Covington, Kentucky Zoning Ordinance - The City of Covington

Article 5 Overlay ZonesSection 5.02 VP-O, Viewshed and Hillside Protection Overlayany structural or physical changes proposed in the areawill be completed in a manner which will minimize hillsideslippage or soil erosion.5.02.05 GuidelinesThe guidelines contained in this section apply to all development proposed withinthe VP-O zone as shown on the official zoning map. Applicants must make everyreasonable effort to comply with these guidelines.A. General1. The design of developments within the VP-O zone must addressthe following elements:(a) preservation of existing topography;(b) vehicular circulation and how it relates to existingcontours; and(c) preservation of existing vegetation.2. Disturbance to existing topographical features and vegetationmust be minimized. Development must be designed to fit intothe hillside rather than altering existing topography to create a“flat land” type of development.3. Roads and driveways must be sited and constructed to besensitive to existing contours.B. Construction Techniques (Earthwork)Grading must minimize disturbance to natural landforms; not destroyvisual quality; and not create conditions that may result in landslides,flooding or erosion. All earthwork required for proposeddevelopments must comply with the following guidelines:1. Grading(a) “Contour grading” techniques must be employed wherefeasible. “Contour grading” means grading that createsartificial slopes with curves and varying slope ratios in thehorizontal plane designed to simulate the appearance ofthe surrounding natural terrain.(b) Long linear slopes must be avoided, except in cases wherethe natural slope configuration displays this type of form.When appropriate, cut-and-fill slopes must have curvedconfigurations that reflect the surrounding topographicalcontext. The toe and top of slope must be “rounded” toavoid angular forms at the convergence of manufacturedand natural slopes.(c) Varied cut-and-fill banks and drainage terraces to alleviatemonotony and allow for “naturalistic” landscaping areencouraged.(d) Berms at the top of slopes and other locations used toscreen, vary profile, and insure drainage away from slopesare encouraged.Covington, KentuckyZoning Ordinance Draft: 6/22/05Page 5-3