(A) The purpose of these regulations is to ensure environmentally sensitive site planning which further is intended to foster aesthetically pleasing developments by enhancing the biodiversity, reducing the atmospheric carbon, improving water quality, filtering the air and reducing toxic chemicals in the environment and increasing the compatibility of adjacent land uses so as to minimize the harmful impacts of noise, dust, headlight glare, artificial light intrusions, and other objectionable activities. These regulations are intended to promote the prudent use of water, energy resources, and sustainability through habitat preservation areas, wetlands, stream bank buffers, wooded areas, waterfront yards, and existing native vegetation and trees.
(B) Broader objectives include:
(1) Prohibit clear-cutting of property.
(2) Protect and increase the value of residential and non- residential properties within the city.
(3) Maintain and enhance a positive image for the attraction of new residential and nonresidential land uses to the city.
(4) Protect healthy quality trees and promote the natural, ecological, environmental, and aesthetic qualities of the city.
(5) Emphasize the importance of trees and vegetation as both physical and visual barriers.
(6) Maintain the moisture levels in the area of lands with natural tree cover.
(7) Prevent soil erosion.
(8) Minimize the cost of construction and maintenance of drainage systems necessitated by the increased flow and diversion of surface waters by facilitating natural drainage systems and amelioration of storm water drainage problems.
(9) Provide shade.
(10) Conserve natural resources.
(11) Enhance the habitat and food source for birds and other wildlife, which in turn controls the insect populations and maintains the balance of natural ecosystems.
(Ord. 64-11-08, passed 12-9-08; Am. Ord. 32-10-11, passed 11-15-11)