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Information for Developers
New Site Plan Approval Process
The City of Lebanon has updated its site plan approval process to provide clarity throughout the process on what is required, when, and what approvals have been achieved. The updated process aligns better with local and state regulations for development. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the new process with the information sheet provided and then dive into the new checklists for each submittal type. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to City Planning and Engineering Staff to guide you through the process.
Developers Meetings with Staff
Developers should contact the Engineering Department/Planning Department to schedule a meeting at least 24 hours in advance. For everyone involved, having at least have the following information provided when requesting a developers meeting would be helpful:
- Address/Parcel number/exact location
- Use(s) or potential use if undecided
- Preliminary layout or access points minimum
Development and Surety Fee Calculator
Developers now have an interactive development fee calculator website page.
Site Plan Qualifications
A complete site plan should include each of the following BEFORE the Preliminary Planning Commission:
- Application
- PC Submittal Fees
- An Accurate Checklist
- Variance Requests
- Variance Request Fees
- Cover Sheet
- Boundary
- Existing Conditions
- Site Layout
- Landscape Plan
- General Notes
- Vehicle Circulation
- Pedestrian Circulation
- Elevations of Buildings
- Fire Department Basic Requirements
All site plans will be vetted by Staff – which includes Planning, Engineering, Utilities and Economic Development - and discussed with the mayor. This will ensure that all documentation is complete for the Preliminary Planning Commission Meeting. This also means that the complete proposal qualifies to be on the Planning Commission Agenda for the entire body to consider.
At the Preliminary Meeting, the Staff will present each site plan, and it will be discussed. This provides each Planning Commissioner the opportunity to ask questions and/or voice concerns. One representative of the project will be allowed to answer questions and, if there is a difference of opinion, share their interpretation of our codes.
Like a City Council Work Session, the Preliminary Planning Commission Meeting is a time for the Planning Commissioners to gather information for their individual votes at the Planning Commission Meeting.
With that being said, the Preliminary Meeting may highlight some disagreements between Staff, the Planning Commission, and the developer. It may also shine light on mistakes or instances where a site plan does not meet the standards required. If that is the case, then the developer has options. They can ask for the item to be removed from the agenda or take their chance with a full vote of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commissioners also have options. They can vote to approve, deny, or defer.
In summary, a complete site plan will be presented at the Preliminary Meeting for discussion. Decisions concerning that site plan will be made at the Planning Commission Meeting.
Minor Subdivision Plat vs. Major Subdivision Plat
Minor Subdivision Plat – A minor subdivision plat is any subdivision of land into two (2) lots or less that does not require a public utility extension, right-of-way extension, or variance. Minor subdivision plats require Staff approval. Staff reserves the right to convert any minor subdivision plat to a major subdivision plat.
Major Subdivision Plat – A major subdivision plat is any subdivision of land requiring a public utility extension, right-of-way extension, or variance or the subdivision of land into more than three (3) lots. Major subdivision plats require Planning Commission approval.
Minor Site Plan vs. Major Site Plan
Minor Site Plan - A development qualifies for a minor site plan when the following criteria is met:
- Any addition to a building that is less than 25% increase in the area under roof and where the total addition is under 5,000 square feet;
- A new drive thru pattern is not proposed;
- Residential development containing three (3) or four (4) dwelling units;
- Staff reserves the right to convert any minor site plan to a major site plan.
Major Site Plan - A major site plan is required when the project meets ones of the following criteria:
- Any new construction on an undeveloped site;
- If the addition is greater than 5,000 square feet under roof;
- If the addition is greater than a 25% increase in the area under roof; or
- If there are five or more residential units on a single lot.