Sec. 21-42. - Purpose.

The board of supervisors has recognized that the general provisions, definitions, procedures, improvements and design requirements, standards and principles set out in divisions 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this article, although adequate for most subdivisions and lot splits in the county, need modification and supplementation to

protect and preserve the public health, public safety and public welfare, in regard to certain areas. Accordingly, the board has adopted Resolution No. 23789 setting out its general policies in regard to "Special Treatment Areas," particularly hillsides. It shall be the purpose of this division to carry out in more detail the general policy considerations set out in that resolution. Among other things, the resolution recited that the natural scenic beauty of the county is a major economic asset of the county; that urban and suburban development of many portions of the county is imminent and inevitable; and that certain types of developments and appurtenances thereto tend to destroy the natural scenic beauty of the county. Furthermore, the county recognizes that when many areas are subdivided or developed, such features as hillside terrain, special soil and geological conditions, water frontage, highly combustible native vegetation and other conditions may cause one or more serious consequences such as increased fire, flood and erosion hazards, traffic circulation problems, sewage disposal problems, property damage from expansive soil, slippage and subsidence and adverse effects on the general economy of the county from destruction of natural scenic beauty and unsightly developments. Such consequences may be avoided if special consideration is given to those subdivisions and lot splits where one or more special conditions exist. Since conditions vary greatly between different land areas in the "Special Treatment Areas," design criteria and other requirements must vary in many cases in order to achieve necessary flexibility of design. The board of supervisors, acting upon its own initiative or upon the advice and recommendation of the planning commission or any county official, may adopt resolutions setting forth detailed policy and specific limitations and maximum and minimum standards covering certain situations and conditions and designating particular areas as "Special Treatment Areas." Such resolutions shall be in line with the principles of Resolution No. 23789, including the following:

(a)

Encouraging flexibility of development design to adjust to natural terrain features.

(b)

Preserving of natural slopes, existing trees and foliage, and natural topographical features.

(c)

Permitting, where appropriate, cluster development, varied land use patterns and varied housing types relating to topography.

(d)

Continuing and expanding programs now existing on acquiring and preserving "open spaces."

(e)

Encouraging underground utilities and central television antennae facilities.

(f)

Permitting and encouraging varying lot sizes, setbacks and house locations on property.

(g)

Requiring that an area be demonstrated entitled to such treatment before it receives the benefit or burden of regulations and provisions under this division.

(Ord. No. 1751, § 2)