The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the subdivision of land to develop functional street layouts so as to provide for adequate-sized lots which are in conformity with the highest and best use of the land; so as to provide for adequate open spaces for homes, schools and recreation; so as to insure the installation of adequate-sized utilities and adequately improved streets, all to the end that the development of land may proceed in an orderly manner, that good livable neighborhoods may be created with all of the needed community facilities, and that excessive city maintenance expenses may be avoided. It is deemed essential that the subdivision of land be regulated by the establishing of rules and requirements for the design and development of all new subdivisions so that the existing development will be protected and so that future development will conform with the existing streets, public ways, and to facilitate the adequate provision of water, sewage, schools, parks and other public requirements and to improve the health, safety and general welfare of the community. [Code 1975 § 6-6.0101.]