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A. A short subdivision application shall be given preliminary approval, including preliminary approval subject to conditions, upon finding by the director that all of the following have been satisfied:

1. It is consistent with the applicable provisions of this title, the Bellingham comprehensive plan and the Bellingham Municipal Code;

2. It is consistent with the applicable provisions of Chapter 23.08 BMC;

3. The division of land provides for coordinated development with adjoining properties or future development of adjoining properties through, where appropriate, the extension of public infrastructure, shared vehicular and pedestrian access, and abutment of utilities;

4. Each lot in the proposal can reasonably be developed in conformance with applicable provisions of the BMC, including but not limited to critical areas, setbacks, and parking, without requiring a variance that is not processed concurrently with the subdivision application pursuant to Chapter 23.48 BMC;

5. There are adequate provisions for open spaces, drainage ways, rights-of-way, sidewalks, and other planning features that assure safe walking conditions for pedestrians, including students who walk to and from school, easements, water supplies, sanitary waste, fire protection, power service, parks, playgrounds, and schools;

6. It will serve the public use and interest and is consistent with the public health, safety, and welfare. The director shall be guided by the policy and standards and may exercise the powers and authority set forth in Chapter 58.17 RCW, as amended.

B. Notwithstanding approval criteria set forth in subsection (A) of this section, in accordance with RCW 58.17.120, as amended, a proposed subdivision may be denied because of flood, inundation or presence of environmentally sensitive areas as regulated by Chapter 16.55 BMC. Where any portion of the proposed subdivision lies within both a flood control zone, as established pursuant to Chapter 86.15 RCW, and the area of special flood hazard, as defined in Chapter 17.76 BMC, the city shall not approve the preliminary plat unless it imposes a condition requiring the applicant to comply with the applicable regulations in Chapters 16.55 and 17.76 BMC and any written recommendations from the Washington Department of Ecology. In such cases, no development permit associated with the proposed subdivision shall be issued by the city until flood control problems have been resolved. [Ord. 2018-12-036 § 2 (Exh. A)].