The Mountain Overlay zoning district is established for the following purposes:
(A) To protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Wallace;
(B) To encourage land uses harmonious with existing natural resources;
(C) To protect scenic beauty and scenic values;
(D) To prohibit detrimental alteration of existing topography and terrain, leaving hillsides and steep sided canyons generally open and unobstructed, to prohibit scarring by roadways;
(E) To protect natural land features and wildlife habitat;
(F) To minimize or prohibit alteration of hillsides, steep slopes, canyons, and ridges;
(G) To facilitate adequate provision of public services and facilities (i.e., water and sewer, and police, fire and ambulance protection) through standards appropriate to local conditions;
(H) To minimize or prohibit detrimental effects on the natural topography, geology, soils, drainage, wildlife and vegetation;
(I) To prevent unsafe development into areas at risk to wildfires;
(J) To carry out provisions contained in Wallace's comprehensive plan;
(K) To minimize the visual impact of building sites and access drives at higher elevations;
(L) To protect hillsides in Wallace which are physically and topographically unique due to their present lack of access roads and thus their lack of development;
(M) To ensure preservation of hillsides, steep slopes, and ridgelines and their natural features which are visible from the valley floor from obstruction by development;
(N) To protect and enhance the City of Wallace's designation as a historical site by preserving the natural environment and mountains surrounding Wallace;
(O) To assure the property owner is not deprived of economically viable use of his/her property; and
(P) To ensure that building, excavation, filling or vegetation on ridges or hillsides will not have a material visual impact on a significant hillside or skyline visible from a public vantage point entering the City or within the City. "Material," as the term is used herein shall be construed in light of the magnitude of the negative impact on the purposes outlined herein.
(Ord. 2022-06, passed 10-12-2022)