SV aims to
control hillside
development
By GREGORY
FOLEY
Express Staff Writer
In
response to complaints that too many homes are being developed in plain
view on the city’s pristine hillsides, Sun Valley city officials have
developed a rough draft of an ordinance to limit and regulate
construction on steep slopes and ridgelines.
The
so-called "Mountain Overlay Ordinance" was first presented to
members of the Sun Valley Planning and Zoning Commission on July 16, and
after a first set of revisions was made the panel looked at the proposed
ordinance for a second time last week.
The
proposed ordinance—which was drafted in part as a response to
objections earlier this year by some residents that development in the
Crown Ranch subdivision would destroy views—will be reviewed by
P&Z commissioners a third time on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Sun Valley
City Hall.
In its
second draft—excluding changes made last week—the proposed ordinance
states that "the hillside, ridgeline and ridge top terrain of
certain areas of the city provides a unique and substantial character to
the area," and notes that "development of the hillside areas
may definitely affect in a negative manner the visual and environmental
character of the community."
The draft
document states that one of the intents of the ordinance is "to
direct development away from steep slopes and ridgelines, as well as to
minimize hillside visibility of potential development."
Furthermore,
it states that the purpose of the ordinance is to:
·
Minimize the impact of development of the natural terrain by permitting
only minimal grading in some areas and protecting natural landmarks and
prominent natural features.
·
Protect property and minimize erosion and destruction of the landscape
from "improper cuts and fills."
·
Protect the scenic character of Sun Valley.
The
proposed ordinance suggests that development will not be allowed on
specific sites that have more than a 20 percent slope on half the land
and more than 20 to 30 percent slope on the remaining half.
Building-height
maximums and lot-coverage limits have not been firmly established.
Other
conditions outlined in the proposal include requirements for
storm-drainage and erosion-control plans, plus regulations for grading,
cutting into or filling sloped areas.
"Slopes
greater than 30 percent shall remain undisturbed," the proposed
ordinance states.
The
document notes that applications for subdivisions, new construction and
road construction would be subject to the new requirements in the
ordinance.
City
officials tentatively plan to submit a final version of the proposed
ordinance to the Sun Valley City Council before the end of the year.