(A) The purpose of this subchapter is to guide development in karst terrain areas consistent with the Cornerstone 2020 Comprehensive Plan guidelines, to protect natural areas and features, and to locate development, where possible, in areas that do not have severe environmental limitations. The intent of this subchapter is to regulate karst terrain development in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by regulating the development and use of environmentally constrained lands to proceed in a manner that promotes safe and appropriate construction, stormwater management, and groundwater quality.
(B) More specifically, these regulations are intended to:
(1) Maintain property values and avoid property damage and/or safety concerns due to development in karst terrain areas;
(2) Incorporate geotechnical engineering practices to promote the stability and environmental quality of karst terrain areas;
(3) Preserve or enhance the beauty of the landscape by encouraging the retention of natural topographic features, including sinkholes, springs, caves, and natural plant communities;
(4) Protect groundwater by minimizing pollution caused by development on karst terrain;
(5) Protect downstream development from flooding caused or exacerbated by development activity in karst terrain areas; and
(6) Promote building stability by limiting the location of buildings in karst terrain areas and by incorporating geotechnical engineering techniques into construction activity.
(LDC § 4.9.1)