(a) The topography of the Village of Glencoe is characterized by an abundance of ravines and bluffs. These are valuable land resources that should be protected. Bluffs and ravines play a central role in the management of storm water throughout the village; they are also ecologically fragile and inherently unstable. Their proper care and maintenance are important to avoid degradation that could adversely affect the entire community.
(b) Steep slope areas may contain sediment, rock, and soils (1) that are natural features subject to erosion, surface and subsurface movement of water, and other destabilizing forces, and (2) whose stability is affected by the quality and root structure of natural ground cover. Regulating proposed development according to the natural characteristics of steep slope terrain, such as degree of sloping, significant vegetation, soil stability, and existing drainage patterns will allow for development on top of steep slope areas, including bluffs and ravines, while minimizing the physical impact of such development. The public interest will be served by protecting people and property from the potentially hazardous geological and hydrological conditions characteristic of ravine and bluff areas.
(Ord. No. 2013-13-3343)