(A) The intent of this chapter is to avoid the following:
(1) Excessive quantities of soil eroding from areas that are undergoing development for certain nonagricultural uses, including, but not limited to, the construction of dwelling units, commercial buildings and industrial plants, the building of roads and highways, the filling of land and the creation of recreational facilities;
(2) The washing, blowing and falling of eroded soil across and upon roadways endangering the health and safety of users thereof by decreasing vision and reducing traction of road vehicles;
(3) Soil erosion necessitating the costly repair of gulleys, washed-out fills and embankments;
(4) Sediment from soil erosion tending to clog sewers and ditches and to pollute and silt rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs;
(5) Sedimentation limiting the use of water and waterways for the most beneficial purposes and destroying fish and other aquatic life, and the costly and difficult removal of sediment; and
(6) Sedimentation reducing the channel capacity of waterways, resulting in greatly increased chances of flooding and grave danger to public health and safety.
(B) The purposes of this chapter are to provide minimum standards to safeguard persons, to protect property, to prevent the despoilation of the environment and to promote the public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials and use and maintenance of any development or other activity which disturbs or breaks the topsoil or otherwise results in the movement of earth on land situated in the city.
(2000 Code, § 15.44.010)