(a) In order to promote development of land within the municipal boundaries of the city that is harmonious with and otherwise in compliance with the comprehensive plan, surrounding development and all applicable codes, applicants for site plan approval are encouraged to utilize the preapplication conference and screening process available to all site plan applicants. The preapplication screening and conferences are intended to assist the applicant in becoming more aware of and, therefore, more likely to comply with guidelines applicable to the project for which a site plan will be submitted. However, the applicant is cautioned that the preapplication screening process is not intended to be a substitute for the formal site plan submittal and review procedures. Nor is it expected that the applicant can rely upon conditional approvals received during the preapplication process as binding the city in any manner during subsequent site plan submittal and review procedures.

(b) Prior to the site plan submittal and review procedures provided in section 110-221 et seq., the applicant is encouraged to confer with the building department in order to review a preliminary checklist to assist the applicant in complying with certain requirements of the city code. The checklist, prepared by the building department, will, at a minimum, familiarize the applicant with state and city laws, regulations and ordinances with which a site plan is expected to comply. This step does not require an application fee nor the filing of a plat. While not mandatory, the preapplication procedure, in order to be productive, should be utilized approximately ten days prior to formal site plan submittal by the applicant in accordance with the provisions of this article.

(c) The applicant will provide five copies of the proposed sketch plan to the building department five days prior to the preapplication conference.

(d) The proposed sketch plan so provided shall contain a location map showing the relationship of the proposed subdivision to existing and proposed facilities as indicated in the comprehensive plan, and shall contain general information including, but not limited to, the following: