The purposes of this article are to insure that the site, location and configuration of structures are unobtrusive when viewed from off-site; that scenic views are retained; that buildings do not dominate the natural landscape; that ridgelines and hilltops are preserved; and that the siting of structures is consistent with other provisions of this chapter concerning grading, drainage, and erosion control.
(§ 15, Ord. 299, eff. December 11, 1985)
(a) 
Alternative Locations. The location of buildings and structures shall be selected so as to minimize runoff from the site, the volume of off-site drainage created, the destruction or alteration of natural vegetation, and the impairment of scenic views from off the site.
(b) 
Preservation of Ridgelines, and Hilltops. Ridgelines and hilltops shall be preserved by the siting of structures to take advantage of natural topographic or landscape features which would cause structures to blend with their natural surroundings. The Site Development Authority shall consider the following guidelines in approving the location of a structure:
(1) 
Single story buildings and height restrictions may be required on hilltops and ridgelines.
(2) 
Cut foundations should be used in place of fill on hilly terrain.
(3) 
Native or naturalized vegetation should be used to conceal structures wherever possible.
(4) 
Structures may be located on ridgelines or hilltops only when they can be rendered unobtrusive by one or more of the following techniques:
(i) 
The use of natural vegetation and/or added landscaping;
(ii) 
The use of a low-profile house, with a sloping roofline and foundation, that follows the natural contours of the site;
(iii) 
The use of exterior roofing and siding materials and colors that blend with the natural landscape.
(5) 
Hilltops or ridgelines shall not be cut down, flattened, or similarly graded to create a building pad in excess of the actual area covered by the principal residence.
(c) 
Disturbance to the Site. The location of all structures should create as little disturbance as possible to the natural landscape. The amount of grading, excavation, or fill shall be the minimum necessary to accommodate proposed structures, unless grading is proposed to lower the profile of buildings. Additional grading may be allowed for the purpose of lowering the profile of the building provided that at the completion of the project the visual alteration of the natural terrain is minimized. The removal of vegetation and alteration of drainage patterns shall be the minimum necessary to accommodate the proposed structure.
(d) 
Passive Solar Energy Conservation. Opportunities for passive solar energy shall be considered in the siting of buildings.
(e) 
Creek Protection. Structures shall be set back a minimum of 25 feet from the top of bank of all creeks. Greater setbacks may be required along major creeks in the Town; however, lesser setbacks may be allowed where approved by the Planning Commission. Improvements required to all creeks shall be accomplished to appear natural and to maintain the natural meandering course of the existing creek. Creeks and banks shall be protected so as to remain in their natural state as much as possible. They should not be disturbed by the building or grading process. No grading shall be allowed in creeks or within the required setbacks from top of bank. Siting of structures shall be done with safety as a primary concern. Safety concerns and preservation of riparian habitat are required to be simultaneously addressed when designing development and required improvements to creeks.
(§ 15, Ord. 299, eff. December 11, 1985; §§ 6, 7, Ord. 370, eff. May 20, 1994; § 1, Ord. 504, eff. October 28, 2006)
(a) 
Foundations. The types of foundation to be used for primary and accessory structures shall be selected to ensure that at the completion of the project the visual alteration of the natural terrain is minimized. Type II foundations—step-on-contour, daylight, pole foundations, or a combination thereof — shall be used on building sites with natural slopes in excess of 14%.
(b) 
Color and Materials. For large or highly visible surfaces on buildings, special attention shall be given to the selection of exterior colors and construction materials that are not highly reflective.
(c) 
Appurtenances. Dish antennae, freestanding solar panels, and similar appurtenances as defined in Section 10-2.301 may be approved by the Planning Director under the following conditions:
(1) 
The appurtenance is the minimum size necessary to adequately serve its purpose.
(2) 
The appurtenance can be suitably screened by landscaping, the use of colors or materials that blend with their surroundings, or by natural features of the site without adversely affecting its operation.
(3) 
Landscaping shall be placed to screen appurtenances such as solar panels and dish antennae in such a manner as to not significantly affect the basic function of such equipment. These structures shall not be permitted unless they can function in the presence of such screening.
(4) 
The appurtenance is not placed in a conspicuous position or on a hilltop or ridgeline.
The Planning Director may impose additional conditions on the size, location, and construction of appurtenances as the Planning Director deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(§ 6, Ord. 384, eff. October 18, 1996)