PrattvilleSubdivisionRegulations_Adopted_20220721
Subdivision Regulations
of Prattville, Alabama
Adopted: July 21, 2022
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Table of Contents
Article I – General Provisions......................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Title .................................................................................................................................. 4
1.2 Enactment and Authority ................................................................................................. 4
1.3 Jurisdiction ....................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Purposes and Policy ......................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Interpretation, Conflict, and Separability ......................................................................... 4
1.6 Saving Provision .............................................................................................................. 5
1.7 Amendments..................................................................................................................... 5
1.8 Waivers............................................................................................................................. 5
1.9 Enforcement, Violations, and Penalties ........................................................................... 6
1.10 Fees...................................................................................................................................... 6
Article II – Definitions .................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Usage ..................................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Words and Terms Defined .................................................................................................... 7
Article III – Subdivision Application Procedure and Approval Process ...................................... 10
3.1 General ................................................................................................................................ 10
3.2 Predesign Meeting ............................................................................................................... 10
3.3 Master Plan .......................................................................................................................... 10
3.4 Preliminary Plat ................................................................................................................... 10
3.5 Construction Plans............................................................................................................... 11
3.6 As-Built Plans ..................................................................................................................... 12
3.7 Final Plat ............................................................................................................................. 12
3.8 Sketch Plan .......................................................................................................................... 13
3.9 Minor Subdivisions ............................................................................................................. 13
Article IV – Requirements for Design and Improvements ........................................................... 14
4.1 General ................................................................................................................................ 14
4.2 Conformity to Community Plan .......................................................................................... 14
4.3 Streets .................................................................................................................................. 14
4.4 Easements ............................................................................................................................ 16
4.5 Blocks .................................................................................................................................. 17
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4.6 Lots ...................................................................................................................................... 17
4.7 Preservation of Natural Features ......................................................................................... 18
4.8 Names and Lot Numbers ..................................................................................................... 18
4.9 Public Sites and Open Spaces ............................................................................................. 18
4.10 Stormwater and Drainage .................................................................................................. 18
4.11 Sanitary Sewer................................................................................................................... 19
4.12 Water ................................................................................................................................. 20
4.13 Other Utilities .................................................................................................................... 20
4.14 Monuments and Markers ................................................................................................... 20
Article V – Specifications for Documents to be Submitted .......................................................... 20
5.1 Master Plans ........................................................................................................................ 20
5.2 Preliminary Plats ................................................................................................................. 21
5.3 Construction Plans............................................................................................................... 22
5.4 As-built Plans ...................................................................................................................... 22
5.5 Final Plats ............................................................................................................................ 23
Article VI – Procedures for Inspection, Approval, and Acceptance of Subdivisions ................... 24
6.1 Initial Construction .............................................................................................................. 24
6.2 Guarantee of Improvements ................................................................................................ 25
6.3 Final Inspection Before Expiration of Bond ....................................................................... 26
6.4 Acceptance of Improvements .............................................................................................. 26
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Article I – General Provisions
1.1 Title
These regulations shall be known as the Subdivision Regulations of Prattville, Alabama
(hereinafter the “Subdivision Regulations” or “these regulations”).
1.2 Enactment and Authority
These regulations are adopted by the Prattville Planning Commission under authority of Title 11,
Chapter 52, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended.
1.3 Jurisdiction
These regulations shall govern all subdivision of land within the corporate limits of the City of
Prattville, Alabama. Territory outside of the corporate limits as determined by any agreement
between the Prattville Planning Commission, the City of Prattville, and the County Commissions
of Autauga County or Elmore County, respectively, pursuant to Code of Alabama 1975, §11-52-
30, will also be governed by these regulations.
1.4 Purposes and Policy
These regulations are adopted for the following purposes:
a) To provide for the proper arrangement of streets, and the provisions as to the extent to
which streets and other ways shall be graded and improved;
b) To provide for adequate and convenient open spaces for traffic, utilities, access of fire-
fighting apparatus, recreation, and light and air;
c) To provide for the avoidance of congestion of population;
d) To provide for minimum lot widths and areas;
e) To provide efficient provision of utilities and other services.
It is the policy of the Prattville Planning Commission to protect and provide for the public health,
safety, and general welfare of the City of Prattville, its citizens, and its environs.
1.5 Interpretation, Conflict, and Separability
1. Interpretation. In their interpretation and application, the provisions of these regulations
shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health,
safety, and general welfare. These regulations shall be construed broadly to promote the
purposes for which they are adopted.
2. Conflict. These regulations are not intended to interfere with, abrogate, or annul any
other ordinance, law, rule, regulation, statute, or other provision of law except as
provided in these regulations. Where any provision of these regulations imposes
restrictions different from those imposed by any other ordinance, law, rule, or regulation,
whichever provisions are more restrictive or impose higher standards shall control. These
regulations are not intended to abrogate any easement, covenant, or any other private
agreement or restriction, provided that where the provisions of these regulations are more
restrictive or impose higher standards than such easement, covenant, or other private
agreement or restriction, the provisions of these regulations shall govern. Where
provisions of the easement, covenant, or other private agreement or restriction impose
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duties and obligations more restrictive, or higher standards than the requirements of these
regulations, or the determinations of the Planning Commission in approving a subdivision
or in enforcing these regulations, and the private provisions are not inconsistent with
these regulations or the determinations made under these regulations, then such private
provisions shall be operative and supplemental to these regulations, provided however
that such private provisions do not conflict with public policy.
3. Separability. If any part or provision of these regulations or application thereof to any
person or circumstances is adjudged invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such
judgement shall be confined in its operation to the part, provision, or application directly
involved in the controversy in which such judgement shall have been rendered, and shall
not affect or impair the validity of the remainder of these regulations or the application
thereof to other persons or circumstances. The Planning Commission hereby declares that
it would have enacted the remainder of these regulations even without any such part,
provision, or application which is judged to be invalid.
1.6 Saving Provision
These regulations shall not be construed as abating any action now pending under, or by virtue
of, prior existing subdivision regulations, or as discontinuing, abating, modifying, or altering any
penalty accruing or about to accrue, or as affecting the liability of any person, firm, or
corporation, or as waiving any right of the City under any section or provision existing at the
time of adoption of these regulations, or as vacating or annulling any rights obtained by any
person, firm, or corporation by lawful action of the City, except as shall be expressly provided
for in these regulations.
1.7 Amendments
The Planning Commission may from time to time amend these regulations as prescribed by law.
1.8 Waivers
1. General. Where the Planning Commission finds that hardships or practical difficulties
may result from strict compliance with these regulations and/or the purposes of these
regulations may be served to a greater extent by an alternative proposal, it may waive or
vary these subdivision regulations so that substantial justice may be done and the public
interest secured, provided that such waiver shall not have the effect of nullifying the
intent and purpose of these regulations. Further provided, the Planning Commission shall
not approve waivers unless it is determined that:
a. The granting of the waiver will not be detrimental to the public safety, health, or
welfare or injurious to other property;
b. The relief sought will not vary the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
2. Conditions. In approving waivers, the Planning Commission may require such
conditions as will, in its judgement, secure substantially the purposes and policy of these
regulations.
3. Procedures. A request for a waiver shall be submitted in writing with the preliminary
plat for the consideration of the Planning Commission. The request shall state fully the
grounds for the request and all of the facts relied upon by the petitioner.
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1.9 Enforcement, Violations, and Penalties
1. Enforcement. It shall be the duty of the Planning Director, or designee(s), to enforce
these regulations.
2. Violations and Penalties. If the owner or agent of the owner of any land located within
a subdivision conveys, transfers, or sells any land by reference to or exhibition of or by
other use of a plat of a subdivision before the plat has been approved and recorded then
the City of Prattville may enforce such penalties, including fines or court injunction, as
provided for in § 11-52-33 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended.
1.10 Fees
Applicable fees are determined by the Prattville City Council.
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Article II – Definitions
2.1 Usage
1. For the purposes of these regulations, certain numbers, abbreviations, terms, and words
shall be used, interpreted, and defined as set forth in this article.
2. Unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary, words used in the present tense
include the future tense and words used in the plural include the singular.
3. In interpreting words and phrases not otherwise defined, every day and common usages
and understanding shall apply, and external sources may be consulted for guidance.
4. May also use the Zoning Ordinance of Prattville, Alabama, for additional definitions.
2.2 Words and Terms Defined
City Council: Shall mean the governing body of the City of Prattville, Alabama.
City: Shall mean the City of Prattville, Alabama
City Engineer: The department head of the Engineering Department of the City of Prattville.
Community plan: Shall mean any legally adopted part or element of the general community plan
of the City of Prattville or its environs. This may include but is not limited to: the zoning
ordinance, subdivision regulations, community facilities plan, major street plan, capital
improvements program, land use plan, or comprehensive plan. Such plan may also be referred to
or known as the comprehensive plan or master plan. This does not include a master plan created
for the concept or phasing of a subdivision.
Developer: the person or company who is improving a parcel of land and who may or may not
be the owner of the property
Easement: A grant by the property owner for use, by the public, a corporation, or person(s), for
specified purposes. Examples include access easement, drainage easement, or utility easement.
Final plat: Shall mean a plat of a tract of land which meets the requirements of these regulations
and is in the form for recording in the office of the Probate Judge of Autauga County or Elmore
County depending on the location of the subdivision.
Health department: Shall mean the health department of the specific county in which the
subdivision is located.
Lot: Shall mean a parcel of land intended for transfer of ownership or for building development.
The following are special types of lots:
1. Corner lot: A lot abutting upon two or more streets at their intersection.
2. Single tier lot: A lot which backs upon a limited access highway, a railroad, a physical
barrier, residential, nonresidential use and to which access from the rear of the lot is
usually prohibited.
3. Double frontage lot: A continuous lot of the same depth as the width of a block
containing two tiers of lots and which is accessible from both the streets upon which it
fronts.
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Master drainage plan: Shall mean any drainage plan or element thereof which has been
approved by the City Engineer, Public Works Director, or adopted by the Planning Commission.
Minor Subdivision: A minor subdivision consists of the subdivision of land into not more than
three lots or a reduction of the number of lots in an existing subdivision. The developer of a
minor subdivision approved by the Planning Commission shall not require any public
improvements, the dedication of a public way, or the expenditure of any public funds, and the
plan for the minor subdivision shall not conflict with the master plan, official zoning map,
zoning ordinance, or any other subdivision regulations. A minor subdivision may be
administratively approved without a public hearing, provided, however, that the Planning
Director or the City Engineer shall have the authority to send any proposed minor subdivision to
the Planning Commission for consideration regardless of it meeting the definition of a minor
subdivision. (Ref: Alabama Code § 11-52-31)
Planning Commission: Shall mean the Planning Commission of the City of Prattville, Alabama.
Planning Director: The department head of the Planning and Development Department of the
City of Prattville. May also be called the City Planner.
Planning Jurisdiction: The territorial jurisdiction of the Prattville Planning Commission, which
includes all land within the corporate limits and may contain certain areas outside of the
corporate limits.
Prattville Public Works Manual: The current edition of the Prattville Public Works Manual,
which is a document containing the specifications, design standards, and regulations governing
all public works, infrastructure, or other works offered for public maintenance occurring within
the corporate limits of the City of Prattville, or where applicable, on private land and in the
police jurisdiction. Includes appendices such as street specifications and sewer specifications.
Probate Judge: Shall mean the judge of probate of the county in which the subdivision is to be
located.
Public Works Director: The department head of the Public Works Department of the City of
Prattville.
Right-of-way: A strip of land acquired through reservation, dedication, prescription, or
condemnation and intended to be occupied by a street, sidewalk, trail, utility line, or other public
facilities. May be abbreviated as ROW.
Setback line: A line parallel to the corresponding lot line at the yard depth required in the
applicable district.
Streets: Shall mean a way for vehicular traffic whether designated as a street, highway,
thoroughfare, parkway, road, avenue, boulevard, lane, place, or other name. For the purpose of
these regulations the following types of streets are recognized regardless of their name:
1. Arterial or major streets: Are those streets which are primarily for fast or heavy traffic.
Such streets are often called boulevards, highways, or parkways.
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2. Collector streets: Are those streets that carry traffic from minor streets to the system of
boulevards, avenues, arterial and minor streets, including the principal entrance streets of
a residential development and streets for circulation within such development.
3. Minor streets: Are those streets which are used primarily for access to abutting properties.
4. Alleys: These are minor streets used primarily for vehicular or service access to the back
or side of property abutting on another street.
Subdivider: Shall mean the person(s), firm(s), or corporation(s) owning land which is subject to a
proposed or accepted subdivision. May also include the attorney, civil engineer, architect,
registered surveyor, planner, or other person who is the agent of the owner(s) of land proposed
for subdivision.
Subdivision: Shall mean the division of a lot, tract, or parcel of land into two or more lots, plats,
sites, or other divisions of land for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale, of lease, or
of building development. The term includes resubdivision and, when appropriate to the context,
relates to the process of subdividing or to the land or territory subdivided. (Ref: Alabama Code §
11-52-1)
Zoning Ordinance: the zoning ordinance adopted by the City Council of the City of Prattville.
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Article III – Subdivision Application Procedure and Approval Process
3.1 General
Before any land is subdivided, the owner of the property proposed to be subdivided, or the
owner’s authorized agent, shall apply for and secure approval of the proposed subdivision in
accordance with the following procedures. No land owner or developer shall proceed with
improvements without an approved preliminary plat, constructions plans, and/or appropriate
permits issued by the City of Prattville.
3.2 Predesign Meeting
Before submitting an application for a preliminary plat, master plan, or sketch plan for a
subdivision, the subdivider’s or developer’s engineer or surveyor shall confer and meet with the
staff of the Planning Department. Representatives of other city departments and other affected
agencies may be invited as appropriate to discuss the conceptual plan. This meeting is
mandatory unless waived by the Planning Director.
3.3 Master Plan
1. A developer presenting a preliminary plat who owns, leases, or has options to purchase
twenty or more acres of additional vacant land contiguous to, but not included in, said
preliminary plat, shall also submit a master plan depicting the proposed future
development of the additional land, provided that the developer may submit a written
request setting forth reasons why the development of the remaining land within the
foreseeable future is extremely unlikely. If the Planning Director concurs, the master plan
requirement may be waived. At the Planning Commission Chairman’s discretion, public
input may be received on the Master Plan during the meeting it is presented.
2. Where any development site is to be developed in stages or phases, no preliminary plat
for any fraction of the site shall be accepted for review unless a master plan is submitted
or has been previously approved.
3. The master plan shall be a conceptual plan showing the entire development site and all
component stages or phases, and shall express the overall development concept for the
site at build-out.
4. If the Planning Director finds that any proposed preliminary plat substantially deviates
from the approved master plan, a revised master plan must be approved by the Planning
Commission prior to approval of further plats within the development. Examples of a
substantial deviation includes an increase in the overall lot density; change in number of
entrances, connections, or stub outs; decrease in proposed open space or amenity areas.
5. Master plan applications shall be submitted to the Planning Department using forms
supplied by the department.
3.4 Preliminary Plat
1. If a master plan is required for a site, a proposed preliminary plat must be in substantial
compliance with a previously approved master plan. A master plan and preliminary plat
may be applied for simultaneously and heard at the same Planning Commission meeting.
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2. Preliminary Plat application shall be made on forms available from the Planning
Department. Manner of submission, number and type of copies (e.g. paper or electronic),
shall be determined by the Planning Director.
3. Upon receipt of a complete Preliminary Plat application, along with all necessary
supporting documentation and information and required fees, the Planning Director shall
place the request on the agenda of the next available Planning Commission meeting to
have a public hearing and be reviewed by the Commission.
4. The Planning Department shall provide notice of the public hearing as required pursuant
to Chapter 52, Title 11, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended.
5. The Planning Director shall distribute copies of the plat and application to the
Engineering Department, Public Works Department, and other departments and agencies
as appropriate. Such departments and agencies shall submit their comments, if any, to
the Planning Director to be provided to the Planning Commission.
6. The Planning Commission shall approve, approve conditionally, or disapprove a plat
within 30 days of the public hearing and meeting in which it was considered; however,
the applicant may waive this requirement and consent to an extension of such period. If a
plat is disapproved, the reasons for disapproval shall be stated in the minutes of the
meeting.
7. The approval of a Preliminary Plat shall be effective for a period of 18 months from the
date that the plat was approved by the Planning Commission, at the end of which time the
applicant must have submitted a Final Plat for approval. If the subdivision is under active
construction, the Planning Director may authorize a one-time extension of no more than
180 days, otherwise, the applicant may request an extension of no more than 180 days at
a time from the Planning Commission. The request must appear before the Planning
Commission prior to the end of the approval period. If the approval time is lapsed, then
preliminary approval shall be null and void, and the applicant must submit a new
Preliminary Plat subject to current ordinances and regulations. It is the responsibility of
the subdivider to request any needed extensions.
8. The approval of a Preliminary Plat shall be construed to be a conditional and revocable
approval of the Final Plat, conditioned upon the satisfactory completion and/or bonding
of all required improvements and the presentation of a Final Plat meeting all
requirements set forth in these regulations. Approval of a Preliminary Plat is not
permission to begin clearing or grading of the site or construction of any improvements.
Approval of a plat shall not be deemed to constitute or effect an acceptance by the City of
any street, improvement, or open space shown upon the plat.
3.5 Construction Plans
The developer shall submit construction drawings setting forth plans, profiles, and information
necessary for engineering consideration for the construction of all proposed improvements and
infrastructure for review and approval prior to the commencement of construction on the
proposed subdivision. The City Engineer may require additional information as necessary.
Plans shall comply with approved Preliminary Plat and Prattville Public Works Manual. Along
with plans and profiles, the developer shall furnish a typical street cross-section depicting where
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each buried system is proposed to be located, terrain and other factors permitting. Once
construction plans are reviewed and approved, and permits issued, construction on the site may
begin.
3.6 As-Built Plans
The developer shall submit an as-built survey of all infrastructure and utilities, including streets,
sidewalks, sanitary sewer and storm drainage facilities, and water lines, with plan and other pertinent information, which may include profile if necessary, prior to final plat approval. Redlined or mark-up of approved construction plans may be acceptable.
3.7 Final Plat
1. Final Plat application shall be made on forms available from the Planning Department.
Manner of submission, number and type of copies (e.g. paper or electronic), shall be
determined by the Planning Director.
2. Upon receipt of a complete Final Plat application, along with all necessary supporting
documentation and information and required fees, the Planning Director shall distribute
copies of the plat and application to the Engineering Department, Public Works
Department, and other departments and agencies as appropriate for review. The applicant
will be notified of all deficiencies in writing.
3. The City Engineer shall not sign the Final Plat unless the following conditions, if
required, are met:
a. All public infrastructure as shown on the Preliminary Plat and/or Construction
Plans, or as otherwise required by these regulations has been properly installed
and approved; or
b. All public infrastructure as shown on the Preliminary Plat has been properly
installed and approved with the exception of the final wearing layer of asphalt
and/or sidewalks, both of which may be guaranteed through a performance
guarantee.
4. The Public Works Director shall not sign the Final Plat unless the following conditions, if
required, are met:
a. An approved, signed Operation and Maintenance Agreement (OMA) has been
submitted;
b. An approved, signed Escrow Maintenance Agreement has been submitted.
5. The Planning Director shall not sign the Final Plat unless the following conditions are
met:
a. The Planning Director has determined the Final Plat is in substantial compliance
with the approved Preliminary Plat, and if not, a revised preliminary plat must be
approved by the Planning Commission.
b. All required maintenance and performance guarantees have been submitted and
approved.
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6. The Final Plat must be recorded in the appropriate judge of probate office(s) within 30
days of the last signature from the City Engineer, Public Works Director, or Planning
Director. No building permits, site plans, or certificates of occupancy shall be authorized
until a copy of the recorded Final Plat, along with relevant, recorded covenants or
restrictions, has been delivered to the Planning Department.
3.8 Sketch Plan
A sketch plan is a non-binding, optional precursor to a preliminary plat. The purpose of a
sketch plan is to give the subdivider an opportunity to confer with the City staff and
Planning Commission prior to submitting a master plan or preliminary plat. At the
Planning Commission Chairman’s discretion, public input may be received on the sketch
plan during the meeting it is presented.
3.9 Minor Subdivisions
If in the opinion of the Planning Director and City Engineer, a Preliminary Plat is not
necessary, and a proposed subdivision meets the definition of a minor subdivision, a
subdivider may submit only a Final Plat for administrative review and approval.
Subdivisions that require public infrastructure or have a request to waive any other
provision of these regulations must receive a public hearing and be considered by the
Planning Commission.
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Article IV – Requirements for Design and Improvements
4.1 General
1. In the event that other specifications for the construction of streets, drainage structures, or
other improvements in the city are adopted which conflict with the requirements of these
regulations, then the more stringent or restrictive requirement shall govern the
construction of subdivision improvements.
2. No preliminary plat shall be approved unless the Planning Commission determines that
public facilities will be adequate to support and service the area of the proposed
subdivision, including, but not limited to streets and sewer infrastructure.
4.2 Conformity to Community Plan
All proposed subdivisions shall substantially conform to any current master plan, street plan,
comprehensive plan, element of a comprehensive plan, or neighborhood plan which has been
adopted by the Planning Commission or the City Council. Each subdivision shall be made as
compatible as possible with adjoining lands in regard to street connections, utilities, and open
spaces.
4.3 Streets
1. Arrangement of Streets. The arrangement, character, extent, width, grade, and
locations of all streets shall conform to the community plan and shall be considered in
relation to existing and proposed streets, topographical conditions, public convenience
and safety, and their appropriate relation to proposed land uses served by such streets.
Where such is not shown in the community plan, the arrangement of streets in a
subdivision shall either (a) provide for the continuation or appropriate projection of
existing major streets in surrounding area, or (b) conform to a plan for the neighborhood
approved or adopted by the Planning Commission. Collector and higher classification
streets are not primarily intended to provide access to abutting property. To the extent
reasonably permitted by the terrain and other circumstances, subdivisions shall be laid
out so as to minimize or eliminate the need for driveways entering such streets. Where
there is no practical alternative to platting lots which must have driveway access to such
streets, the use of access easements are encouraged and may be required to permit sharing
entry points. The Planning Commission may exercise reasonable discretion in
determining whether this requirement has been satisfied in each particular case.
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2. Right-of-Way Widths. Street right-of-way widths shall be as shown in the community
plan or where not shown they shall not be less than as follows:
3. Pavement Widths. Pavement width from curb faces shall not be less than:
Table 4.2
Street Type Width in feet
Arterial street 51
Collector street 42
Minor or local street 30
Alleys (curb not required) 20
3. Additional Width and Improvements on Existing Streets. Subdivisions that adjoin
existing streets shall dedicate additional right-of-way to meet the minimum requirements
specified in Table 4.1, and provide improvements as required in these regulations.
a. The entire right-of-way shall be provided where any part of the subdivision is on
both sides of the existing street.
b. When the subdivision is located on only one side of the existing street or ROW,
one-half of the required right-of-way, measured from the centerline of the
roadway shall be dedicated and/or improved.
4. Rights-of-way. ROWs shall be graded to their full width so as to produce proper
drainage, a pleasing appearance, reasonable grades for driveways, and sidewalk grade
substantially on the same elevation as the top of the curb. ROWs may also be required as
needed for utilities and other access purposes to the width specified by their prospective
users.
5. Street Geometry and Grades. Street widths, street grades, vertical curves, horizontal
curves, radii, curb cuts, intersections, and street jogs shall be designed and constructed in
accordance with the Prattville Public Works Manual.
6. Dead-ends and stub streets.
a. A dead-end street shall not be more than 1,000 feet in length. Each dead-end
shall be terminated by a turnaround (e.g. cul-de-sac) with a pavement radius not
less than 45 feet, or other appropriate design.
b. Stub-out streets are intended to allow continuity in street patterns and
connectivity. In determining the number and location of such stub-outs, the
Table 4.1
Street Type Right-of-Way Width (in feet)
Arterial street 100
Collector street 65 Minor or local street 50
Alleys 24
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Planning Commission shall consider the terrain and natural features of the
adjoining property, and the potential streets system as presented in the community
plan. Such stub streets shall be built to the full width and specifications of the
other streets in the subdivision. It is the policy of the Planning Commission to
provide for new, or connect to existing, stub streets to promote connectivity
whenever practicable. A stub street or dead-end street which provides the sole
access to more than two lots or is over 150 feet in length shall be terminated by an
approved turnaround. A developer extending an existing stub street shall remove
the turnaround and extend the existing street profile as appropriate. The
turnaround area must be included within a lot on the plat or a recorded easement
referenced on the plat.
7. Alleys.
a. Where required: Alleys shall be provided in commercial and industrial
subdivisions. The Planning Commission may waive this requirement where other
definite and assured access is provided.
b. Where optional: Provisions for alleys along the rear of residential lots is optional
except where, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, such alleys are
advisable.
c. Alignment: At all intersections, changes in alignment shall be avoided, but where
necessary, corners shall be cut off sufficiently to permit safe vehicle movement.
d. Dead ends: Dead end alleys shall be avoided where possible, but if unavoidable,
shall be provided with an adequate turn-around as required by the City Engineer
or Fire Marshal.
8. Curb and Gutter. Curbs and gutters shall be required for all streets.
9. Sidewalks. Sidewalks are required on both sides of arterial and collector streets.
Sidewalks are required on one side of all other streets except alleys. Sidewalks shall not
be less than sixty inches in width. Under special conditions of terrain or other factors, the
Planning Commission may approve alternate designs. The Planning Commission may
require sidewalks or other paths that create connectivity in areas of long blocks or long
dead-end streets, between other paths or sidewalks.
10. Street Signs. The developer shall provide all street and regulatory signs within the
subdivision. The signs shall be of the type and number and located according to the
submitted and approved construction plans. Two street signs are required for each four-
way intersection and one street sign is required at each three-way intersection, unless the
City Engineer sets other requirements.
11. Street Lights. Location of proposed street lights shall be approved by the City Engineer.
4.4 Easements
Easements shall be provided as needed for utility or access purposes and to the width
specified by their prospective users. Lots and easements shall be arranged in such a
manner as to eliminate unnecessary easement jogs or offsets and to facilitate the use of
easements for power distribution, telephone service, drainage, water, sewer services,
access, and parking. It is preferred that easements be wholly located on a single lot, as
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opposed to being located on a property line between two lots. Unless previously
recorded and referenced, all easements must be included within a lot or parcel on the plat.
4.5 Blocks
The length, width and shapes of blocks shall be determined with due regard to:
1. Provisions of adequate building sites suitable to the special needs of the type of use
intended.
2. Need for convenient access, circulation, control, and safety of street traffic.
3. Limitations and opportunities of topography.
4. Blocks shall not be less than 400 feet nor more than 1,200 feet in length, measured on
one side of the street, except as the Planning Commission considers necessary to secure
efficient use of land or desirable features of street pattern. This measurement will not
include the shorter measurement on a double tier block.
5. Blocks shall be wide enough to allow two rows of lots, except where reverse frontage on
a major street is provided or where prevented by topography or size of the property, in
which case the Planning Commission may approve a single row of lots of suitable depth.
4.6 Lots
1. Within the city limits, lot sizes and widths shall comply with the Zoning Ordinance. In
areas not served by sanitary sewer, lot sizes shall meet the requirements of the Health
Department. In such cases where requirements conflict, the larger requirement shall
govern. Corner lots for residential uses shall have sufficient width to permit appropriate
building setback from and orientation to both streets, unless otherwise allowed in the
Zoning Ordinance.
2. For areas located outside the city limits and inside the Planning Jurisdiction, lot sizes and
widths shall be equal to or greater than the requirements for the R-2 zoning district within
the City. In areas not served by sanitary sewer, lot sizes shall meet the requirements of
the Health Department. In such cases where requirements conflict, the larger requirement
shall govern.
3. No lot shall be platted having less than 20 feet of frontage on a dedicated public street.
4. Flag Lots are lots so shaped that the building area is set back from the street on which it
fronts, and includes an access strip (the stem) connecting the building area to the street.
a. Flag lots may be allowed in a subdivision to better utilize irregularly shaped
property or areas with other limitations.
b. The minimum area for a flag lot shall be at least twice that of the minimum area
required by the underlying zoning or other minimum lot area requirements; the
stem area shall not count toward the minimum lot size.
c. The stem shall be at least 30 feet in width along its full length from street frontage
to building area.
d. Flag lots may be created in groups not exceeding two. In such cases, the stems
must be adjacent. Non-adjacent flag lot stems on the same side of the street shall
be separated by a distance of at least 300 feet. Stems shall be at least 50 feet from
any intersection.
e. Setback requirements must be met within the main building area of the lot.
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5. Double frontage or reverse frontage lots will be permitted only where necessary to
provide separation of residential development from major streets, or so to overcome
specific disadvantages of topography or orientation. The Planning Commission may
restrict access to the major street and may require a fence, wall, landscaping strip, berm,
or combination, to reduce impacts from the major street or dissimilar use. The Planning
Commission may require shared or cross access agreements to limit number of driveway
access points on streets.
6. Side lot lines shall be approximately perpendicular to straight street lines or
approximately radial to curved street lines unless topography or other special conditions
are such that a better lot design can be provided by a different side lot line location.
7. Residential lots situated on the boundary between two counties must have adequate
buildable area for a house entirely in one county.
4.7 Preservation of Natural Features
In all subdivisions, due regard shall be given to the preservation of natural features such
as tree cover, natural groves, watercourses, scenic points, historic points, and similar
community assets which will add attractiveness and value to the property.
4.8 Names and Lot Numbers
1. Street Names. No street names shall be used which will duplicate by spelling or sound
or otherwise be confused with the names of existing streets, except where a proposed
street is an extension of an existing street, in which case the proposed street shall bear the
name of the existing street. Street names are subject to the approval of the Planning
Director.
2. Subdivision Names. Subdivision names shall not be duplicated or be confusing with
existing names. Such names are subject to the approval of the Planning Commission.
3. Lot Numbers. All lots shall have a number and be numbered sequentially. Lots
dedicated to stormwater detention, open space, access, or other uses auxiliary purpose to
the rest of the subdivision may use a letter prefix. Example: Open space lots may use O-
1, O-2, etc.
4.9 Public Sites and Open Spaces
Where a proposed park, playground, school, or other public use shown in the community
plan is located in whole or in part in a subdivision, the Planning Commission may request
that the developer dedicate or that an option to buy such land be extended to the
appropriate public agency or body and that such land be reserved from development
pending the action of the appropriate public agency or body. To any extent which may
be sanctioned by the Zoning Ordinance, the Planning Commission may allow lot size
reductions or alternative designs in exchange for sales or dedications of such sites.
4.10 Stormwater and Drainage
1. Plan Required. A drainage and stormwater plan shall be made for each subdivision by a
registered engineer which shall consider the ultimate or saturated development of the
tributary area in which the proposed subdivision is located. Adequate provision shall be
made within each subdivision to provide drainage facilities needed within the subdivision
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considering the saturated development of the tributary area. The storm and sanitary sewer
plan shall be made prior to other utility plans. Engineering considerations in subdivisions
and other development shall give preferential treatment to sewer improvements over
other utilities and improvements.
2. General Design Criteria. All drainage structures and facilities shall be designed and
sized to meet the runoff of the drainage area to be served and in accordance with the
Prattville Public Works Manual.
3. Spillage Agreements Required. Off-premises drainage easements and improvements
may be required by the Planning Commission, after consultation with the City Engineer,
to handle the run-off of subdivisions into an appropriate drainage channel. If requested by
the City Engineer, the Planning Commission shall require that the subdivider provide the
City with a hold-harmless spillage agreement for all drainage from the subdivision.
4. Development in Flood Areas. Areas in a federally established special flood hazard area
shall not be developed or subdivided unless and until the Planning Director may establish
that the area may be developed in accordance with the City's flood damage prevention
ordinance. It is the policy of the Planning Commission that new subdivisions be
harmonious and mindful of streams, floodways, floodplains, wetlands, and other
environmentally sensitive areas.
5. Conditions of Acceptance of Water Bodies. Lakes, ponds, and similar areas will be
considered for acceptance for maintenance only if sufficient land is dedicated as a public
recreational area or park, or if such area constitutes a necessary part of a surface drainage
control system as determined by the City Engineer.
6. Other Information Required. The Planning Director, City Engineer, Public Works
Director, or the Planning Commission may require whatever additional engineering
information is deemed necessary to decide on subdivision and other development in an
area of questionable drainage.
4.11 Sanitary Sewer
1. Sewer Required. Subdivisions shall be designed to accommodate public sanitary sewer
if it is available. Sewer will be considered available if lines of the proper size and flow,
with pumping not required, are located within 1,200 feet of the property. Installation of
all lines shall be the responsibility of the developer. If sewer is not available, private
sewage disposal may be used subject to the approval of the appropriate county health
department and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.
2. Laterals. The developer of a subdivision shall construct sanitary sewer laterals within
the streets of the subdivision or within platted sanitary sewer easements or rights-of-way
so that the same connect with existing, or may be connected with future, collecting or
trunk line sewers.
3. Oversized Facilities. The City of Prattville may participate in the cost of oversized
improvements within subdivisions but serving a larger area (i.e. streets, sanitary sewer,
drainage facilities, etc.) if the Planning Commission recommends such improvements and
the City Council authorizes them.
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4. General Design Criteria. All such designs, and the construction thereof, shall be in
accordance with the provisions of the Prattville Public Works Manual.
4.12 Water
Water supply improvements shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the
regulations, requirements, and specifications of the Prattville Water Works Board. Water will be
considered available if lines of the proper size and flow are located within 1,200 feet of the
property. If water is not available, private water supply may be used subject to the approval of
the local health department and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.
4.13 Other Utilities
Subdivisions shall be designed to accommodate electrical, gas, telecommunications, and other
desired utilities, if available. The subdivider shall contact each of these utilities prior to
submission of the construction plans and obtain necessary standards or other information which
will allow service to the subdivision.
4.14 Monuments and Markers
1. Monument. Concrete monuments four inches in diameter or four inches square, three
feet long, containing iron pipe or pin, and having a flat top, shall be set at all major
corners in the exterior boundaries of the subdivision or sections thereof where the street
right-of-way lines intersect the exterior boundaries of the subdivision or sections thereof.
The top of the monument shall have an indented cross to identify properly the location
and shall be set flush with the finished grade.
2. Corners. All lot corners and points of curve in rights-of-way shall be marked in
accordance with the Standards of Practice for Surveying in the State of Alabama.
Article V – Specifications for Documents to be Submitted
5.1 Master Plans
The Master Plan shall be submitted on sheets not larger than 24”x36” and shall include:
1. Name of development
2. Outer boundary or perimeter of the overall development site
3. Proposed phases
4. Location and sizes of existing utilities (storm and sanitary sewer, water) that will service
development
5. Approximate locations of all proposed streets and rights-of-way
6. Approximate locations and types of all proposed lots
7. Approximate locations of proposed utilities, including stormwater detention facilities
8. Contours at intervals no more than 10 feet
9. Adjoining development, property lines, streets, and water courses
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10. A vicinity map showing the location of the proposed subdivision to the surrounding area
11. A north arrow
12. Standard scale not smaller than 1”=200’
13. The current FEMA FIRM panel and location of any special flood hazard areas
14. Existing rights-of-way or easements on or affecting the property
15. Any other information which the Planning Director deems to be relevant.
5.2 Preliminary Plats
Preliminary Plats shall be prepared by an Alabama licensed surveyor or engineer and submitted
on sheets not larger than 24”x36” and shall include:
1. Name of subdivision
2. Total acreage to be subdivided
3. Name and address of owner
4. Name and address of subdivider, if different from the owner
5. Name and address of plat designer
6. Names and addresses of owners of record of all adjoining or adjacent parcels of land as
they appear on the current tax records; adjacent properties include across rights-of-way,
bodies of water, and properties sharing a corner
7. Date
8. Locations, widths, and purpose of proposed and existing rights-of-way and easements
9. Locations of existing and proposed property lines, existing buildings, water courses, and
railroads within the proposed subdivision and at least 50 feet around the perimeter thereof
10. Location and dimensions of existing sanitary sewer and water lines, including fire
hydrants. In the event the subdivision will be served by septic tanks or private wells, this
should be stated on the plat
11. Proposed lot lines, numbers, and dimensions, including lot areas
12. Building setbacks
13. Number of Section, Township, and Range, with approximate ties to all identifiable
section corners within or close to proposed subdivision
14. County boundary line, if in vicinity
15. Vicinity map showing general location of the proposed subdivision
16. Existing zoning
17. The current FEMA FIRM panel and location of any special flood hazard areas, floodway,
and base flood elevation; if no flood hazard areas exist, then a statement indicating such
18. Contours shall be shown at intervals of not more than 5 feet. In areas where existing
slope is less than 3% on one acre or more, the contour interval shall be 2 feet or less (this
requirement may be waived upon request to the Planning Director or City Engineer)
19. North arrow, graphic scale, legend, number of total lots, number of residential lots (if
applicable), total acreage
20. Standard scale not less than 1”=100’
21. Location of stormwater management facilities
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22. Additional information which the Planning Director or City Engineer deems to be
relevant
5.3 Construction Plans
Construction plans shall be prepared by an Alabama licensed professional engineer and
submitted on sheets not larger than 24”x36” and shall include plans and profiles of all proposed
infrastructure, including streets, sanitary sewer lines and facilities, stormwater structures, water
lines, and fire hydrants. Construction plans shall reflect the approved Preliminary Plat and shall
include sufficient data and calculations to allow verification of conformity to the requirements
and specifications in these regulations and the Prattville Public Works Manual. Manner of
submission, number and type of copies (e.g. paper or electronic), shall be determined by the City
Engineer.
5.4 As-built Plans
As-built plans must be submitted in hard copy, no larger than 24”x36”, and digital format. Digital format must include a portable document format (PDF) file of the hard copy and CAD file (e.g. DWG or DGN), or equivalent, with adequate formatting and information to show the following.
As-built plans must include:
1. Sewer main diameter, length, material, and slope are to be called out on the plan.
2. Sewer manhole and t-type cleanout rims and inverts are to be located horizontally and vertically. All as-built elevations to be shown.
3. Water main diameter, length, and material are to be called out. Show all laterals.
4. Water fire hydrants, valves (main & hydrant), plugs, air-release and blow-off stations are to be located horizontally and vertically. Documented or known changes in types, lengths of pipe, location, or any other changes to the water system shall be indicated.
5. Storm drainage pipe diameter, length, material, pipe invert and pipe outfall, and slope are to be called out.
6. Storm drainage manhole and t-type cleanout rims and inverts are to be located
horizontally and vertically.
7. Storm drainage related catch basins, culverts, and outfalls are to be located horizontally and vertically.
8. Any other changes to the construction drawings should be noted and shown with a
revision cloud.
9. Electronic plans must be georeferenced.
10. Maximum error of as-built measurements shall be:
a. Manhole inverts measure to 0.01 feet with maximum vertical error of 0.50 feet per 1,000 feet of horizontal traverse.
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b. Horizontal locations: measure to nearest 1.0 foot with allowable error of 0.5 feet per 1,000 feet of traverse.
5.5 Final Plats
Final Plats shall be prepared by a licensed surveyor and submitted on sheets not larger than
24”x36” and shall include:
1. Subdivision name
2. North arrow, graphic scale, number of total lots, number of residential lots (if applicable),
total acreage
3. Standard scale not less than 1”=100’
4. Purpose of all easements
5. Reference to recorded subdivision plats of adjacent platted land, including across rights-
of-way
6. Relation of the land so platted to the government survey. Whenever section corners or
half section corners occur along any platted boundary, they shall be clearly marked
7. Boundary lines, right-of-way lines of streets, easements, and other rights-of-way, and
property lines of lots, with accurate dimensions, bearings, or deflection angles, radii, arcs,
central angles of all curves, front building lines
8. Number to identify each lot and the approved street names
9. Gross and net acreage of the property and number of lots
10. County boundary line, if in vicinity
11. Date of Preliminary Plat approval
12. Location of monuments
13. All dimensions shall be shown to the nearest one-hundredth of a foot and angles to the
nearest minute
14. The current FEMA FIRM panel and location of any special flood hazard areas,
floodways, and base flood elevation; if no flood hazard areas exist, then include a
statement indicating such
15. Restrictive covenant language or references (e.g. stormwater requirements)
16. Certificates and acknowledgements for designer and owner(s) as required in the Code of
Alabama 1975, § 35-2-51
17. Professional Engineer’s construction certification, if applicable
18. Note stating: “Approval of a plat shall not be deemed to constitute or effect an acceptance
by the public of any street or other open space shown upon the plat.”
19. Signature blocks/certificates of approval for the Planning Director, City Engineer, Public
Works Director, representative of the Prattville Water Works Board (if applicable),
representative of the local Health Department(s), signature block or space for recording
information of appropriate judge(s) of probate; if subdivision is located outside of the city
limits, then a space for the signature of the County Engineer.
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Article VI – Procedures for Inspection, Approval, and Acceptance of
Subdivisions
6.1 Initial Construction
Subdivision improvements shall be constructed only under the supervision of a civil engineer
employed by the developer. Construction of subdivision improvements may begin only after the
construction plans have been approved and the developer has been issued the required permits.
Quality control during construction shall be maintained by three means, as follows:
1. A pre-construction meeting is required with city staff prior to any grading or construction
beginning.
2. The developer shall employ a qualified testing laboratory to perform compaction tests on
street subbase and base before placement of the first layer of pavement. The results of
these tests may initially be reported to the Engineering Department by convenient means,
but a written report must follow.
3. The developer's engineer shall notify the City Engineer 24 hours before work begins on
each of the following steps:
a. Clearing and grubbing
b. Grading
c. Laying of sanitary and storm sewer pipe
d. Roadbed processing
e. Proof roll*
f. Under curb compaction test*
g. Pouring curb and gutter
h. Subgrade compaction test*
i. Placing base material
j. Base compaction test*
k. Placing the first layer of asphalt
l. Placing the final layer of asphalt
m. Air and mandrel test on sanitary sewer lines
*These items shall require the attendance of representatives from both the developer’s
engineer and the City Engineer’s office
4. The developer’s engineer will also mark the alignment of each stub out on the curb.
When the developer's engineer deems appropriate, normally upon completion of curb and
gutter, a field conference shall be convened of utility company representatives to
coordinate the installation of underground lines. Ordinarily, the Water Authority (or other
water utility) will be asked to install water mains before installation of gas, telephone,
electric, and cable. Upon completion of all developer installed improvements, the as-
builts shall be delivered to the Planning Department. These plans shall show all
improvements as constructed, including the correct locations, and profiles if required, of
all sanitary and storm sewer lines and appurtenances thereto, including locations and
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depth of all sanitary sewer stubs. The developer's engineer shall ensure that the developer
furnishes and places Electronic Locator Markers of a type approved by the City
Engineer's office over all sanitary sewer stubs.
6.2 Guarantee of Improvements
1. Performance Guarantee. It shall be a requirement of final plat approval that all public
improvements and utilities required herein or as may have been required on the
preliminary plat, have been satisfactorily completed and installed in accordance with the
preliminary plat and construction plans. However, the City Engineer may, and provided
all other requirements of these regulations are met, accept, in lieu of the completion of
the installation of the final wearing surface layer of a street or the required sidewalks, a
performance guarantee with sufficient surety satisfactory to the City Attorney, to secure
to the City the construction and installation of such improvements and utilities.
a. The performance guarantee shall be in an amount equal to 125% of the costs
outlined in the engineer’s estimated costs of the required improvements and
approved by the City Engineer.
b. Acceptable guarantees are: a performance bond approved as to form and surety
satisfactory to the City Attorney and City Engineer; an irrevocable letter of credit
drawn on an approved bank and payable to the City of Prattville; a cash deposit.
2. Maintenance Guarantee. The subdivider shall be responsible for materials and
workmanship of pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalks, sewer systems, drainage systems,
and other public infrastructure in the subdivision for a period of two years following the
date of Final Plat recording. In addition, the subdivider shall be responsible for soil
stabilization and maintenance of erosion control devices during the maintenance period.
A maintenance guarantee, in an amount not to exceed ten percent of the contract price of
the subdivision and approved by the City Engineer, shall be posted before the final plat is
signed by the Planning Director. Acceptable guarantees for maintenance are the same as
for performance guarantee. The City Engineer may require a higher bond as needed. If
completed structures occupy 80% of the lots in the subdivision before the end of the
maintenance period as listed above, the subdivider may request that the Prattville City
Council waive the time remaining and close the maintenance period. It is the subdivider’s
responsibility to request to end the maintenance period and submit the infrastructure to
the City.
3. For subdivisions not within the corporate limits, the only public infrastructure
improvements that can be accepted by the City are sewer facilities that are to be a part of
the City's system. No roads, drainage structures, or other improvements may be accepted
by the City outside its corporate limits.
4. In the event the developer fails to perform as required by the guarantees, the City may
liquidate the guarantee instrument to pay for the cost of making the improvements or
repairs. Additionally, the City Attorney or designee is authorized to file a lien equal to the
amount of the improvements or repairs against any lot or lots in the subdivision subject to
the guarantee and owned by the developer executing the maintenance guarantee or
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performance guarantee in default. This lien shall be a certified copy of a resolution
passed by the City Council and shall state the purpose and the amount of the lien and
shall be recorded in the Office of Probate. The liens will not be satisfied until such time
as the developer complies with the guarantee conditions or the surety pays the bond and
if the lien remains unsatisfied for 90 days the City may collect on the lien as all debts are
collected or liens enforced.
6.3 Final Inspection Before Expiration of Bond
It shall be the responsibility of the subdivider to request an inspection before the expiration of the
maintenance or other guarantees. If this inspection reveals deficiencies beyond those caused by
normal wear and tear, the City Engineer shall notify the developer or contractor of the findings,
and shall afford the developer or contractor reasonable opportunity to correct the deficiencies
before taking steps to recover against the maintenance bond.
6.4 Acceptance of Improvements
1. Approval of a plat shall not be deemed to constitute or effect an acceptance by the public
of any street or other open space shown upon the plat (Ref: Alabama Code § 11-52-32).
2. At the end of the maintenance period, and after inspection of the improvements and
infrastructure by the City Engineer, the developer may request through the Planning
Director that the City Council accept the improvements and the responsibility of the
maintenance. It is the developer’s or subdivider’s responsibility to make this request.