(A) Purpose. Earth-sheltered buildings located either below the existing average ground level on a sloping lot or above the existing average ground level prior to construction and covered over 50% of the building by earth, create different development opportunities and challenges on a site-by-site basis. Due to major differences between above-grade housing and earth-sheltered buildings, the potential for soil erosion and slope failure and increased storm water runoff from the development site, development of earth-sheltered building shall be reviewed on a site-by-site basis and be required to comply with the following standards.
(B) Minimum requirements.
(1) A landscaping plan shall be required. The purpose of landscaping shall be to ensure maximum compatibility with adjacent above-ground housing and to insure that no soil erosion occurs following the completion of the building. The landscaping plan shall be a part of the zoning permit application. No zoning permit shall be issued until a landscaping plan is submitted and approved, or approved with conditions.
(2) Following the completion of all construction activities, soil erosion shall not occur. All soil surface laid bare during construction shall be promptly seeded and mulched to prevent erosion. Additional methods of erosion control may be required where it is found that seeding and mulching will not be sufficient. Where construction is completed at some time other than during the growing season, the property owner shall protect against soil erosion by appropriate means and shall seed all unvegetated ground at the beginning of the next growing season.
(3) Where earth-sheltered buildings are developed on a naturally occurring sloped site, the applicant shall evaluate the potential for slope failure. Earth-sheltered buildings located on sloping sites shall not be the cause of slope failure.
(4) Storm water runoff shall be controlled on-site by proper grading, landscaping, and permanent soil cover.
(5) Earth-sheltered buildings shall be required to meet all minimum setback requirements of the zoning district in which located.
(Ord. passed 6-9-2020; Ord. passed 4-13-2021; Ord. passed 7-13-2021; Ord. passed 8-16-2022; Ord. passed 10-11-2022) Penalty, see § 156.999