(A) Purpose:
1. To ensure that site development maintains natural features of the site and is compatible with the surrounding built and natural environment.
2. To guarantee that site planning is undertaken as an integrated process inclusive of all factors influencing the development of the site and showing compliance with requirements of this title including the following:
a. Chapters 3-7 “Development Standards” for all Zones including: setbacks, lot coverage, and distance between buildings.
b. 3.7.021 “Shoreline And River Environs Zone.”
c. 3.7.031 “Scenic Route Zone.”
d. 3.8.04 “Fire Mitigation Standards.”
e. 3.8.061 “Parking, Loading And Internal Circulation Area Development Standards.”
f. 3.8.063 “Bicycle Parking.”
g. 3.8.064 “Driveways.”
h. 3.8.066 “Loading Areas.”
i. 3.8.10 “Fencing And Walls.”
j. 3.8.12 “Corner Vision.”
k. 3.8.13 “Landscaping And Buffering.”
l. 3.8.15 “Snow Storage And Drainage.”
m. 3.8.19 “Main Entrances In R4 Through R16 Zones.”
n. 3.8.20 “Special Standards For Garages.”
o. 3.8.24 “Design, Location, And Screening Of Service Areas.”
p. Chapter 14 “Outdoor Lighting.”
q. 9.7.033 “Special Subdivision And Development Standards” for cuts, fills and grading.
(B) Structures shall be located in a manner that preserves significant vegetation as set forth in section 3.8.13, as well as water courses, wildlife corridors, wetlands, and significant natural features. Projects should be designed so they complement rather than dominate the natural landscape. To meet this performance standard all structures should be located:
1. In one of three (3) locations: (a) within tree masses; (b) at the edge of tree or land masses overlooking open space; or (c) in such a way as to preserve the predominate natural features of the site; and
2. At least fifteen feet (15') from any wetland, stream or watercourse.
(C) Site design shall minimize the modification of natural drainage patterns.
1. When modifications are necessary, surface drainage systems such as swales and retention basins are preferable to underground systems.
2. Drainage designs shall avoid the concentration, runoff, and acceleration of the runoff.
3. Site design shall be executed in a way which will avoid drainage impacts such as erosion and road damage both on-site as well as downstream.
4. Drainage designs shall avoid damage to the root systems of existing trees from either trenching, grading changes or over saturation of soils around trees.
(D) Site grading shall follow the natural terrain of the land and be the minimum necessary for development of the site as determined by the Administrator and Public Works Director.
1. Slopes shall be no steeper than 3-to-1 unless qualified soils engineering information is provided as part of the application.
2. Cuts and fills shall have surface drainage that prevents off-site impacts, provides erosion control, and avoids impacts to existing and offsite trees.
3. Cut and fill slopes shall be re-vegetated and terraced or controlled by retaining walls to protect against erosion, sedimentation, and the spread or cultivation of noxious and invasive weeds.
(E) Structures shall be sited so that their form does not break prominent skyline and preserves significant views. Development located on ridgetops is prohibited.
(F) The alignment of streets and driveways shall follow the contours of the site to minimize cuts and fills, preserve natural drainage patterns, and produce roads that are easily negotiated.
(G) All utilities shall be installed underground.
1. New underground utilities shall be located outside of the dripline of existing trees if trenched or be tunneled a minimum of three (3) feet below existing grade within the tree's dripline. The guiding principle is that no tree root two inches (2") or larger shall be cut.
2. In all commercial zones, all utilities within the public right of way adjacent to the front property line shall be undergrounded or conduit installed for future undergrounding. (Ord. 998, 1-14-2021)