(A) Purpose. The city finds that the hillsides areas of Santa Paula contribute a unique character to the city and forms an integral part of the city's overall environment. Due to the physical dominance of hillsides on the landscape, development of the hillside areas will affect the visual and environmental character of the community. The city's primary objective regarding hillside development is to preserve the natural terrain, the quality environment, and the aesthetic features of the city while encouraging creative, innovative, diverse, and safe development. Such goals will only be achieved when special consideration is given to development in hillside areas.
(B) Intent. In enacting the provisions of this chapter, it is the intention and policy of the city to:
(1) Encourage only minimal grading which relates to the natural contour of the land, and which will round off, in a natural manner, sharp angles at the top and ends of cut and fill slopes so as to avoid a "staircase" or "padding" effect;
(2) Require the retention of trees and other vegetation which stabilize steep hillsides, retain moisture, prevent erosion, and enhance the natural scenic beauty and, where necessary, require additional landscaping to enhance the scenic qualities of the hillsides;
(3) Encourage a variety of building types and design, when appropriate, to materially reduce grading and disturbance of the natural character of the area;
(4) Require immediate planting wherever appropriate to maintain necessary cut and fill slopes, to stabilize slopes with plant roots, and to conceal bare soil from view; and
(5) Impose appropriate conditions on the development of all slopes to obtain conformity with approved development policies of the city's General Plan.
(C) Application. This chapter applies to all parcels zoned HR1-PD, HR2-PD; any parcels with an average slope of 10% or more; and any parcel included in the "Potential High Landslide and Debris and Mud Flow Hazard" and/or "High Potential for Rock Falls" areas as designated in the General Plan.
(Ord. 1103, passed 3-7-05)