14.237.060 Minimum Standards.
The following minimum standards must be satisfied as a condition of issuance of any development permit:
A. Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control. Temporary erosion and sediment control plan shall be in accordance with the City Engineering Design Standards and the City adopted Department of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington.
B. Grading. The following are the minimum standards for grading unless otherwise modified by an approved grading plan:
1. Grading shall not contribute to or create landslides, accelerated soil creep, or settlement of soils.
2. Natural land and water features, vegetation, drainage and other natural features of the site shall be reasonably preserved.
3. Grading shall not create or contribute to flooding, erosion, increased turbidity, or siltation of a watercourse.
4. Groundcover and tree disturbance shall be minimized. Tree retention and/or removal shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14.240 SMC.
5. Grading operations shall be conducted so as to expose the smallest practical area to erosion for the least possible time.
6. Grading shall not divert existing watercourses.
7. The duff layer and native soils shall be retained in an undisturbed state to the maximum extent practicable in areas not intended for building pads, access ways or other impervious surfaces.
C. Aesthetic and spatial impact of altered grades on adjacent properties both public and private shall be considered in site design.
D. Sites shall be developed to promote continuity and to minimize abrupt grade changes between sites.
E. Clearing and grading shall be the minimum necessary for the structure and to make installation and function of infrastructure feasible and economic for future service extensions to adjacent properties.
F. Natural topography and the proposed layout of the development shall be considered when siting roads in order to anticipate grading needs and minimize extensive grading.
G. Sensitive Areas. No land-disturbing activity shall be permitted in a regulated sensitive area, except as otherwise allowed by applicable laws and permits.
H. Clean-Up. Persons and/or firms engaged in clearing, grading, filling, or drainage activities shall be responsible for the maintenance of work areas free of debris or other material that may cause damage to or siltation of existing or new facilities or have the potential of creating a safety hazard.
I. Dust Suppression. Dust from clearing, grading and other construction activities shall be minimized at all times. Impervious surfaces on or near the construction area shall be swept, vacuumed, or otherwise maintained to suppress dust entrainment. Any dust suppressants used shall be approved by the director. Petrochemical dust suppressants are prohibited. (Ord. 2315, 2016)