18J.15.015 Site Design.
The purpose of this Section is to promote site design that minimizes modifications to natural topography to preserve land, water, and soil relationships that are essential for sustaining plant and animal habitat. Project elements (e.g., lots, buildings, access drives, parking, walkways, and service areas) should be located in a manner that protects, enhances, or minimizes impacts to natural site features in accordance with the Pierce County Stormwater Management and Site Development Manual. For instance, buildings should be designed to fit the natural slope rather than forcing the slope to fit the building design. Terraced parking lots and multi-tiered buildings are other examples of effective design solutions that minimize impacts to a site's natural features.
A. Applicability. This Section applies to site design associated with commercial, industrial, and civic uses and buildings, and to residential developments.
B. Exemptions. [Reserved]
C. Design Objective. Site development for buildings, roadways, and other site improvements should be designed to fit the natural topography with the minimum amount of site disturbance and grade changes possible. (See Figures 18J.15.015-1, -2, and -3.)
D. Standards.
1. Filling and grading shall be done in accordance with Pierce County Site Development Regulations.
2. Buildings shall be designed to fit natural slopes rather than forcing the slope to fit a building design.
3. Roads shall be aligned to follow the natural contours of the site as much as possible.
4. Finished grades shall promote a smooth transition to adjacent properties.
5. When retaining walls or similar structures are necessary to address grade changes, terracing shall be used such that no individual wall exceeds 8 feet in height.
6. Industrial uses within the Employment Center (EC), Employment Corridor (ECOR), and Community Employment (CE) zones shall be permitted to create grades changes in excess of 8 feet, except when adjacent to residentially zoned areas. (See Figure 18J.15.015-3.)
7. All retaining walls in excess of 4 feet in height shall be screened with landscaping meeting Landscape Level 1 buffer requirements as set forth in PCC 18J.15.040. This requirement shall not apply to single-family developments or projects within the Employment Corridor (ECOR), Neighborhood Corridor (NCOR), Towne Center (TCTR), and Urban Corridor (UCOR) zone classifications.
E. Guidelines.
1. The amount of material removed from one portion of the site should be equal to the amount of material added to another portion of the site.
2. Clearing, grading, and heavy construction activity should occur during the driest months and conclude by late fall when rainfall and associated soil compaction, erosion, and sediment yield from equipment activity increases to reduce possible impacts from sediment runoff and damage to neighboring properties.
3. Surface roughness should be maintained on the site to reduce flow velocities and encourage sheet flow on the development by preserving native vegetation and limit soil disturbance.
4. Where sites have been previously altered, attempt to restore natural conditions to the extent possible.
Figure 18J.15.015-1. Preferred Option – All Uses
Figure 18J.15.015-2. Preferred Option – All Uses
Figure 18J.15.015-3. Least Preferred Option – Industrial Sites Only
