It is the objective of this chapter to control soil erosion and sedimentation caused by development activities, including clearing, grading, stripping, excavating and filling of land in the City. Measures taken to control soil erosion and off site sediment runoff should be adequate to assure that sediment is not transported from the site by a storm event of 10-year frequency or less. The following principles shall apply to all development activities within the City and to the preparation of the submissions required under this chapter:
A. Erosion Control: Development should be related to the topography and soils of the site so as to create the least potential for erosion. Areas of steep slopes where high cuts and fills may be required should be avoided wherever possible, and natural contours should be followed as closely as possible.
B. Natural Vegetation And Sources: Natural vegetation should be retained and protected wherever possible. Areas immediately adjacent to natural watercourses, lakes, ponds and wetlands should be left undisturbed wherever possible. Temporary crossings, when permitted, must include appropriate stabilization measures.
C. Damage Prevention: Special precautions should be taken to prevent damages resultant from any necessary development activity within or adjacent to any stream, lake, pond or wetland. Preventive measures should reflect the sensitivity of the areas to erosion and sedimentation.
D. Minimum Land Exposure: The smallest practical area of land should be exposed for the shortest practical time during development.
E. Sediment, Runoff Control Measures: Sediment basins or traps, filter barriers, diversions, and any other appropriate sediment or runoff control measures should be installed prior to site clearing and grading and maintained to remove sediment from runoff waters from land undergoing development.
F. Assessment Of Control Measures: The selection of erosion and sedimentation control measures should be based on assessment of the probable frequency of climatic and other events likely to contribute to erosion, and on evaluation of the risks, costs and benefits involved.
G. Consideration Of Aesthetics And Maintenance: In the design of erosion control facilities and practices, aesthetics and the requirements of continuing maintenance should be considered.
H. Accommodation Of Increased Runoff: Provision should be made to accommodate the increased runoff caused by changed soil and surface conditions during and after development. Drainageways should be designed so that their final gradients and the resultant velocities of discharges will not create additional erosion.
I. Installation Of Vegetation, Structures: Permanent vegetation and structures should be installed and functional as soon as practical during development.
J. Protective Vegetative Cover: Those areas being converted from agricultural purposes to other land uses should be vegetated with an appropriate protective cover prior to development.
K. Waste Disposal: All waste generated as a result of site development activity should be properly disposed of and should be prevented from being carried off the site by either wind or water.
L. Prevention Of Sediment Onto Roadway: All construction sites should provide measures to prevent sediment from being tracked onto roadways.
(1987 Code § 18.50-2)