A.    If the commission finds that the land is unsuitable for subdivision due to flooding, poor drainage, topography, inadequate water supply, inadequate sewage disposal, inadequate or unsafe streets or access, or other such conditions which may endanger health, life or property; and, if from investigations conducted by the public agencies concerned, it is determined that in the best interest of the public, the land should not be developed for the purpose proposed, the commission shall not approve the land for subdivision unless acceptable methods are developed for solving the problems. In making its determination under this section, the commission shall use the following criteria:

    1.    Water. All habitable buildings and all buildable lots shall be connected to a public water system capable of providing water for health and emergency purposes, including fire protection.

    2.    Wastewater. All habitable buildings and all buildable lots shall be served by an approved means of wastewater collection and treatment.

    3.    Storm Water Management. Drainage improvements shall accommodate potential runoff from the entire upstream drainage area and shall be designed to prevent increases in downstream flooding. The commission may require the use of control methods such as retention or detention, and/or the construction of off-site drainage improvements to mitigate the impacts of the proposed development.

    4.    Streets. The existing street system and proposed new roads shall provide a safe, convenient and functional system for vehicular circulation; shall be consistent with the comprehensive plan, and shall be appropriate for the traffic characteristics of the subdivision.

    B.    Where appropriate, the commission shall require an environmental impact assesment for property proposed for subdivision. Conditions necessitating the investigation include but are not limited to information from neighboring property owners or others that the property has been filled or used for dumping of refuse or previous use for any purpose which would be likely to cause environmental problems. If the assessment indicates the possibility of environmental problems, the commission shall require a detailed study and shall require the plans to include acceptable means of mitigating the problems.

    C.    Where appropriate, the commission shall require a geotechnical investigation of the general soil characteristics of property proposed for subdivision. Conditions necessitating the investigation include but are not limited to high water table, wet soils, or low-lying land. If the assessment indicates the possibility of geotechnical problems, the commission shall require a detailed study and shall require the plans to include acceptable means of eliminating the problems. (Ord. 99-24 § 3 (part), 1999: prior code § 28-38)