart-
ment that the subdivider has complied with
either of the following alternatives:
(a) All improvements have been in-
stalled in accordance with the
requirements of these regula-
tions, or
(b) Certain improvements have been
deferred according to Section
2.3.3 4), Deferred Improvements.
(6) The subdivider shall furnish the City a
plat certificate from a title insurance
company documenting the ownership and title
of all interested parties in the plat, sub-
division or dedication and listing all
encumbrances. The certificate shall be
dated within forty-five (45) days prior
to the granting of the final plat by the
City Council.
(7) Certification by the King County Finance
Department that taxes have been paid in
accordance with Section 1, Chapter No. 188,
Laws of 1927 (RCW 58.08.03011 •040) and that a
deposit has been made with the King County
Finance Department in sufficient amount to
pay the taxes for the following year.
(8) Certification by the City Treasurer that
there are no delinquent special assessments
and that all special assessments certified to
the City Treasurer for collection on any
property herein contained dedicated for
streets, alleys or other public uses are
paid in full.
(9) Certification of approval to be signed by
the City Engineer and the Planning Director.
(10) Certification of approval to be signed by
the Mayor and the City Clerk.
(1-1) Copies of any restrictive covenants as utay
be used in the subdivision.
3) Referral to Other Departments and Agencies. The Planning
Department shall distribute the final plat to all departments
and agencies receiving the preliminary plat, and to any other
departments, utility agencies and other governmental agencies
deemed necessary.
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4) Ci, ty Council Public Hearing. At its first public meeting
following the date the aminal plat application has been
officially accepted by the Planning Department, the City
Council shall set a date for a public hearing or meeting
to consider the final map. The final plat shall be approved,
disapproved or returned to the applicant for modification
or correction within thirty (30) days of the date of appli-
cation thereof, unless the applicant consents to an exten-
sion of such time period.
5) Filing Final Plat. Before the final plat is submitted to
the City Council, it shall be signed by the City Engineer
and Planning Director. After the final plat is approved
by the City Council, it shall be signed by the Mayor and the
City Clerk. The final plat shall be filed with the King
County Department of Records and Elections by the City.
6) Extension of the Final Map Approval Date. Final approval
y the City Council o a portion of the final map will
constitute an automatic extension of one (1) year from
said approval date for the remainder of the final map.
One (1) additional extension of six (6) months may be
granted at the discretion of the City Council.
7) Expiration of Plat After Council A roval. If a final plat
as not been recor e wit in six mDnths after approval
by the City Council, the map shall expire and be null and
void. To revitalize the expired map, the map shall be
resubmitted as a preliminary map. One (1) extension to the
six (6) month period may be granted by the City Council.
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0 •
SECTION III - REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR THE
SUBDIVISION OF LAND
Section 3.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM STANDARDS OF RESIDENTIAL
DESIGN
A plat, subdivision or dedication shall be prepared in conformance
with the following provisions.
Section 3.1.1 Environmental Considerations
i
1) Purpose. It is the purpose of this section to provide for
the protection of valuable, irreplaceable environmental
amenities and to make urban development as compatible as
possible with the ecological balance of the area. Goals are
to preserve drainage patterns, protect ground water supply,
prevent erosion and to preserve trees and natural vegetation.
This is beneficial to the city in lessening the costs of the
development to the city as a whole, and to the subdivider
in creating an attractive and quality environment.
2) Unsuitable Land. Land which is found to be unsuitable for
subdivision includes land with features likely to be harmful
to the safety and general health of the future residents
(such as lands adversely affected by flooding, bad drainage,
steep slopes, rock formations). Land which the City Council
considers inappropriate for subdivision shall not be sub-
divided unless adequate methods are provided as safeguards
against these adverse conditions. If any portion of the land
within the boundary of a preliminary plat or approved record
of survey is subject to flood, or innundation, or is in a
flood control zone, according to RCW 86.16, that portion of
the subdivision shall have the written approval of the De-
partment of Ecology before the City Council shall hear the
final plat.
3) Trees. Every reasonable effort shall be made to preserve
existing trees.
4) Streams.
(a) Every effort shall be made to preserve existing
streams, bodies of water,'marshes and bogs.
(b) If a stream passes through any of the subject pro-
perty, a plan shall be presented which indicates
how the stream will be preserved; methodology should
include an overflow area, and an attempt to minimize
the disturbance of the natural channel and stream
bed.
(c) Tile piping or tunneling of water shall be discouraged
and allowed only when going under streets.
(d) Every effort shall be made to keep all streams and
bodies of water clear of debris and pollutants.
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Section 3.1.2 Compatibility with Existing Land Use and Plans
1) Buffer Between Uses. Where residential subdivisions are to
e developed adjacent to business, commercial or industrial
land use districts, buffer strips may be provided.
2) Continuity with Improved Additions. No plan for the replat-
ting, su division, or dedication of any area shall be approved
by the City Council unless the streets shown therein are
connected by surfaced road or street (according to City of
Kent specifications) to an existing street or highway.
3) Conformity with Existing Plans. The location of all streets
snail conform to any adopted plans for streets in the City
of Kent.
4) Trails Plan. If a subdivision is located in the area of an
o icially designated trail, provisions shall be made for
reservation of the right-of-way or for easements to the
City for trail purposes.
Section 3.1.3 Grading Permit
A Grading Permit shall be required as per Chapter 70 of the
Uniform Building Code as adopted by City of Kent, prior to any
grading.
Section 3.1.4 Streets
1) Relationship to Adjoining Street System. The proposed street
system s -all extend existing streets at the same or greater
width, unless otherwise approved by the Engineering Department.
2) Street Names. All proposed street names shall be approved
y the ity of Kent.
3) Arterials, Intersections. Streets intersecting with existing
or propose pu lic ig ways, major or secondary arterials
shall be held to a minimum.
4) Dedicated Rights-of-Wa
(a) Street Alignment. The alignment of all streets
shall be reviewed and approved by the City of Kent
Engineering Department. The following standards
shall apply; unless otherwise approved by theEngineer-
ing Department.
(1) Street Intersection Offsets. Where street
intersections must be of t, such offsets
shall not measure less than two hundred
(200) feet from centerline to centerline.
(2) Cul -de -Sacs. Residential cul-de-sacs shall
not exceed a length of six hundred (600) feet.
(3) Street Grades. No street grades shall ex-
ceed fifteen (15) percent.
(4) Tanents. A tangent of at least two hundred
7.20 eet in length shall be provided be-
tween reverse curves for community or major
arterials, one hundred fifty (150) feet for
neighborhood collector streets, and one
hundred (100) feet for residential access
streets.
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(5) Horizontal Curves. Where a deflection angle
of more than ten (10) degrees in the align-
ment of a street occurs, a curve of reason-
ably long radius shall be introduced. On
streets sixty (60) feet or -more in width,
the centerline radius of curvature shall be
not less than three hundred (300) feet; on
other streets, not less than one hundred
(100) feet.
(6) Vertical Curves. All changes in grade shall
e connected y vertical curves of a minimum
length of two hundred (200) feet unless
specified otherwise by the Engineering De-
partment.
(7) Full Width Streets. All streets shall be
platted at full width.
(b) Full Width Im rovement. All street improvements shall
e of full width improvement. Full width improve-
ment shall consist of the following:
(1) All streets, roads, and alleys shall be
graded to their full width and the pavement
and sidewalks shall be constructed to stand-
ard cross sections.
(2) All street and alley surfaces shall be of
asphalt concrete according to City of Kent
specifications.
(3)• All streets shall have permanent concrete
curbs and gutters according to City of Kent
specifications.
(4) All streets shall have storm drains.
(5) All through streets shall -have sidewalks
on at least one side; all sidewalks shall
have a minimum width of five (5) feet.
(6) All streets shall have street lighting
located and installed in accordance with
the determinations and standards of the
Engine.,ering Department. Street light
spacing shall consider the dimensions
of adjacent full-grown trees.
(7) Adj.leent to 11111)1tiltod Ac•i'v;iLo. S1'i'c�cis w1)ich
may be' ext�iidecl in Llie event of future
jacent platting may be required to be dedi-
cated to the boundary line. Extensions of
greater depth than an average lot shall be
improved with temporary turn -a -rounds.
Dedication of a full width boundary street
may be required in certain instances to
facilitate future development.
(8) Planting Strips. Any planting strips in
rest ential subdivisions shall be not less than
four (4) feet in width.
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(9) Street Widths. Street widths vary according
tounction and traffic generated. Minimum
width for the types of streets, as defined
in the Kent Comprehensive Plan, are listed
below and shall be adhered to:
Section 3.1.5 Installation
MAJOR ARTERIAL
SECONDARY ARTERIAL
COLLECTOR
LOCAL STREET
CUL-DE-SAC
of Utilities
All utilities designed to serve
underground. Those utilities to
shall be placed in such a manner
of trees.
Right -of -Way
80
70
60
60
50
Pavement
Width
60
44
36
32
28-32
the subdivision shall be placed
be located in the planting strip
and depth to permit the planting
Those utilities to be located beneath paved surfaces shall be
installed, including all service connections, as approved by the
Engineering Department; such installation shall be completed and
approved prior to the application of any surface material.
1) SanitarX Sewers. Unless septic tanks are specifically
approved by the City, sanitary sewers shall be provided
at no cost to the City and designed in accordance with
City standards.
2) Storm Drainage. An adequate drainage system shall be
provided or the proper drainage of all surface water.
Cross drains shall be provided to accommodate all natural
water flow and shall be -of sufficient length to permit full
width roadway and required -slopes. The size openings
to be provided shall be -determined by Talbot's formula,
but in no case shall be less than twelve. (12) inches.
3) Water System. The water distribution system including
the locations of fire hydrants shall be designed and in-
stalled in accordance with City standards as defined by
Engineering and Fire Department ordinances and require-
ments.
Section 3.1.6 Public Use and Service Areas
Due consideration shall be given by the subdivider to the alloca-
tion on adequately sized areas for public service usage.
I) �;11sClllellj s
for 11L i l i L_i cs . Easements way he require,[ for
tic waint_cii ince and operation of utilities as specified
by the Engineering Department.
2) CommunitZ Assets. Due regard shall be shown for all
natural features such as large trees, water courses,
historical spots and similar community assets which, if
preserved, will add attractiveness and value to the
property.
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Section 3.1.7 Blocks
1) Recommended Length. Blocks should not be less than three
Hundred 300 feet nor more than one thousand (1000) feet in
length. Where circumstances warrant, the Planning Commission
may require one (1) or more public cross walks of not less
than six (6) feet in width dedicated to the City to extend
entirely across the width of the block at locations deemed
necessary. Such cross walks shall be paved for their entire
width and length with a permanent surface and shall be
adequately lighted.
2) Width. Blocks shall be wide enough to allow two (2) tiers
to ots, except where fronting on major streets or prevented
by topographical conditions or size of the property, in which
case the Planning Commission may approve a single tier.
Section 3.1.8 Lots
1) Arrangement. Insofar as practical, side lot lines shall be
at right angles to street lines or radial to curved street
lines. Each lot must front upon a public street or road.
2) Minimum Size. The size, shape, and orientation of lots shall
meet the minimum area and width requirements of the applicable
zoning classification and shall be appropriate for the type of
development and use contemplated.
3) Corner lots may be required to be platted with additional width
to allow for the additional side yard requirements.
4) Lots which are bordered by two more or less parallel streets
shall be permitted access to only one of those streets.
5) Property Corners at Intersections. All lot copners at inter-
sections of dedicated puTiic rights-of-way shall have a minimum
radii of fifteen (15) feet.
Section 3.1.9 Other Improvements
1) Monuments.
(a) Concrete permanent control monuments shall be estab-
lished at each and every controlling corner of the
subdivision. Interior monuments shall be located as
determined by the Engineering Department. All
surveys shall be of second degree accuracy. The
use o� state plane coordinates is encouraged.
(b) All other lot corners shall be marked with suitable
metal or wood markers.
') Street SSiins. The subdivider shall reimburse the City on the
cosi of e street name signs and installation necessary in
the subdivision.
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Section 3.1.10 Hillside Subdivisions
1) Hillside Subdivision Defined. A subdivision in which any lot
in the'subUivision has average slopes greater than fifteen (15)
percent and in which any street in the subdivision has grades
greater than seven (7) percent at any point.
2) P�ur�os_e_. Additional'regulations shall be placed on Hillside
Sub divisions in order to protect the unique environment and to
deal with additional drainage and erosion problems present
in such areas.
3) The following standards shall apply to Hillside Subdivisions.
In addition, the regulations of Section 3.1.1 through 3.1.10
shall apply unless specifically excepted.
(a) Information concerning the soils, geology, drainage
patterns, vegetation shall be presented in order to
0
determine if the subdivision can be safely developed.
(b) Detailed plans for any proposed cut and fill operations
shall be submitted. These plans shall include the
angle of slope, contours, compaction, and retaining
walls.
(c) Streets.
(1) Streets may have a grade exceeding fifteen (15)
percent.
(2) Street widths may be less than those required
in Section 3.1.4 6) b) (9) if it is found
that traffic generated will be less than in a
non -hillside subdivision.
(d) Lots. Lots may be required to be larger than minimum
of sizes required by the Kent Zoning Code.
Generally, lots in steeper areas of the subdivision
should be larger than those in less.steep areas of the
subdivision.
(e) Clearing and Grading and Ground Coverage Requirements.
ny clearing or grading shall be accompanied -by erosion
control measures as deemed necessary by the Engineering
Department.
Section 3.2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM STANDARDS OF INDUSTRIAL
The division of land for industrialnpurposesashall conform to the
requirements and minimum standards of residential design except as
provided in this section.
Section 3.2.1 Street Widths
INDUSTRIAL ARTERIAL
INDUSTRIAL COLLECTOR
INDUSTRIAL ACCESS
COMMERCIAL STREETS
ALLEYS
-23-
Right -of -Way Width
90
80
60
60
20
Pavement
Width
60
44
36
36
•
C
Section 3.2.2_ Increased Right -of -Way Requirements in Commercial
Sub div .sions
The City may require that street widths in commercial subdivisions
be increased to provide for traffic movement and to reduce or
eliminate traffic congestion.
Section 3.2.3 Sidewalks
The City may require that''sidewalks be provided.
Section 3.2.4 Property Corners at Intersections '
All lot corners at intersections of dedicated public rights-of-way
shall have a minimum radii of twenty-five (25) feet.
Section 3.2.5 Railroads
If railroad tracks are to be installed in a subdivision, such tracks
and their route shall be shown on the face of the Preliminary Plat.
Section 3.2.6 Blocks
1) Recommended Length. Blocks shall not be less than six hundred
6 0 eget or more than two thousand (2000) feet in length.
2) Recommended Width. Blocks should be not less than three hundred
300feet in width, except where fronting on major streets or
prevented by topographical conditions or size of the property,
in which case the Planning Commission may approve a lesser
width. Blocks should not be greater than one thousand (1000)
feet in width.
Section 3.2.7 Lots
1) Optional. Lots are optional in industrial and commercial
subdivisions. The size, shape and orientation of lots shall
meet the minimum area and width requirements of the applicable
zoning classification and shall be appropriate for the type
of development and use contemplated. However, if lots for
individual sale or lease are created, they shall conform to
the following criteria.
(a) Arrangement, Insofar as practical, side lot lines
shall e at right angles to street lines or radial to
curved street lines.
(b) Corner Lots. Corner lots may be required to be platted
wider than interior lots as determined by the Planning
Department.
Section 3.3 GJ Nl,ItAl, RlsO1l I lZIiM1;NTS AND STANDARDS F01-1 MOBILE LE HOME, PARK D iSI GN
The standards of Section 3.1 for Residential Subdivisions shall also
apply to Mobile Home Park subdivisions unless other standards are
specifically approved by the City.
-24-
SECTION IV - EXCEPTIONS, PENALTIES, SEVERABILITY
LIABILITY, REPEAL
SECTION 4.1 EXCEPTIONS
1) Exception Requirements. The Planning Commission may recommend
to t City Council an exception from the requirements of this
code when, in its opinion, undue hardship may be created as
a result of strict compliance with the provisions of this
code. In recommending any exception, the Planning Com-
mission may prescribe conditions that it deems necessary to
or desirable for the public interest. No exceptions shall be
recommended unless the Planning Commission finds:
(a) That there are special physical circumstances or
conditions affecting said property such that the strict
application of the provisions of this code would deprive
the applicant of the reasonable use or development
of his land;
(b) That the exception is necessary to insure such property
the rights and privileges enjoyed by other properties
in the vicinity and under similar circumstances.
(c) That the granting of the exception will not be detri-
mental to the public welfare or injurious to other
property in the vicinity.
2) Applications Re wired. Application for any exception shall be
suFmitte in writing -by the subdivider at the time the prelim-
inary plat is submitted to the Planning Department. The appli-
cation shall state fully all substantiating facts and evidence
pertinent to the request.
SECTION 4.2 PENALTIES
1) Any person, firm, corporation or association, or any agent
of any person, firm, corporation or association who violates
the provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor
and upon conviction be subject to a fine not to exceed five
hundred (500) dollars for each such violation, or imprisonment
for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, or both such
fine and imprisonment.
2) In addition to the above, any person or firm who transfers,
sells, or options any land which is undergoing platting pro-
cedures before such plat or map has been approved by the City
of Kent, and before the same has been filed for record in the
office of the King County Department of Records and Elections
or the City Clerk shall, upon conviction, be subject to a
fine not to exceed three hundred (300) dollars for each such
Y-,.ol ation, or imprisonment for a period not to exceed thirty
'1,6r days, or both such fine and imprisonment. This provision
does not apply when the original subdivider sells the entire
parcel to another subdivider.
y The King County Prosecuting Attorney may initiate an action
to enjoin the transfer, sale:, agreement, or option by making
application for an injunction in the Superior Court. The
Planning Commission, Planning or Engineering Departments
may recover said penalty for the City of Kent by civil action
in any court of competent jurisdiction.
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0
SECTION 4.3 LIABILITY
City Not Liable. This ordinance shall not be construed to relieve
from or lessen the responsibility of any person owning any land or
building, constructing or modifying any subdivisions in the City
for damages to anyone injured or damaged either in person or
property by any defect therein; nor shall the City or any agent
thereof be held as assuming such liability by reason of any
preliminary or final approval or by issuance of'any permits or
certificates authorized herein.
SECTION 4.4 SEVERABILITY
If any part or portion of this ordinance is determined to be uncon-
stitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such determina-
tion shall not affect the remainder of this ordinance.
SECTION 4.5 REPEAL
Ordinance 807 and anyland all ordinances in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed.
-26.