Establishes the basic Rural Development policies for planning and performing site development work.

No site will be approved unless it meets all the requirements of this subpart and State and local permits and approvals in connection with any proposed development.

Rural Development will no longer review or approve subdivisions, but will review and approve individual sites on a site by site basis.

RD Instruction 1924-C Exhibit B, is the site development standard which provides the minimums for acceptability of site development.

All planning and performing development work is the responsibility of the applicant or developer. All development will be arranged and completed according to applicable local, State, or Federal regulations including applicable health and safety standards, environmental requirements and requirements of this subpart.

Form RD 1940-22, Environmental Checklist for Categorical Exclusions, must be completed by Rural Housing Service (RHS) to determine that the specific action complies not only with NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act), but also with other applicable environmental laws, executive orders, and regulations.

It is the RHS's policy to promote compact community development and not to approve sites located in floodplains, on wetlands, or on important farmlands, unless there is no practical alternative.

• The site must be located in an eligible area.

• The site must comply with the applicable environmental laws.

Soil and geological conditions must be suitable for the type of construction proposed. USDA Soils maps and applicable test pit data for any proposed on-site development is necessary to determine soil types and the limitation ratings.

Rural Development must ensure that sites are developed to provide a desirable, functional, convenient, and attractive living environment for the residents.

All sites must have adequate, economic, safe, energy efficient, dependable utilities with sufficient easements for installation and maintenance.

The site approval official will evaluate each site (developed or undeveloped) to determine acceptance for the program. A "Standard Flood Hazard Determination Form" will also be utilized for all SFH sites.

Each site must be contiguous to and have direct access from a hard surfaced or all weather road, or an all weather extended driveway that serves no more than two sites that connects to a publicly owned and dedicated street or all weather road.

• Hard surfaced streets must be dedicated to and publicly maintained.

• All weather surfaced streets must be dedicated to and publicly maintained.

Sites shall be surveyed and platted. Permanent markers shall be placed at all corners (surveyor pins).

Sites in subdivisions may be protected by covenants, conditions, and restrictions to preserve the character, value, and amenities of the residential community.