(a)
Project Coordination. Unless otherwise exempt, all concept grading
plans shall be subject to a discretionary hearing and approval. All
concept grading plans which are required for projects receiving other
discretionary approvals shall be reviewed and either approved or denied
in accordance with the project decision. Concept grading plans will
be subject to the discretion of the planning commission and city council
for those projects otherwise requiring planning commission and city
council approval. All other concept grading plans, except those for
trenching and backfill of trenches as defined under "grading" and
"minor work" will be subject to the discretion of the design review
board.
(b)
Project Information. With each concept application for a grading
permit, four sets of concept-level plans and specifications shall
be submitted. Except as waived by the city on minor work, the plans
shall be prepared and signed by an architect, landscape architect
or tract or site engineer, and shall show or including the following:
(1)
A vicinity sketch or other data adequately indicating the site locations;
(2)
Property lines of the property on which the work is to be performed;
(3)
Location of any buildings, structures and size and type of any major
vegetation on the site where the work is to be performed, and the
location of any existing building, structure or major vegetation within
fifteen feet of the site on which the grading is to be performed;
(4)
Accurate contours showing the topography of the existing ground.
Contours shall be at least five foot intervals if the slope is greater
than ten percent and two foot intervals if the slope is ten percent
or less;
(5)
Elevations, dimensions, location, extent and the slopes of all proposed
grading shown by contours or other approved method. Plans shall be
to scale of one inch equals forty feet or other approved scale;
(6)
An estimate of the quantity of excavation and fill involved in cubic
yards with a statement as to whether any earth or other materials
are to be hauled away or imported and an estimate of the time required
to complete the grading operations;
(7)
A map showing the existing and proposed drainage area, designated
natural drainage courses, and estimated runoff of storm waters from
the area served by any drains, drainage courses or similar features;
(8)
The limits of grading activity;
(9)
A preliminary erosion and sediment control and landscape plan indicating
erosion control landscaping to be utilized both during and after grading;
(10)
A preliminary engineering geological and soils engineering report
that complies with the Technical Guidelines for Soils and Geology
Report published by the county of Orange and which includes a discussion
of the future stability or any expected problems associated with the
following:
(A)
Those areas underlain by siltstone,
(B)
Those areas of high water table and perched water where seepages
can and have existed,
(C)
Those slopes in which well developed and smooth bedding planes
are unsupported,
(D)
Those sea cliff areas and hillsides which have failed in the
historic and geologic past,
(E)
Those canyons where problems of erosion and deposition have
been experienced and how the proposed grading will affect the canyon
areas,
(F)
This report should also include a discussion of any other anticipated
problems which will be associated with the grading and any corrective
measures which will be needed to mitigate the problems. The reports
shall include information appropriate for the site including any information
required by the city. Recommendations included in the reports and
approved by the city shall be incorporated into the grading plans
and specifications;
(11)
Environmental impact information consistent with the procedures and
requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and its local
implementing guidelines.
(c)
Review of Grading Plans. In reviewing grading plans for development
within hillside areas, the staff, planning commission or design review
board shall act to ensure attainment of the following objectives:
(1)
The preservation of natural topographic features and appearances
by means of land sculpturing so as to blend any manmade or manufactured
slopes into the natural topography;
(2)
The preservation of natural topographic features and appearances
through discouragement of successive padding and terracing of building
sites in hillside areas;
(3)
The retention of major natural skyline profiles and significant ridgelines
so as to avoid abrupt changes in grade;
(4)
The retention of major natural topographic features such as canyons,
drainage swales, steep slopes, watershed areas, flood plains, view
corridors and scenic vistas;
(5)
The preservation and enhancement of prominent landmark features such
as natural rock outcroppings, prominent trees and plant material,
and other areas of special natural beauty. Prominent trees shall be
judged by the uniqueness of the species, caliper of the trunk, site
location and significance of groupings;
(6)
The preservation and introduction of plant material so as to protect
slopes from soil erosion and slippage, and to minimize the visual
effects of grading and construction on hillside areas;
(7)
The utilization of landscaping and irrigation systems to protect
against potential hazards due to fire;
(8)
Consistency with the adopted elements of the city's general plan.
(Ord. 1237 § 1, 1992; Ord. 1442 § 2, 2004)
