Streets shall be related appropriately to the topography:
(a) A subdivision shall be planned so that as many lots as possible will be above the street grade. On irregular topography, streets shall be designed to avoid extensive cuts and fills and to comply with grading standards hereinafter established for private driveways and yards as well as for the streets. Streets approximately parallel to contour lines shall be adjusted so that the lots on one side of the street will not be excessively below the street grade.
(b) Grades of streets shall not exceed ten percent (10%) for local streets, eight percent (8%) for secondary streets and five percent (5%) for major streets. However, in no case may streets be constructed with grades that, in the professional opinion of the City Engineer, create a substantial danger to the public safety. Street grades shall be not less than five-tenths percent (0.5%) in order to provide adequate surface drainage, provided, however, that the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit a minimum of twenty-five hundredths percent (0.25%) where necessary because of topographic or other conditions.
(c) Street grades shall conform as closely as practicable to the original topography. All changes in grade shall be connected by vertical curves of sufficient length to provide a smooth transition and clear visibility for vehicular operations. A rate of change of grade of three or four percent (3% or 4%) per 100 feet is the maximum recommended to give at least 100 feet of sight distance. Streets shall level off to a grade not exceeding three percent (3%) for a distance of not less than 100 feet from each side of an intersection. (Ord. 2006-35. Passed 5-25-06.)