Prior to filing a preliminary tentative map, the subdivider shall first obtain a Tract Number from the Community Development Department. The Tract Number shall appear on all tentative map submittals. If a preliminary tentative map has not been submitted to the Community Development Department within one year from the date of Tract Number issuance, the Tract Number shall no longer be valid.
(Ord. 94-29, eff. 12/15/94)
(a) 
Preliminary Tentative Map Submittal.
In order to establish a working relationship between City staff and the subdivider prior to submission of an official tentative map, the subdivider shall submit a preliminary tentative map application package to the Community Development Department that consists of the following:
(1) 
Twenty-five full size copies of the preliminary tentative map folded to an 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch size that contains the items listed under Section 11-3.04 of this chapter.
(2) 
Two copies of a title report.
(3) 
The tentative map application.
(4) 
The environmental clearance application.
(5) 
A letter from all property owners consenting to the filing of the tentative map.
(6) 
The appropriate filing fee.
(b) 
Subdivision Committee Review.
The preliminary tentative map shall be scheduled for Subdivision Committee review within 45 working days of acceptance of the preliminary tentative map submittal. The preliminary tentative map shall be reviewed by the Subdivision Committee for conformance with this title, the Santa Maria Municipal Code, and other applicable laws, regulations, and standards. This review shall be in the form of memorandums and letters that outline corrections and recommended conditions of approval for the project. More than one Subdivision Committee meeting may be necessary depending on the complexity and nature of a particular project. Upon completion of this process and acceptance of the preliminary tentative map by the Subdivision Committee, the subdivider may file the official tentative map as provided by Section 11-3.03 of this title.
(c) 
Processing Time.
The time consumed in this procedure shall not be counted in determining compliance with the time requirements of Sections 65950 et seq. of the Government Code, the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq.), Government Code Section 66452.1, or this title.
(Ord. 94-29, eff. 12/15/94)
(a) 
Official Tentative Map Submittal.
After the preliminary tentative map is reviewed and accepted by the Subdivision Committee, an official tentative map may be submitted to the Community Development Department for Planning Commission action. The official tentative map submittal shall consist of the items requested in the Subdivision Committee reports and all required items noted in Section 11-3.04 of this title.
(b) 
Official Tentative Map Acceptance.
When 25 copies of the official tentative map and accompanying data have been received by the Community Development Department, the submittal shall be reviewed by the City staff for completeness. Completeness includes meeting the requirements set forth in the Subdivision Committee reports, the requirements of the City Standard Specifications and Drawings, and the requirements of the Santa Maria Municipal Code. If the official tentative map submittal is determined to be complete, the date upon which it is found to be complete shall be placed on the map and shall be considered the filing date. Whenever an official tentative map submittal is found incomplete for filing based upon the above criteria, the subdivider shall be notified in writing of the complete reasons thereof within 30 calendar days of submitting the official tentative map. The subdivider shall then resubmit the official tentative map to address the incomplete items and the process of review for completeness shall begin anew.
(c) 
Processing Time.
The processing time periods specified in Sections 66452.1 and 66452.2 of the Government Code shall begin after certification of any type of environmental impact report, adoption of a negative declaration or conditional negative declaration, or upon determination by the Planning Commission that the project is exempt from the requirements of Section 21000 et seq. of the Public Resources Code. (Reference: Government Code Sections 66452.1 and 66452.2).
(d) 
Staff Reports.
All staff reports to the Planning Commission regarding an official tentative map shall be in accordance with Section 11-13.01 of this title.
(e) 
Planning Commission Review.
After the official tentative map has been accepted by the Community Development Department as complete for filing, the official tentative map shall be set for public hearing at the next available meeting of the Planning Commission subject to public noticing time periods. Decisions of the Planning Commission on projects may be appealed to the City Council as provided in Section 11-13.04(b) of this title.
(f) 
Findings.
Any action taken by the Planning Commission regarding an official tentative map shall be supported by the findings required by the applicable provisions of Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., and Government Code Sections 66412.3, 66427.1, 66473.1, 66473.5, 66474, and 66474.6. In addition, the following findings, based upon presented evidence, both written and oral, shall be made in the affirmative prior to approval of the official tentative map. If one or more of the following findings cannot be made, the application shall be denied:
(1) 
The proposed map is consistent with applicable general and specific plans because.. (add reasons).
(2) 
The design or improvement of the proposed subdivision is consistent with applicable general and specific plans because... (add reasons).
(3) 
The site is physically suitable for the proposed density of development because... (add reasons).
(4) 
The site is physically suitable for the type of development because... (add reasons).
(5) 
The design of the proposed subdivision or the proposed improvements will not cause substantial environmental damage or substantially and avoidably injure fish or wildlife or their habitat because... (add reasons).
(6) 
The design of the subdivision or type of improvements are not likely to cause a serious public health hazard because... (add reasons).
(7) 
The design of the subdivision or type of improvements will not conflict with easements, acquired by the public at large, for access through or use of property within the proposed subdivision because... (add reasons).
(8) 
The discharge of waste from this proposed land division into the existing community sewer system will not result in a violation of existing requirements prescribed by the Regional Water Quality Control Board because... (add reasons).
(g) 
Conditions of Approval.
In approving an official tentative map, the Planning Commission shall require those conditions necessary to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare of the City's residents as authorized by this title, the Santa Maria Municipal Code, the City's General Plan, and State Law.
(Ord. 94-29, eff. 12/15/94)
(a) 
Form and Content.
All preliminary and official tentative maps shall be prepared in a manner acceptable to the Community Development and Public Works Departments and shall be prepared by a registered civil engineer or a licensed land surveyor. The tentative map shall be clearly and legibly drawn and shall not contain less than the following:
(1) 
Each tentative map submitted to the Community Development Department shall consist of one sheet at least 18 inches by 26 inches, unless multiple sheets of the same size are approved by the Community Development Department. The scale of the map shall be not less than one inch equals 100 feet or as may be necessary to show all details clearly. When multiple sheets are approved, a key sheet shall be included and the particular number of the sheet and total number of sheets comprising the map shall be stated on each sheet.
(2) 
A title which shall contain the tract name, tract number, and type of subdivision.
(3) 
Name and address of subdivider, property owner(s), and firm or person preparing the tentative map.
(4) 
Sufficient legal description to define the boundary of the subdivision, including all boundary lines of the subdivision with approximate bearings and distances.
(5) 
Scale (both written and graphic), date, and north arrow.
(6) 
A statement of the current zoning of the site and of existing and proposed uses of the property as well as any proposed changes, whether immediate or future.
(7) 
A vicinity map showing all existing major streets, water courses, and Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District channels within 1/2 mile of the exterior boundaries of the subdivision.
(8) 
Total number of lots and their type (i.e. residential, commercial, common, etc.).
(9) 
Total area of the subdivision in acres.
(10) 
The names of all operators of proposed subdivision utility systems (water, wastewater, electrical, gas, telephone, and cable TV).
(11) 
The existing topography of the site, with the following contour intervals:
(A) 
One foot when the slope of ground is less than 5%, or
(B) 
Two feet when the slope of ground is greater than 5%.
(12) 
Existing improvements and features including, but not limited to, the following:
(A) 
All buildings, fences, tree rows, existing and abandoned water and oil wells, utility poles, prominent land uses and features within the subdivision, and those within 100 feet of the proposed subdivision on immediately adjoining land which may affect the design of the proposed subdivision.
(B) 
The approximate location and direction of flow of all watercourses and natural drainage channels.
(C) 
Flood zone designation as indicated on the latest Flood Insurance Rate Map.
(D) 
The location, pavement width, right-of-way width, grade and name of all roads and streets (public and private) within, adjacent to, or affected by the subdivision.
(E) 
The widths, location, and identity of all existing easements.
(F) 
The dripline of existing trees with a trunk diameter of six inches or more. Any trees proposed to be removed shall be so indicated.
(G) 
The location and size of all existing sanitary sewers, fire hydrants, water mains, street lights and storm drains. The approximate slope of sanitary sewers and storm drains shall be indicated.
(13) 
Proposed improvements and features including, but not limited to, the following:
(A) 
The location, grade, and centerline radius, and travelways and right-of-way widths for all proposed roads and streets. The road standard plate(s) shall also be provided.
(B) 
The location and radius of all curb returns and cul-de-sacs.
(C) 
The widths, location, and purpose of all proposed easements.
(D) 
Individual lot lines and approximate dimensions and the number of each lot. All lots, and the dimensions thereof, including the approximate size in square feet, shall be shown on one sheet of the map.
(E) 
The proposed use of all lots (i.e. single family, multi family, commercial, park, etc.).
(F) 
Engineering grading data, including the approximate finished floor elevation of each lot, the preliminary design of all grading, and the top and toe of cut and fill slopes to scale. In addition, spot elevations shall be provided for top of curbs, top and bottom of retardation basins, and any other significant feature of the project. This information may be submitted in the form of a preliminary grading plan in lieu of showing the information on the tentative map.
(G) 
Proposed pedestrian and bicycle paths, if applicable.
(H) 
Proposed common areas and areas to be dedicated as public open space (e.g. parks), if applicable.
(I) 
Proposed improvements on all existing roads or streets adjacent to or affected by the subdivision, including necessary offsite access improvements.
(J) 
Proposed public and private streets. If the street names have not been approved, they can be shown as "A" Street, "B" Court, or "C" Road on the preliminary tentative map. The approved names for these streets shall be approved and shown on the official tentative map prior to Planning Commission action on the map per the street naming procedures described under Section 11-3.05 of this chapter.
(K) 
All necessary offsite access.
(L) 
The height, type, and location of all boundary walls.
(M) 
The approximate location and approximate size of all proposed sanitary sewers, fire hydrants, water mains, street lights, and storm drains. The approximate slope of sanitary sewers and storm drains shall be indicated.
(N) 
The approximate location and approximate size of retardation basins and design calculations of the basins.
(b) 
Accompanying Data and Reports for Official Tentative Maps.
Each official tentative map submitted to the Community Development Department shall be accompanied by the following additional information:
(1) 
A description of the land within the proposed subdivision.
(2) 
The disposition to be made of all existing structures, tree rows, wells, tanks, irrigation facilities, and public utility lines.
(3) 
An original signed and stamped preliminary hydrology report from a civil engineer registered in California. The report shall describe the proposed method and plan of stormwater disposal. The plan, including the location of storm drain lines, inlets, and ultimate outlet, may be shown on the tentative map. The report shall include a hydrologic study, indicating the conditions of the following before and after development: drainage areas, major watercourses, if any, passthrough conditions, and the quantity, patterns, diversions, and collection systems relating to storm water. Flood hazard areas, based on 100 year storm frequency, shall be delineated (on the tentative map) and described in the hydrology report. Drainage requirements of the Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District also apply to preparation of the hydrology report.
(4) 
A certification by the applicant that the design of the subdivision and the type of improvements will not conflict with easements acquired by the public at large for access through, or use of, property within the proposed subdivision.
(5) 
A statement of all proposed deviations from City standards for map, street, and storm drainage design, together with justifications for each.
(6) 
A list of all owners of record of property located within 300 feet of the boundaries of the subdivision. One list shall be provided for tentative maps of four or fewer parcels, and two lists shall be provided for tentative maps of five or more parcels. Said lists shall be on mailing labels and shall be accompanied by enough first class postage stamps to cover the cost of mailing. A signed Affidavit of Mailing shall also be signed and submitted together with the labels and stamps.
(7) 
"Will serve" letters from all public utility purveyors.
(8) 
A preliminary soils report, prepared by a registered civil or geotechnical engineer, if required by the Director of Community Development for use in evaluating and reporting the environmental impacts of the subdivision, or by the City Engineer if onsite terminal or recharge basins are proposed. The soils report for basin areas shall include borings and/or percolation tests to determine the permeability of the soil in the basin. See Section 11-3.04 (c) of this chapter for detailed information regarding soils reports.
(9) 
Information, as required by the Community Development Department, to allow a determination on environmental review to be made in accordance with CEQA. The subdivider shall deposit and pay all fees as may be required for the preparation and processing of environmental review documents.
(10) 
For residential projects, a report that indicates the number of units and their location within the subdivision which can make use of passive and natural heating and cooling techniques pursuant to Government Code Section 66473.1.
(c) 
Soil and Geology Reports.
If a soils report is required, it shall conform to the following:
(1) 
The preliminary soils report shall describe the nature of the subsurface soils and any soil conditions which would affect the geometrics of the proposed development. The report shall conform with Uniform Building Code standards and shall include the locations and logs of any test borings as well as any percolation test results.
(2) 
If the City Engineer or Chief Building Official has knowledge of, or the preliminary soils report indicates, the presence of critically expansive soils or other soil problems which, if not corrected, could possibly lead to structural defects or hazardous conditions, a soils investigation of each lot in the subdivision may be required. Such soils investigation shall recommend corrective action which is likely to prevent structural damage and minimize all hazards to each structure proposed to be constructed in the area where such soil problems exist.
(3) 
For hillside or other geologically hazardous areas, an engineering geology evaluation prepared by a registered engineering geologist defining the geologic conditions of the site shall be submitted in conjunction with, or as part of, the preliminary soils report. The evaluation shall include the locations of any test borings and shall evaluate the effect of the geology on the proposed development. If the conditions of the adjacent properties affect the project site, an analysis of the adjacent properties shall be included. The report shall point out where special design considerations are required.
(4) 
The soils and geologic reports shall designate areas of hazards from settlement, landsliding, mudsliding, and flood hazards.
(5) 
The Planning Commission may approve a subdivision or portion thereof where soil problems or geologic hazards exist if it is determined that the actions recommended in the soils and/or geology report are likely to prevent public health or safety problems, prevent structural damage, and minimize all hazards to each structure to be constructed. As a condition of a subdivision, the approved recommended action from the soils/geology report, or other action as proposed by the project engineer and approved by the City Engineer, shall be incorporated into the construction of each structure.
(Ord. 94-29, eff. 12/15/94)
(a) 
Proposed street names shall be approved by the Community Development, Public Works, Police, and Fire Departments prior to submittal of the official tentative map, and shall be shown on the official tentative map submitted for Planning Commission review.
(b) 
Street name requests shall be submitted to the Community Development Department for distribution to the other departments for approval. This request shall contain a list of proposed street names and a map showing their location. Two or three alternative names should also be provided in case one or more of the proposed names are rejected.
(c) 
Duplication of existing or approved street names is prohibited.
(d) 
Street names, exclusive of Street, Drive, Way, etc., shall be limited to eight letters in length.
(e) 
Looped streets shall be designated with two street names if the looped street intersects the same cross street. Cul-de-sacs shall be noted as "Courts," "Ways," or "Places."
(f) 
Addresses will be assigned by the Community Development Department prior to recordation of the final or parcel map.
(Ord. 94-29, eff. 12/15/94)
(a) 
Expiration.
The approval or conditional approval of an official tentative map shall expire 36 months from the date the official tentative map is approved or conditionally approved. However, this date may be extended pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act, Government Code Section 66452.6(a), relating to offsite improvements, and pursuant to Section 11-3.07 of this chapter. Failure to file a final or parcel map with the County Recorder within these time limits shall make the official tentative map null and void and will require that a new tentative map with a new tract number be processed. (Reference: Government Code Section 66452.6(a)).
(b) 
Development Moratorium/Legal Action.
The period of time specified in Sections 11-3.06(a) and 11-3.07(a) shall not include any period of time during which a development moratorium is imposed or when legal action is pending as both are defined in Government Code Section 66452.6(b)(c).
(Ord. 94-29, eff. 12/15/94)
(a) 
Procedure.
The subdivider, or the subdivider's representative, may request an extension of the official tentative map approval or conditional approval by written application to the Planning Commission and payment of applicable fees. The request shall state the reasons for the extension. The extension of time request shall be filed with the Community Development Department at least 30 calendar days before the approval or conditional approval of the official tentative map is due to expire, and said request shall automatically extend the life of the map for 60 calendar days from the expiration date or until the request for the extension is approved or denied, whichever occurs first.
Following a public hearing being noticed and held as provided in Chapter 13 of this title, the Planning Commission may grant the extension, or may deny the request. The decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council as provided in Section 11-13.04(b) of this title.
(b) 
Time Limits.
Extension of time requests shall be granted in one year increments and shall not exceed the cumulative time limits provided in Government Code Section 66452.6. (Reference: Government Code Section 66452.6).
(Ord. 94-29, eff. 12/15/94)