§ 9.97.100. General standards applicable to all single-lot and multiple-lot hillside grading development projects.

(a)

Hillside grading. Both single-lot and multiple-lot hillside grading development projects pose unusually high exposure to fire and flood runoff, land slippage and erosion hazards. It is the City's intent to minimize to the fullest extent possible any such exposure. Consequently, all single-lot and multiple-lot hillside grading development projects shall incorporate the following features:

(1)

Erosion control. Where applicable, lot designs and the location of proposed improvements shall permit accommodation of debris from potential land slippage and/or erosion without damage to improvements and with access to a street to provide for cleanup and removal.

(2)

Lot coverage. To minimize storm drainage runoff, the amount of impervious coverage of any hillside lot shall be restricted to 50 percent of the allowable gradable area of the lot. Driveways shall be considered to be impervious surfaces, regardless of the construction materials used.

(b)

Natural open space preservation. To preserve the rural character of the City and remain consistent with the City's hillside grading and development policies, a percentage of each lot must be left in its natural state. The amount of land to be left in its natural state depends on the average slope and will be determined as follows:

(1)

Open space, 50 percent. Lots having an average slope of ten percent to 24.9 percent shall retain 50 percent of the net lot area in its natural state.

(2)

Open space, 60 percent. Lots having an average slope of 25 percent to 34.9 percent shall retain 60 percent of the net lot area in its natural state.

(3)

Open space, 70 percent. Lots having an average slope of 35 percent to 49.9 percent shall retain 70 percent of the net lot area in its natural state.

(4)

Open space, 85 percent. Lots having an average slope of 50 percent or more shall retain 85 percent of the net lot area in its natural state.

(c)

Open space waiver. The requirement to retain a percentage of land in its natural state may be waived when the Planning Commission finds that the proposed grading is intended for agricultural purposes and the proposed grading will not constitute a threat to public health, safety and welfare. The Planning Commission may attach conditions to any approval for agricultural grading.

(Ord. No. 297, § 9.06.020.100, 3-20-2007)