§ 313-123 Natural Landforms Protection

313-123 Natural Landforms Protection

The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that coastal natural landforms shall suffer the minimum disturbance, to the extent feasible, as a result of any new development. (Former Section CZ#A314-24(A))

These regulations shall apply to all lands proposed for development within the County’s Coastal Zone, if the lands contain natural features as listed in the Land Use Plans or contain significant natural contours, including slopes, visible contours of hilltops, bluffs, and rock outcroppings. Applicability of these regulations to particular sites shall be determined by the Director, on a case-by-case basis, upon submission of development permit applications and based upon the purposes and policies of the Land Use Plans. (Former Section CZ#A314-24(B))

These provisions shall be in addition to any other regulations imposed by this Division. Whenever the provisions of these regulations conflict with or are inconsistent in application with any other regulations, including conflicts with the County Grading Ordinance (see the most recently effective provisions of the Uniform Building Code, and any other adopted County Grading Ordinance), the most restrictive regulation shall apply. (Former Section CZ#A314-24(C))

The following mitigation measures shall be applied to development on lands containing natural landforms: (Former Section CZ#A314-24(D))

123.4.1Where development is permitted, including the alteration of natural landforms during construction, mineral extraction, or other approved development, the topography shall be restored to as close to the pre-development natural contours as possible, and the affected area planted with attractive vegetation common to the region; (Former Section CZ#A314-24(D)(1))

123.4.2In permitted development, landform alteration for access roads and public utilities shall be minimized by: (Former Section CZ#A314-24(D)(2))

123.4.2.1Running hillside roads and utility corridors along natural contours, where feasible; (Former Section CZ#A314-24(D)(2)(a))

123.4.2.2In order to keep hillside roads as narrow as possible, the minimum street width requirements may be waived provided such reductions are consistent with public safety. (Former Section CZ#A314-24(D)(2)(b))

Projects including natural landforms shall be approved only if the applicable Resource Protection Impact Findings of Chapter 2, Procedures, Supplemental Findings (312-39), are made. (Former Section CZ#A314-24(E))