Zoning Ordinance

Development plans

"Preliminary development plan" means a plan which has been submitted by an applicant and that depicts a single-phased or multi-phased planned development typically used to facilitate initial public feedback and secure preliminary approvals from local governments. Examples of information found on development plans include proposed land uses, density and intensity of development, public utilities, road networks, general location of off-street parking, building location, number of buildable lots, emergency access, open space, and other environmentally sensitive areas such as lakes, streams, hillsides, and view sheds. An approved preliminary development plan serves as a guide for all future improvements within defined boundaries. "Final development plan" means a plan which has been submitted by an applicant and approved by a local government describing with reasonable certainty the type and intensity of use for a specific parcel or parcels of property. Such plan may be in the form of, but not be limited to, any of the following plans or approvals: (i) A planned unit development plan;

(ii) A subdivision plat;

(iii) General development plan;

(iv) Subdivision infrastructure construction plan;

(v) Final engineered site plan; or

(vi) Any other land-use approval designation as may be utilized by the City of Athens Preliminary Development Plans and Final Development Plans shall include the boundaries of the site; significant topographical and other natural features affecting development of the site; the location on the site of the proposed buildings, structures, and other improvements; the dimensions, including height, of the proposed buildings and other structures or a building envelope; and the location of all existing and proposed infrastructure on the site, including water, sewer, roads, and pedestrian walkways. A variance shall not constitute a final development plan, and approval of a final development plan with the condition that a variance be obtained shall not confer a vested property right unless and until the necessary variance is obtained. Neither a sketch plan nor any other document which fails to describe with reasonable certainty the type of use, the intensity of use, and the ability to be served with essential utilities and road infrastructure for a specified parcel or parcels of property may constitute a final development plan.

Approval of a Development Plan

Approval of a development plan, regardless of type described above under the “Development Plan” section, shall occur when the development plan submitted shall be determined by the City of Athens to meet all local, state and federal regulations governing the development.

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