(a) Grading Plan. Subdivisions shall be planned to take advantage of the natural topography so as to minimize grading as set forth in Section 1127.02
. A grading plan shall be prepared for the street areas along with the street improvement details, and before buildings may be constructed, a detailed land development plan shall be prepared showing the buildings and the grading of each block and lot.
(b) Block Grading. The grading of blocks and lots shall be in accordance with the current standards established by the Director of Engineering. The plans may be based on any of the following grading systems:
(1) Where there is a ridge along rear lot lines and the lots drain to the streets;
(2) Where parts of all lots drain to a swale or ditch along rear lot lines;
(3) Where there is a gentle or a steep cross slope and drainage onto adjoining properties;
(4) Where the land is relatively flat and adequate drainage must be formed; or
(5) Where there is a variation of the above conditions.
The grading of the roadway shall extend the full width of the right of way. Tree lawns shall be graded at a gradient of not less than two percent nor more than five percent upward from the curb to the sidewalk or property line.
(c) Lot Grading. The floor elevation of each building shall be set in relation to the street. The lot shall be graded so that water drains away from each building at a minimum grade of two percent. Surface drainage swales with a grade of between 0.5 percent and two percent shall be designed so that surface water will drain into a street gutter, storm sewer, drain inlet or natural drainage way. Surface drainage swales with grades in excess of two percent shall have paved inverts. The minimum grades of driveways shall be 0.4 percent and a maximum of ten percent. Grading shall be adjusted so there will be no abrupt grades in the front yards and along side lot lines. The grades of earth terraces shall not exceed one and one-half to one and shall be seeded or sodded as directed by the Director. Masonry retaining walls exceeding three feet in height shall have a hedge, fence or rail at the top edge of the wall.
(d) Topsoil and Trees. The Director may require that topsoil stripped from the roadway and construction areas shall be preserved for use on each site. The Planning Commission may also require that as many trees as can be reasonably utilized in the final development plan be preserved.
(Ord. 1964-62. Passed 7-16-64.)