12-40-50 ADDITIONAL CRITERIA APPLICABLE TO NATURAL HAZARD AREAS

A. Flood Hazard Areas. In addition to the general criteria set forth in Section 12.40.10, the following criteria shall apply to land use in Flood Hazard Areas.

Land use shall preserve the integrity of the flood hazard area by not altering or impacting it in any way which is likely to pose a significant threat to public health or safety or to property (including the subject property, other impacted properties, or the environment).
Land use which, in time of flooding, will likely pose a significant threat to public health or safety or to property (including the subject property, other impacted properties, or the environment) shall be prohibited. In determining whether there will likely be a significant threat, the following factors shall be considered:
- (a) Creation of obstructions from the proposed development during times of flooding, and vulnerability of the proposed development to flooding.
- (b) Use of flood protection devices or flood-proofing methods.
- (c) Nature or intensity of the proposed development.
- (d) Increases in impervious surface area caused by the proposed development.
- (e) Increases in surface runoff flow rate and amount caused by the proposed development.
- (f) Increases in floodwater flow rate and amount caused by the proposed development.
- (g) Proximity and nature of adjacent or nearby land uses.
- (h) Impacts to downstream properties or communities.
- (i) Impacts on shallow wells, waste disposal sites, water distribution systems, and sewage disposal or septic systems.
Development shall comply with the Floodplain Overlay District Regulations in Article 3, Section 3-401 of the Land Use Code.

B. Geologic Hazard Areas. In addition to the general criteria set forth in Section 12.40.10, the following criteria apply to land use in Geologic Hazard Areas.

Development shall not aggravate the hazardous condition or otherwise pose a significant risk to public health and safety or to property.
Open space activities such as agriculture, passive recreation not requiring the development of playing fields, spectator stands or other significant structures, and mineral extraction, shall be encouraged provided they can be conducted in a manner which does not aggravate the hazardous condition or otherwise pose a significant risk to public health and safety or to property.
Any approved development shall be designed in a manner that mitigates any significant risk posed by the geologic hazard.
Shallow wells, solid waste disposal sites, domestic water distribution systems, and septic tanks and sewage disposal systems shall be protected.
Development shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Pitkin County Code.

C. Wildfire Hazard Area. In addition to the general criteria set forth in Section 12.40.10, the following criteria apply to land use in Wildfire Hazard Areas.

Structures shall not be located on slopes of 30% or greater.
Structures shall not be located within a fire chimney.
The proposed land use shall not constitute a probable source of fire ignition.
The proposed land use shall not increase the potential intensity or duration of a wildfire, or adversely affect wildfire behavior or fuel conditions so as to increase the wildfire danger and potential for damage to others.
The proposed land use shall provide reasonable fire protection and suppression facilities.
The proposed land use shall include reasonable provisions for keeping developed areas continuously free of slash.
The Project shall take the necessary precautions or steps to avoid, eliminate or reduce the wildfire hazard, or otherwise provide for maximum fire prevention and safety. Consideration shall be given to the following factors affecting the proposed land use, and the construction and operational activities associated with it: slope, aspect, dominant wind patterns, fuel conditions and any combination of these.

All uses, new development, new construction and substantial improvements which are intended for or allow for human occupation, habitation or congregation, shall be in accordance with applicable standards contained in the Wildfire Safety Guidelines and Standards for Subdivisions and Developments, September 1974, Colorado State Forest Service, and the Uniform Building Code.

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12-40-50 ADDITIONAL CRITERIA APPLICABLE TO NATURAL HAZARD AREAS

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