11.07.010 Purpose

A. This Sensitive Lands Overlay Zone Chapter recognizes and provides protection for the unique sensitive lands features that are of major interest to the Town. B. Thus, the purposes of this Sensitive Lands Overlay Zone Chapter shall be to provide standards and guidelines for the protection of these natural resources and features for the Town and the public. These purposes include, as examples, but are not limited to: 1. Encourage development designed to reduce risks associated with natural hazards from storm water runoff and erosion by requiring drainage facilities and the minimal removal of vegetation. 2. Minimize the threat and consequential damages of fire in hillside areas by establishing fire protection measures. 3. Preserve natural features, wildlife habitat and open space. 4. Preserve public access to mountain areas and natural drainage channels. 5. Retain natural topographical features such as drainage channels, streams, ridgelines, rock outcroppings, vistas, trees and other natural plant formations. 6. Preserve and enhance visual and environmental quality by the use of natural vegetation and prohibition of excessive excavation and terracing. 7. Establish on-site and off-site traffic facilities that ensure ingress and egress for vehicles (including emergency vehicles) into all developed areas at any time. 8. Encourage location, design and development of building sites to provide maximum safety and human enjoyment while adapting the development to the best use of natural terrain. 9. Encourage the use of creative design teams composed of professional landscape architects, engineers and others. 10. Identify and protect environmentally sensitive areas of the Town. 11. Protect these areas from flooding, erosion, storm water damage or fire hazard. 12. Protect the public safety and public costs thereof. 13. Protect the scenic and natural character and views of these areas. 14. Retain the natural topographic features and natural grade of these areas. 15. Protect the flora and fauna and habitat of these areas. 16. Encourage public access to these areas.