Chapter 17.91 — GRADING REGULATIONS

Where the words "shall" or "will" are used in this Chapter, the stated standards shall be mandatory. Where the words "should," "could," or similar language is used, the provisions shall be considered guidelines only, unless required by the City Engineer, Planning Commission, or City Council through a discretionary approval process.

The grading standards listed in this Section shall be required of all development projects, as approved by the City Engineer.

(a) The overall shape, height, and grade of any cut or fill slope shall be designed to simulate the existing natural contours and scale of the natural terrain of the site.

(b) The angle of the graded slope shall be gradually adjusted to the angle of the natural terrain.

(c) Sharp, angular forms shall be rounded and smoothed to blend with the natural terrain.

(d) Graded slopes shall be landscaped.

(e) Natural drainage courses shall be preserved whenever practicable, consistent with the need to minimize flood and erosion hazards. Stream banks shall be stabilized with landscaping, rock, or other materials that harmonize with the natural setting and contain flows and control erosion.

(f) During construction, measures shall be taken to control runoff from construction sites consistent with National Pollution Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) requirements imposed by the State Regional Water Quality Control Board and Chapter 17.93 of this Code.

(g) Grading shall be phased so that prompt revegetation or construction can control erosion. Where possible, only those areas which will later be resurfaced, landscaped, or built on should be disturbed. Resurfacing of parking lots and roadways shall take place as soon as practicable and not at the completion of construction. (h) Grading operations should be planned to avoid the rainy season. Grading during the rainy season shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 17.93 of this Code.

The transition zone between development and the natural terrain shall be landscaped to accomplish the following general functions as required:

(a) Screening or edge treatment, i.e., berming and planting to buffer and soften the land use transition. Planting shall be consistent with the character established for the area in which the project is located.