(a) Title. This chapter shall be known as the "Selah Subdivision Code."

(b) Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to enact pursuant to the laws of the state of Washington, Chapter 58.17 RCW, and also in exercise of the police powers of the city of Selah. The purposes of this subdivision code include protection and preservation of the public health, safety and general welfare in accordance with standards established by Chapter 58.17 RCW; to prevent overcrowding land; to lessen congestion in the streets and highways; to promote effective use of land; to promote safe and convenient travel by the public on streets and highways; to provide for adequate light and air; to facilitate adequate provision for water, sewerage, utilities, drainage, parks and recreation areas, sites for schools and school grounds and other public requirements; and to provide for proper ingress and egress. This subdivision code is also intended to provide for expeditious review and approval of proposed subdivisions which conform to city zoning standards, plans, development standards, and policies; to adequately provide for the housing and commercial needs of the citizens of the city; and to require uniform monumenting of land subdivisions and conveyancing by accurate legal description. All provisions of this subdivision code shall be liberally construed for the accomplishment of that purpose.

(c) Scope. This chapter shall apply to all land within the municipal boundary of the city of Selah including any lot or block forming part of any subdivision created and recorded prior to the effective date of this chapter. Where this chapter or other standards adopted by reference impose greater restrictions or higher standards than other laws, ordinances or restrictive covenants, the provisions of this chapter shall prevail.

(d) Approval Required. It is unlawful for any person to divide land so as to constitute a subdivision or short subdivision, or to enter into any contract for the sale or lease of any lot in a preliminary subdivision within the city of Selah, except as provided by Chapter 58.17 RCW, and without first complying with the applicable provisions of this title.

(e) Administering Authority. The authority for the administration of this chapter shall be the city council. Administrative functions, powers and duties arising from this chapter are delegated by this chapter to the city administrator, hearing examiner, and planning department. The planning department may prepare and require the use of such forms and documents as are essential to the proper administration of this chapter.

Pursuant to Chapter 58.17 RCW, primary authority for subdivision and short subdivision of land in the city of Selah is vested in the city council as the legislative body. Pursuant to RCW 58.17.060, the Selah city council delegates responsibility for final determination of proposed short plats and boundary line adjustments to the city administrator, or designee. Pursuant to Chapter 58.17 RCW and Section 1.60.080, the hearing examiner is authorized to make a recommendation to the city council on preliminary plats and modifications to preliminary plats, and to make final decisions on requests for preliminary plat extension under RCW 58.17.140, plat amendment and plat vacation. The city council shall make final decisions on all preliminary plats and modifications to approved preliminary plats. Pursuant to RCW 58.17.100, the Selah city council delegates responsibility for final plat approval to the city administrator, or designee. (Ord. 2173, § 2 (Exh. A), 2022.)