Existing features which would add value to the type of intended development to the community as a whole, such as trees, watercourses, falls, beaches, historic spots, and similar irreplaceable assets, shall be preserved in the overall design of the subdivision. Ecological considerations for the subdivision in development are discussed in the following paragraphs.
A. Soil preservation and final grading. A certificate of occupancy shall not be issued until final grading has been completed, in accordance with the approved construction plan. There shall be an amount of viable top soil for landscaping requirements. Planting shall be viable for at least two growing seasons under normal growing conditions. Top soil shall be stabilized by seeding, plantings, or similar methods.
B. Lot grade and drainage. Lots shall be laid out so as to provide positive drainage away from all buildings and individual lot drainage shall be coordinated with the general storm water drainage patterns for the area. Drainage shall be designed so as to avoid the accumulation of storm water on any one or more lots from adjacent lots. It shall be the initial responsibility of the owner/developer having overall responsibility for the development of the lot(s) to meet these requirements. Subsequent responsibility lies with the lot owner. The Executive Director or Building Inspector or approved authority shall give a visual inspection of the site prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
C. Delayed initial lawn care. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued until re-spreading of soil and seeding of the lawn have been completed; however, if the final grading and/or seeding of the lawn is not done during the planting season, a letter of intent shall be written to the Executive Director with the signatures of the builder and the owner, stating that the task shall be done during the immediately following planting season.
D. Existing flora. The subdivider shall strive toward protecting and retaining all existing healthy trees of 12-inch caliber or larger, measured four feet above the ground, not actually growing in public roadways, drainage easements, soil absorption and waste disposal filter fields, paths, trails, or easements and building sites. Reference is made to the United States Department of Agriculture publication “Agricultural Information Bulletin No. 255 Protection of Trees Against Damage From Construction Work,” United States Government Printing Office, 1964, as amended. Two copies of this document are incorporated by reference into this ordinance and may be on file in the office of the County Soil and Water Conservation District Office for public inspection. Reference is also made to Columbia City Code Chapter 99, Tree Plan, Ordinance 1995-1 and subsequent amendments which shall be the primary source of information relative to trees, e.g. species, planting, care. Literature is available in Chapter 99: Tree Plan can be viewed in the office of the Columbia City Clerk Treasurer. Certain sections of the Columbia City Zoning Ordinance are made, by reference, a part of this ordinance and shall be adapted to meet the needs of the subdivision. Those sections or paragraphs are as follows:
1. 9.03 Development Plan.
2. 9.03(A)(6) Existing Conditions.
3. 9.03(B)(6) Existing Conditions.
4. 9.05 Period of Validity.
5. 10.03(C) Sight Triangle.
6. 10.04 Screening and Landscaping.
7. 10.04(A) Landscaping Specifics.
8. 10.04(E) Deciduous and Evergreen Trees (details applicable to residential subdivisions as well as Mobile Home Parks.
9. 10.04(G) Maintenance.
10. 10.04(H) Buffer Strips (details applicable to residential subdivisions as well as Mobile Home Parks.)
E. Debris and waste. No cut trees, timber, debris, rocks, stones, junk, rubbish, or other waste material of any kind shall be buried in any land, or left or deposited on any lot or street at the time of occupancy within a subdivision, nor shall any be left or deposited in any area of the subdivision at the time of expiration of the performance bond or dedication of public improvements, whichever is sooner.
F. Fencing. Each subdivider and/or developer shall be required to furnish and install fences wherever the Commission determines that a hazardous condition may exist. The fences shall be constructed according to standards established by the City/County Engineer or authorized person, and shall be noted as to height and material on the final plat. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued until said fence improvements have been duly installed.
G. Water bodies and water courses. If a tract being subdivided contains a water body, or portion thereof, lot lines shall be drawn as to distribute the entire ownership of the water body among the fees of adjacent lots. The Commission may approve an alternative allocation of interests whereby the ownership of and the responsibility for safe maintenance of the water body is so placed that it will not become a local government responsibility. Where a water course separates the buildable area of a lot from the street/road to which it has access, provisions shall be made for installation of a culvert or other structure, of design approved by the City/County Engineer, or authorized person.
H. Performance bond to include lot improvements. The performance bond shall include an amount to guarantee completion of all requirements contained in this section of these regulations including, but not limited to, soil preservation, lot drainage, initial lot grading and lawn-grass seeding, removal of debris and waste, fencing, and all other lot improvements required by the Commission. Whether or not a certificate of occupancy has been issued, at the expiration of the performance bond, the city/county may enforce the provisions of the bond where compliance with the provisions of this section or any other applicable law, ordinance, or regulation has not occurred. When the lot is sold to the builder/owner, responsibility for finished grading and lawn-grass seeding shall be with the builder/owner.
(1980 Code, Ch. 154, § 4.07) (Ord. 2001-4, passed 3-27-2001)