The intent of natural areas is to provide for retention of hillside areas in their natural state. The density and site disturbance shall be transferred to other portions of a site. Specific criteria for natural areas includes:
(a) Natural areas shall be at least one half acre in size or immediately adjacent or contiguous to other land also delineated as a natural area which, in the aggregate, totals at least one half acre in size.
(b) Site disturbance other than trails or bike paths shall not be permitted within the geographical area of a natural area.
(c) The natural area shall be delineated in a surveyable manner on the tentative and final plats of a subdivision or on any development plan required for development other than a subdivision, and shall be designated by legal description on a document recorded with the Belmont County Recorder for lot division.
(d) Natural areas may be designated as a deed-restricted portion of a privately owned lot, or as a separate parcel. Such parcel may be under the ownership of a homeowner’s association or deeded to any organization which accepts responsibility for the perpetual preservation and maintenance of the natural area, subject to approval and acceptance by the City of St. Clairsville. To protect the natural areas, covenants which run with the land shall be recorded in favor of the City of St. Clairsville and all owners with record interest in the natural area.