17.56.020 General provisions.
1. These provisions are intended to minimize floods, erosion, and other environmental hazards, to protest the natural scenic character of all areas and developments in the city, and to insure the efficient expenditure of public funds. To insure that the improvement of proposed sensitive lands areas shall reflect the best interests of Lindon City and its residents, all grading or other improvement of any land, including but not limited to land in approved subdivisions or other development plans shall conform to the development standards, guidelines, and criteria of this chapter. This chapter shall be interpreted to address the following concerns:
a. Minimizing grading deviations from the natural contour of the land;
b. Rounding off, in a natural looking manner, sharp angles at the tops and ends of cut and fill slopes; and
c. Avoiding a “staircase” or “padding” effect.
2. Requiring the preservation of trees and other vegetation that stabilize steep hillsides, retain moisture, prevent erosion, or enhance a natural scenic view, and where necessary, requiring additional landscaping to enhance the safety, environmental and scenic characteristics of the hillside.
3. Requiring the immediate planting of vegetation wherever appropriate to stabilize cut and fill slopes, to conceal the raw soil from view and to minimize erosion.
4. Preserving natural drainage channels.
5. Encouraging retention of natural landmarks, prominent natural features, wildlife habitation, and open space.
6. Preserving and enhancing the visual and environmental quality by using natural vegetation and minimizing excavation and terracing.
7. Protecting the public from natural hazards of storm water run-off and erosion by requiring adequate drainage facilities.
8. Minimizing the threat of fire damage by establishing fire protection measures.
9. Establishing land use management policies and procedures that will encourage protection of natural elements while allowing a harmonious and satisfying residential environment.
10. Encouraging a consistent regard for the view of the foothills as well as view from the foothills.
11. Protect and indemnify Lindon City from hazards of, expenses associated with, and potential damage by shallow groundwater, unstable slopes, and other geologic conditions by requiring investigation prior to, and placing appropriate restrictions upon, development and construction and requiring all owners of property in shallow groundwater areas or in areas of other potentially hazardous geologic conditions to indemnify and hold the city harmless from all damages or injury resulting from flooding or any other damage resulting from shallow groundwater, slope instability, or other geologic condition.
12. Maintain the safety and efficiency of access by emergency vehicles, city services, and residents to developments and residences within the city by establishing appropriate restrictions on road construction, grades, and other development. (Ord. 99-13, amended, 2000)