17.91.030 Grading Guidelines Applicable to All Projects
The grading standards listed in this Section shall be required of all development projects, as approved by the City Engineer.
   (a)   The overall shape, height, and grade of any cut or fill slope shall be designed to simulate the existing natural contours and scale of the natural terrain of the site.
   (b)   The angle of the graded slope shall be gradually adjusted to the angle of the natural terrain.
   (c)   Sharp, angular forms shall be rounded and smoothed to blend with the natural terrain.
   (d)   Graded slopes shall be landscaped.
   (e)   Natural drainage courses shall be preserved whenever practicable, consistent with the need to minimize flood and erosion hazards. Stream banks shall be stabilized with landscaping, rock, or other materials that harmonize with the natural setting and contain flows and control erosion.
   (f)   During construction, measures shall be taken to control runoff from construction sites consistent with National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) requirements imposed by the State Regional Water Quality Control Board and Chapter 17.93 of this Code.
   (g)   Grading shall be phased so that prompt revegetation or construction can control erosion. Where possible, only those areas which will later be resurfaced, landscaped, or built on should be disturbed. Resurfacing of parking lots and roadways shall take place as soon as practicable and not at the completion of construction.
   (h)   Grading operations should be planned to avoid the rainy season. Grading during the rainy season shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 17.93 of this Code.