Ordinance 2021-94 - Laserfiche WebLink

EVERETT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE ELEMENT into the soil. Aquifers in Everett are not used Policies for Earth Resources. as a drinking water source but are important for the moderation of stream flows. As water 1.15.1 Geologically Hazardous Areas. infiltrates permeable soils it is held during peak Because there area areas in Everett which are storm periods and is slowly released to susceptible to landslide, seismic and erosion moderate the flows that would be carried in a hazards, the City should: stream if no aquifer were present. Urban development reduces the natural infiltration a) Generally identify where each of these capacity of the soil by covering the earth with hazard areas exists. impermeable surfaces, compacting soils which • are not covered, removing vegetation, and b) Prohibit or strictly limit development in increasing storm water runoff. In some cases, areas of greatest geological hazard. I it may be desirable and practical to encourage infiltration of runoff from developed sites to c) Require geotechnical analysis for de- recharge the aquifer. In other instances where velopment proposal within such areas to the development is near steep slopes or on understand the extent of hazards. soils prone to landslides, it would not be advisable to recharge the aquifer, as saturation d) Adopt construction standards, zoning of such soils would increase the landslide requirements, inspection, monitoring and en- hazard. Ground water infiltration is more forcement procedures which assure protection feasible in single family developments than in of life, property and ESA's. other types of developments in which there is a higher percentage of impervious surfaces. 1.15.2 Steep Slopes_ Because the potential for landslides, erosion and drainage impacts Although there are certain soils constraints or increases when development occurs on steep geological limitations which can be overcome slopes, the city should adopt regulations for through careful engineering practices, not all development of steep slopes which lessen the of the hazards associated with development of risk and prevent the occurrence of such steep slopes, landslide or seismic hazard areas, problems. or unstable soils can be solved through engineering solutions. Certain areas of the 1.15.3 Erosion. Because erosion can result City simply are not suited for development. from clearing and development activities on While it is not the City's intent to deny any site, regardless of slope or soil type, the reasonable use of property, it must be City should require careful and effective recognized that not all properties can be erosion control measures during and after developed to the full potential of the land use construction. zone in which they are located. The burden to establish adequate long term safety measures 1.15.4 Vegetation. Because vegetation helps must be on the property owner and not the to stabilize soil and control erosion, the City City. should prohibit or restrict clearing of vege- tation in areas which are susceptible to landslide and erosion and encourage the re- vegetation of cleared areas. I LU-52