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S • <br /> April 6,2021 <br /> Page 4 of 7 <br /> Limited Geotechnical Evaluation <br /> B. Geologically Hazardous Slope Setbacks and Slope Protection. <br /> 1. Geotechnical Assessment Requirements.Development proposals on or within two hundred <br /> feet of any area designated as or which, based on site-specific field investigation, the city has <br /> reason to believe are geologically hazardous areas shall submit a geological assessment as <br /> required by subsection F of this section. <br /> 2. The setback buffer requirement shall be based upon information contained in a geological <br /> assessment, and shall be measured on a horizontal plane from a vertical line established at the <br /> edge of the geologically hazardous area limits (both from the top and toe of slope). In the event <br /> that a specific setback buffer is not included in the recommendation of the geological assessment, <br /> the setback buffer shall be based upon the standards contained in Chapter 19.18 of the <br /> International Building Code(IBC),or as the IBC is updated and amended. <br /> a. If the geological assessment recommends setback buffers that are less than the <br /> standard buffers that would result from application of Chapter 19.18 of the IBC, the specific <br /> rationale and basis for the reduced buffers shall be clearly articulated in the geological <br /> assessment. <br /> b. The city may require larger setback buffer widths under any of the following circumstances: <br /> (1) The land is susceptible to severe erosion and erosion control measures will not effectively <br /> prevent adverse impacts. <br /> (2) The area has a severe risk of slope failure or downslope stormwater drainage impacts. <br /> (3) The increased buffer is necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare based upon <br /> findings and recommendations of the geological assessment. <br /> 3. Unless otherwise permitted as part of an approved alteration,the setback buffers required by <br /> this subsection shall be maintained in native vegetation to provide additional soil stability <br /> and erosion control. If the buffer area has been cleared, it shall be replanted with native <br /> vegetation in conjunction with any proposed development activity. <br /> Not applicable. Construction includes minor foundation mitigation and not new foundation <br /> elements,structures,or other features. <br /> C. Permitted Alterations. Unless associated with another critical area, the planning director, <br /> using the review process described in EMC Title 15, Local Project Review Procedures, may <br /> allow alteration of an area identified as a geologically hazardous area or <br /> the setback buffers specified in the IBC if an approved geotechnical report demonstrates that: <br /> 1. The proposed development will not create a hazard to the subject property, surrounding <br /> properties or rights-of-way,or erosion or sedimentation to off-site properties or bodies of water; <br /> 2. The proposal addresses the existing geological constraints of the site,including an assessment <br /> of soils and hydrology; <br /> 3. The proposed method of construction will reduce erosion potential,landslide and seismic <br /> hazard potential,and will improve or not adversely affect the stability of slopes; <br /> 4. The proposal uses construction techniques which minimize disruption of existing topography <br /> and natural vegetation; <br /> 5. The proposal is consistent with the purposes and provisions of this chapter and mitigates any <br /> permitted impacts to critical areas in the vicinity of the proposal; <br /> www.cobaltgeo.com (206)331-1097 <br />