The natural features included in the Environmental Overlay Districts are intended to remain undeveloped to the extent possible for the following reasons.
(a) The alluvial soils are flood-prone and are subject to the requirements of Chapter 1446 of the Building and Housing Code.
(b) The remaining soil areas are generally excessively steep, are highly unstable and would be subject to erosion and mass movement if ground cover were to be removed and the soil exposed. Development should generally not be permitted in these areas.
(c) Lowland forests are generally found within flood plains and the high diversity of vegetation types provides a wide range of potential wildlife niches. The forest canopy along the East Branch of the Chagrin River and its tributaries helps to maintain soil stability by preventing erosion, protects surface and ground water resources and water quality and provides a habitat conducive to the diverse fish species population presently found. This forest cover should be preserved and protected to the extent possible and any removal should be highly selective.
(d) The ravine forests have characteristics of ecological associations common in locations farther to the north and thus provide local habitat for wildlife species uncommon to the Kirtland area. The ravine forests help to maintain soil stability and prevent soil erosion on the highly unstable steep slope areas and protect surface and ground water resources by helping to control run-off rates, infiltration and siltation. This forest cover should be preserved and protected to the extent possible and any removal should be highly selective.
(Ord. 76-O-43, passed 7-6-1976)