(A) General. The purpose of these guidelines is to give a sense of the physical aspect of the county environment to those contemplating new development in the community. Important to this physical appearance is the design of the site, buildings and structures, the natural topography and plant life, signs, street hardware, and miscellaneous other objects that are observed by the public. These standards are not intended to restrict imagination, innovation or variety, but rather to assist in focusing on design principles which can produce creative solutions that will develop a satisfactory visual appearance within the county, preserve taxable values, preserve natural resources and promote the public health, safety and welfare.
(B) Standards.
(1) The landscape shall be preserved in its natural state insofar as practicable, by minimizing tree and soil removal. Any grade changes shall be in keeping with the general appearance of neighboring developed areas. The orientation of individual building sites shall be such as to maintain maximum natural topography and cover. Topography, tree cover and natural drainage ways shall be treated as fixed determinants of road and lot configuration rather than as malleable elements that can be changed to follow a preferred development scheme.
(2) Streets shall be designed and located in such a manner as to maintain and preserve natural topography, cover, significant landmarks and trees; to minimize cut and fill; and to preserve and enhance views and vistas on or off the subject parcel.
(3) Proposed development shall be related harmoniously to the terrain and to the use, scale and architecture of existing buildings in the vicinity that have functional or visual relationship to the proposed buildings. Proposed buildings shall be related to their surroundings.
(4) All open space (landscaped and usable) shall be designed to add to the visual amenities of the area by maximizing its visibility for persons passing the site or overlooking it from nearby properties.
(5) (a) The color, size, height, lighting and landscaping of signs and structures shall be evaluated for compatibility with the local architecture and the maintenance of views and vistas of natural landscapes, recognized historic landmarks, parks and landscaping.
(b) The removal or disruption of historic, traditional or significant uses, structures, or architectural elements shall be minimized insofar as practicable, whether these exist on the site or on adjacent properties.
(Ord. 3 § 6.1 passed 9-14-1998) Penalty, see § 152.999