The purpose of this article is to limit disturbance in areas with steeply sloping terrain, to protect watersheds, prevent flooding, and limit soil loss and erosion, degradation of surface water, and the destruction of the natural resources and topography of the city and ETJ
(Ordinance 521 adopted 2/13/18)
The provisions of this section are applicable to all new development and redevelopment proposed within the city and the ETJ.
(Ordinance 521 adopted 2/13/18)
A slope map shall be submitted at the time of application for a plat or building permit. The slope map shall be based upon a topographic survey, prepared by a licensed surveyor or engineer, which shows elevations at 10-foot contour intervals with slopes measured between adjacent contour lines. The slope map shall illustrate the following slope areas:
(1) 
Less than 15%.
(2) 
15% to 20%.
(3) 
20% to 25%.
(4) 
Greater than 25%.
(Ordinance 521 adopted 2/13/18)
Slope shall be calculated as a percentage and shall be established by measurement of distance perpendicular to the contour of the slope. The percent of slope shall be calculated for each 10-foot contour interval. For example, any location on the site where there is a one-foot rise over a 10-foot horizontal run constitutes a 10 percent slope; a 1.5 foot rise over a 10-foot horizontal run constitutes a 15 percent slope; a two foot rise over a 10-foot horizontal run constitutes a 20 percent slope.
(Ordinance 521 adopted 2/13/18)
Notwithstanding any applicable zoning requirements, disturbance associated with the preparation of land for development of lots or improvements shall not disturb more than that percentage of the surface area indicated below within the following slope areas:
(1) 
15% to 20%:
30% of the surface area.
(2) 
20% to 25%:
15% of the surface area.
(3) 
Greater than 25%:
No disturbance permitted, with exception for the following construction activities:
(A) 
Roadways or utility construction when the roadway or utility improvements are necessary in the slope area for a lawfully constructed improvement outside of such slope area to exist and there is no practical alternative to construction within such slope area.
(B) 
Cantilevering of structures over a steep slope provided that such cantilevering will not alter natural stormwater drainage or jeopardize slope stability.
(C) 
Retaining walls and other structures that are necessary for slope stabilization provided the following conditions are met:
(i) 
Retaining walls shall not be used to increase table land.
(ii) 
Backfilling of a retaining wall is performed only as necessary for slope stabilization.
(4) 
Reconstruction on the exact foundation of a previously existing structure.
(5) 
Bridges, walkways, stairs, and fences provided that such bridges, walkways, stairs, and fences will not alter natural stormwater drainage or jeopardize slope stability.
(6) 
Removal of trees not defined within article 17.06 as protected, specimen, majestic, or historic trees.
(Ordinance 521 adopted 2/13/18)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, no protected, specimen, or majestic tree may be removed within a steep slope area.
(Ordinance 521 adopted 2/13/18)
A person may request a variance from this article in the same manner and same conditions as a variance under section 1.07 of exhibit A of the subdivision ordinance.
(Ordinance 622 adopted 9/8/20)