A.   Certain areas within the Village are deemed special development areas. All development within these areas shall conform to the general requirements of this title and the additional requirements set forth in this chapter. Examples of special development areas include steep slopes, areas of high water table, ridge lines, and specified view sheds.

   B.   Prior to annexation into the Village, many areas of the Angel Fire Resort were platted into narrow lots on steep slopes in excess of twenty percent (20%). These lots present development problems relative to access, drainage, erosion and construction in general. It is the purpose of this chapter to allow the development of those existing lots within a public safety and welfare context. (Ord. 2002-02, 1-17-2002)

Any project or portion of a project located in an area designated as a special development area requires a special development permit in addition to other applicable permits and approvals. A special development permit may be approved, denied, or approved with conditions as deemed appropriate. The Village may require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional. If the application for a special development permit applies to only one residential lot, the permit may be issued by the Coordinator. (Ord. 2018-03, 9-11-2018)

   A.   Intent: The intent is to review any development on slopes greater than twenty percent (20%) to:

      1.   Ensure that such development is compatible with prevailing slopes;

      2.   Provide the least disturbance to the terrain and other natural land features of the area;

      3.   Determine availability of utilities and adequate access;

      4.   Reduce the impact of development on surface runoff and natural watershed; and

      5.   Enhance the natural mountain setting of the area.

   B.   Review Criteria:

      1.   In reviewing the development, the staff shall consider:

         a.   The suitability of the site for development considering the slope, ground stability, and the possibility of mud flow and rock slides.

         b.   The effects of the development on the natural watershed, runoff, drainage, soil erosion, and consequent effects on water pollution.

         c.   The design and location of any proposed structures, roads, driveways, or trails and their compatibility with the terrain.

         d.   The placement of structures so as to minimize road cutting and grading, as well as to increase open space and preserve the hillside as a scenic resource.

         e.   The design of driveways to prevent water runoff from entering the roadway.

         f.   The provision of parking to prevent or limit roadside parking when the slope of the driveway will exceed twelve percent (12%).

      2.   All site plans for lots, tracts, or parcels with any portion of the site plan containing twenty percent (20%) slope shall be drawn showing two foot (2') contours.

      3.   Any proposed subdivision lot(s) with a slope of twenty percent (20%) or greater shall be required to have a minimum front lot width of two hundred feet (200')

      4.   The applicant may be required to provide drainage and runoff studies conducted by a licensed (registered) engineer.

      5.   The criteria used shall be flexible in allowing innovative land uses to permit landowners, when and where suitable, the reasonable use of their land while preserving the environmental and aesthetic values that the area requires considering the welfare of the adjacent neighborhoods. (Ord. 2002-02, 1-17-2002)

   A.   All structures and infrastructure, in order to be located in areas of high water table, shall protect the pristine streams and fragile vegetation of the area. An engineer's report may be required by the council to be prepared and submitted at the applicant's expense. Structures and fill shall be located in these areas to avoid any adverse change in adjacent property water resources.

   B.   The commission may require the applicant to provide drainage and runoff studies conducted by a licensed (registered) engineer. (Ord. 2002-02, 1-17-2002)

Construction that considerably degrades the scenic quality of a pristine area by its location of high visibility shall not be permitted; degradation of scenic quality is to be reasonably prevented. (Ord. 2002-02, 1-17-2002)