The provisions of this title and this chapter are intended to provide substantive environmental study and compliance requirements for all actions, property developments and land disturbances governed by this code, subject only to express exemptions from regulation contained in this code. This chapter is especially pertinent to applications for ground disturbance and/or for land development under titles 9, 10, 11, 13 and/or 14 of this code. (2001 Code § 42-1-101)