22.16.030

Grading shall occur in compliance with Title 23, Chapter 23.08 (Excavating, Grading and Filling) of the County Code, but shall be held to a minimum. Every reasonable effort shall be made to retain the natural features of the land.

Sixteen feet for detached accessory structures, except that parking structures may reach a height allowed for the primary structures when they comply with Section 22.20.090.E.2.

Multi-family residential buildings may be increased in height to 45 feet when side yard setbacks of 15 feet or greater are provided.

Thirty feet for primary structures, except that multi-family residential buildings may be increased in height to 45 feet when side yard setbacks of 15 feet or greater are provided.

Structures located within the ridgeline areas pursuant to Subsection D.2 above shall be limited to a maximum height of 18 feet.

Exterior lighting visible from off-site should be allowed for safety purposes only, shall consist of low-wattage fixtures, and should be directed downward and shielded to prevent adverse lighting impacts on nearby properties, subject to the approval of the Director.

Structures shall be clustered in the most accessible, least visually prominent, and most geologically stable portions of the site, consistent with needs for privacy where multiple residential units are proposed.

Areas adjacent to creeks shall be maintained in their natural state as much as possible. All construction shall ensure drainage into the natural watershed in a manner that will avoid significant erosion or damage to adjacent properties. Impervious surfaces shall be minimized.

Development shall be permitted in areas subject to wildfire threat only where the Review Authority determines there is adequate access for fire and other emergency vehicles, an adequate water supply, a reliable fire warning system, and fire protection service. Setbacks for firebreaks shall be provided if necessary.

Construction shall not be permitted on identified seismic or geologic hazard areas such as on slides, on natural springs, on identified fault zones, or on bay mud without approval from the Department of Public Works, based on acceptable soils and geologic reports.

No new roads shall be developed where the required grade is more than 15 percent unless the Review Authority determines that the roads can be built without environmental damage, comply with State fire safety regulations, and be used without public inconvenience.

Project approval may require the preservation of land as open space to protect rural visual character, wildlife habitat, riparian corridors and wetlands. Land to be preserved as open space may be dedicated in fee title to the County or other agency designated by the County before issuance of any construction permit, or may remain in private ownership with appropriate scenic and/or open space easements/agreements granted to the County in perpetuity.

No construction shall occur on top of, or within 300 feet horizontally, or within 100 feet vertically of visually prominent ridgelines, whichever is more restrictive, unless no other suitable locations are available on the site or the lot is located substantially within the ridgeline area as defined herein.

In ridge land areas designated by the Marin Countywide Plan, roads shall be designed to rural standards. (Generally, not more than 18 feet pavement width, depending on safety requirements. A minimum of 16 feet may be permitted in certain very low use areas.)