1117.02 LAND PLANNING.
Land developments shall be planned to take advantage of the topography of the land in order to utilize the natural contours, to economize in the construction of drainage facilities, to reduce the amount of grading and to minimize destruction of trees and topsoil. The natural features and other distinctive characteristics of the site shall be integrated into the plan to create functional variations in the neighborhoods. Detailed topographic maps shall be utilized in the land planning.
(a) Streets and Topography. Land which is relatively flat, or of very gentle undulations, shall be planned so that the streets follow the natural drainage courses and, insofar as possible, all building sites shall be above the street grade. On more irregular topography, streets should follow the ridges or be planned approximately parallel to contour lines and designed to avoid extensive cuts and fills.
(b) Natural Drainage. All developments, particularly of land of very gentle slopes, shall be designed to take advantage of natural contours so that all the land can be drained with a minimum of reshaping. Unless water courses or drainage ways are enclosed, the plan shall be adjusted so that rear lot lines, or areas held as public or private common land, shall be approximately parallel to the natural or straightened water course, and only where such a plan is not practical, may side lot lines be arranged parallel to an open drainage course. Easements for drainage ways and low-lying areas which are subject to flooding may be included as part of a lot but shall not be utilized as a building site or included in calculation of required lot area or width.
(c) Natural Features. Natural features, irregularities, changes in level, brooks, hills and other focal points within the site, and distant views outside the subdivision shall be coordinated with the design to obtain natural variety and interest in each neighborhood and the most attractive building sites and views possible. Trees, topsoil and other natural resources shall be preserved and utilized in the development of the subdivision. Certain required dimensions may be adjusted to preserve such features when approved in accordance with the provisions of the Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Code.
(Ord. 69-38. Passed 4-20-70.)