[Ord. No. 509, 8-11-2021]
A. 
In the subdividing of any land within the jurisdiction, due regard shall be shown for all-natural features, such as tree growth, natural watercourses or other similar elements, which, if preserved, would add attractiveness to the proposed development.
B. 
The natural topography shall be retained, wherever possible, in order to prevent additional runoff onto adjoining property and to avoid extensive regarding of the site.
[Ord. No. 509, 8-11-2021]
A. 
To the maximum extent practicable, development shall be located to preserve the natural features of the site, to avoid areas of environmental sensitivity, and to minimize negative impacts and alteration of natural features. Significant trees or stands of trees shall be preserved as undeveloped open space, to the extent consistent with reasonable utilization of land, and in accordance with applicable State or local regulations.
B. 
Environmental feature areas include the 100-year floodplain, drainage areas, and significant water resources such as lakes, creeks and rivers.
[Ord. No. 509, 8-11-2021]
A. 
Purpose. The City contains many natural amenities, including stream corridors, river corridors, natural drainages, significant viewsheds and hillsides, as well as tree cover, and open space, all of which contribute to the City's character, quality of life and property values. The regulations of this Section are intended to implement the Kimberling City Comprehensive Plan and ensure that the natural character of the City is reflected in patterns of development and redevelopment, and significant natural features are protected and incorporated into open space areas.
B. 
Steep Slope And Ridgeline Development.
1. 
Purpose. The purpose of this Subsection is to:
a. 
Prevent soil erosion and landslides;
b. 
Protect the public by preventing or regulating development in hazardous areas, such as locations with steep slopes;
c. 
Provide safe circulation of vehicular and pedestrian traffic to and within hillside areas and provide access for emergency vehicles necessary to serve the hillside areas;
d. 
Encourage only minimal grading that relates to the natural contour of the land;
e. 
Preserve the most visually significant slope banks and ridgelines in their natural state;
f. 
Preserve visually significant rock outcroppings, native plant materials, natural hydrology and other areas of visual significance;
g. 
Encourage variety in building types, grading techniques, lot sizes, site design, density, arrangement and spacing of buildings in developments;
h. 
Encourage innovative architectural, landscaping, circulation and site design;
i. 
Discourage mass grading of large pads and excessive terracing; and
j. 
Require revegetation and reclamation of slopes disturbed during development.
2. 
Applicability. This Subsection shall apply to any development or subdivision proposal or lot created after the effective date of this Code for properties with an average slope of fifteen percent (15%) or greater, or where adverse conditions associated with slope stability, erosion or sedimentation are present as determined by the Administrative Officer. Determinations of adverse conditions shall be identified by the Administrative Officer within ten (10) days of applicable application filing.
3. 
Development On Slopes Greater Than Twenty Percent (20%). Site areas with slopes greater than twenty percent (20%) shall remain undisturbed except as follows:
a. 
This requirement shall not apply to small, isolated steep slope area within a site that do not exceed two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet.
b. 
Slope areas of twenty percent (20%) or greater shall count toward minimum lot size.
c. 
Development is permitted outside of the slope area of twenty percent (20%) if the Administrative Officer determines that there is sufficient buildable area on the lot for the proposed structure or where buildable area can be made available through the minor modification process.
4. 
Development On Slopes Between Fifteen Percent (15%) And Twenty Percent (20%). The following standards apply to all proposed development on sites where the average slope of the site measures between fifteen percent (15%) and twenty percent (20%).
a. 
Site Design.
(1) 
Roads and building sites shall be oriented to minimize grading.
(2) 
Buildings shall be oriented to consider views from the site as well as the aesthetic impact of views of the site from surrounding properties.
(3) 
Hilltops, if graded, should be rounded to blend with natural slopes rather than leveled.
(4) 
Parking areas should be constructed on multiple levels and follow natural contours as necessary to minimize cut and fill.
(5) 
Roads should follow natural topography to the extent feasible, to minimize cut and fill. Necessary grading should be constant half-cut and half-fill along the length of the road (versus all cut or all fill at points) unless other arrangements would result in less severe alteration of natural terrain.
5. 
Utilities On Slopes.
a. 
Utility easements are not permitted to follow slope lines and may only cross slope lines at ninety-degree angles.
6. 
Raising Or Lowering Of Natural Grade. The original, natural grade of a lot shall not be raised or lowered more than four (4) feet at any point for construction of any structure or improvement, except:
a. 
The site's original grade may be raised or lowered a maximum of six (6) feet if retaining walls are used to reduce the steepness of man-made slopes, provided that the retaining walls comply with the requirements set forth in this Subsection.
b. 
As necessary to construct a driveway from the street to a garage or parking area, grade changes or retaining walls up to six (6) feet may be allowed.
c. 
For the purposes of this Subsection, basements and buildings set into a slope are not considered to lower the natural grade within their footprint.
7. 
Vehicular Routes. The following regulations apply to vehicular routes on slopes of fifteen percent (15%) or greater.
a. 
Streets, roads, private access roads and other vehicular routes shall, to the maximum extent feasible, follow natural contour lines.
b. 
Grading for streets, roads, private access roads and other vehicular routes shall be limited to the paved portion of the right-of-way, plus up to an additional ten (10) feet on either side of the paved portion as needed, except that when developing access on slopes in excess of twenty-five percent (25%) only the paved right-of-way shall be graded, plus the minimum area required for any necessary sidewalk improvements. The remainder of the access right-of-way shall be left undisturbed to the maximum extent feasible.
8. 
Trails. Public trails are permitted on all slopes. Private trails may be allowed if the Administrative Officer determines that there will be no significant adverse impacts, such as increased erosion potential.
C. 
Erosion Prevention And Sediment Control.
1. 
Standards. All new development shall be subject to the following erosion prevention and sediment control standards:
a. 
Compliance with applicable City and State requirements.
b. 
Water shall be carried off the site without damage to downhill public or private properties and/or improvements.
c. 
Water shall be directed away from buildings and other heavily used areas.
d. 
Post-development discharge of stormwater shall not exceed predevelopment discharge for a 100-year storm event.
e. 
Unnecessary ponding not intended for detention or retention purposes should be avoided.
f. 
Erosion control measures as necessary to control erosion and sedimentation during site development and construction shall be implemented. These may include, but are not limited to, the placement of hay bales and siltation fences.
2. 
Grading Plan; Revegetation Of Disturbed Sites. A grading plan, submitted pursuant to Section 405.030(N), Grading Permit, and demonstrating compliance with the above standards is required. The grading plan shall include a section outlining the type and extent of revegetation proposed to accomplish the following requirements:
a. 
Following construction, the site shall be reclaimed and revegetated following the standards of Section 510.040 and Section 400.630.
b. 
In areas of subdivisions and development sites where landscaping is not required or not anticipated by the Administrative Officer, the developer shall reclaim all disturbed property and replant the entire area with native vegetation as described in Section 510.040 and Section 400.630.
c. 
Topsoil shall be stockpiled and placed on disturbed areas.
d. 
Irrigation shall be provided to the revegetated areas if the Administrative Officer determines that it is necessary to ensure survival of native species planted.