* Prior ordinance history: Ords. 278, 278-A, 278-D, 278-H, 278-J and 542.

The applicability, design and construction of all waterworks facilities shall be in accordance with the provisions of state law and Article I of Title 13 of this code. A water system with service to each parcel shall be installed in each and every subdivision created within Madera County located below the five hundred-foot contour elevation. For subdivisions and parcel maps located above the five hundred-foot contour, a water system shall be installed in all land divisions with lots less than three acres in size (gross acreage). Water systems in subdivisions shall be operated as a public utility as authorized by the Public Utilities Commission of the state, or be served by a district or public agency for which the board of supervisors is the board of directors and which is authorized by law to provide the water needs. Alternatives to county maintenance districts will be allowed subject to obtaining approved infrastructure plans by the planning commission and board of supervisors. Water supply information acceptable to a certified hydrogeologist is required for all land divisions with parcel sizes three acres or larger. If adequate existing water supply information is not available, well drilling and testing may be required on parcels specified by the environmental health department. (Ord. 278N § 10(part), 2004).

The applicability, design and construction of all sewage disposal facilities shall be in accordance with the provisions of state law and Article II of Title 13 of this code; provided, that in addition to any and all of said requirements, all proposed subdivisions in the county west of the elevation line designated as the “five hundred-foot contour line” in the foothills of the county shall have installed community sewer disposal systems or an executed contract with an adjoining community sewer system, to which all of the lots within the proposed subdivision shall connect. The county strongly recommends community sewer systems for all subdivisions within the county, but subdivisions proposed east of said five hundred-foot contour line will be considered as to the appropriate installation of septic tanks for each lot therein, when such installation is not in conflict with the sewer ordinance of the county. (Ord. 278N § 10(part), 2004).

The subdivider shall cause to be prepared by a registered civil engineer a flood control and drainage works plan showing plans, profiles, specifications and details of proposed improvements in sufficient detail to enable the county engineer and the county road commissioner to determine the adequacy of the proposed construction and compliance with Section 17.28.030. (Ord. 278N § 10(part), 2004).

In order to redivide a lot or lots in an existing subdivision which is recorded and designated by tract number in the official county records, a complete new subdivision plan and maps shall be required. Upon filing of a new map or maps, the county may specify additional requirements for roads, water systems, sewer systems, etc. For those subdivisions with lot sizes of three acres or larger, located above the five hundred-foot contour elevation, a redivision of any lot or lots which creates parcels less than three acres in size shall have as a minimum requirement the installation of a public water system to serve all lots. (Ord. 278N § 10(part), 2004).

Curbs, gutters and sidewalks, when required shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the county road commissioner and county road standards. (Ord. 278N § 10(part), 2004).

Street lighting may be required and shall be of a type approved by the county engineer. (Ord. 278N § 10(part), 2004).

Provision shall be made for railroad and canal crossings, and other public or private utility crossings necessary to provide access to or circulation within the proposed subdivision, including the obtaining of all necessary permits from the public and private utilities involved and all regulatory agencies having jurisdiction. The cost of such crossings shall be paid by the subdivider. (Ord. 278N § 10(part), 2004).

Prior to final map recordation, the applicant or his authorized agent will provide the planning director with will serve letters from the appropriate water, wastewater, power and telephone companies. (Ord. 278N § 10(part), 2004).