15.05.020 General Provisions.
To insure that proposed development in sensitive land areas reflect the best interests of the City, all grading or other improvement of any land, including, but not limited to, land in approved subdivisions or other development plans, shall conform to the development standards, guidelines, and criteria of this Chapter, the provisions of which are intended to minimize floods, erosion, and other environmental hazards; to protect the natural scenic character of foothill areas not suitable for development, and to insure the efficient expenditure of public funds. The policies to be achieved by this Chapter shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Encourage only minimal grading which relates to the natural contour of the land and which will round off, in a natural manner, sharp angles at the top and ends of cut and fill slopes, and which does not result in a “staircase” or “padding” effect.
(2) Require retention and protection of trees and other vegetation which stabilize steep hillsides, retain moisture, prevent erosion, enhance the natural scenic view, and where necessary, require additional landscaping to enhance the scenic and safety qualities of the hillside.
(3) Require immediate planting wherever appropriate to maintain necessary cut and fill slopes, to stabilize them with plant roots, to conceal the raw soil from view and to minimize erosion.
(4) Preserve natural drainage channels as determined by the City.
(5) Encourage retention of natural landmarks and prominent natural features, wildlife habitat, and open space.
(6) Preserve and enhance the visual and environmental quality through the use of natural vegetation and prohibition of excessive excavation and terracing.
(7) Protect the public from natural hazards of storm water run off and erosion by requiring drainage facilities.
(8) Minimize the threat of fire damage by establishing fire protection measures.
(9) Establish land use management that will encourage protection of natural elements while allowing a harmonious and satisfying residential environment.
(10) Encourage a regard for the view of the foothills as well as view from the foothills.
(11) Minimize public exposure to geological and natural hazards including, but not limited to, snow avalanche, rock slides, rock falls, debris flow, debris floods, flooding, landsliding, surface fault rupturing and/or deformation along primary and secondary fault traces and ground failure associated with soil liquefaction, by identification, mitigation and/or avoidance of such hazards in conjunction with development proposals.
(12) Minimize potential property losses related to geotechnical limitations including, but not limited to, expansive or collapsible soils, non-engineered fills and shallow groundwater conditions.