(A) Conformance to the general plan. All projects must conform to the adopted General Plan or to any accepted specific plan applicable to the area under consideration.
(B) Residential density. A maximum residential density shall be established based upon average slope, as set forth in the following table:
Average Slope | Maximum Residential Density |
30% and greater | 1 dwelling unit/10 acres |
20 to 29.9% | 1 dwelling unit/5 acres |
10 to 19.9% | 1 dwelling unit/2 acres |
A density shall be further limited by site conditions including natural resources, topographic and geological conditions and by the level of public services and road conditions that can reasonably be provided.
(C) Planning Commission determination. The Planning Commission shall consider the following criteria in further limiting density.
(1) Extent of lands which are hazardous to life and property due to soils, geological, seismic or hydrological factors unless the hazards can be mitigated by minor modifications to existing land forms and vegetation. These determinations must be based on the analysis of a licensed engineering geologist and/or civil engineer specializing in soils problems and hydrologist;
(2) The number of safe building sites which exist on the property;
(3) The cumulative impact of the development on existing circulation and drainage systems.
(D) Gross acreage calculation.
(1) Density shall be set for gross acreage. Hazardous lands may be excluded from the building area, but will be included in the calculation of gross density per acre.
(2) In cases where a portion of the property falls within two different categories in the General Plan, the Planning Commission shall determine an aggregate density based on the percentage of gross acreage in each category.
(Prior Code, § 17.58.040) (Ord. 352, passed - -1973; Am. Ord. 493, passed - -1982; Am. Ord. 827, passed 2-6-2019)