Subdivisions shall be planned to take advantage of the topography of the land in order to utilize the natural contours and economize in the construction of drainage facilities, to reduce the amount of grading and to minimize destruction of trees and topsoil. The natural features and other distinctive characteristics of the site shall be integrated into the plan to create functional variations in the neighborhoods. Topographic maps shall be utilized in land planning.
(A) Streets and Topography. Land shall be planned so that the streets follow the natural drainage courses and as many lots as possible shall be above the street grade. Where it may be necessary, because of limitations of site dimensions, to plan streets approximately perpendicular to the contour lines, more extensive grading shall be required.
(B) Natural Drainage. Subdivisions shall be designed, particularly land of very gentle slopes, to take every advantage of natural grades so that all the land can be drained without excessive grading. Unless watercourses or drainage ways are enclosed, the plan shall be adjusted so that rear lot lines are approximately parallel to the natural or straightened course, and only where such a plan is not possible may side lot lines be arranged parallel to an open drainage course. Easements for drainage ways and low lying land which is subject to flooding may be included as part of a lot but shall not be used as a building site but may be included in calculating the required lot area or width.
(C) Natural Features. Natural features, irregularities, changes in the level of brooks, lakes, hilltops and other focal points within the sate, and distant views outside the subdivision, shall be integrated in the design to obtain natural variations and interest in each neighborhood and more attractive building sites. Trees, topsoil and other natural resources shall be preserved and utilized in the development of the subdivision.
(Ord. 16-63, passed 5-20-1963)