7.4.505: REVIEW OF GEOLOGIC HAZARD STUDIES:
A. Geologic Hazard Studies:
1. Geologic Hazard Studies will be reviewed by City staff in conjunction with the City's standard review of the application. If the City review determines that the Study submitted is incomplete or fails to comply with the City's requirements, the Study may be rejected and a new or supplemental study shall be required. The City's review shall determine whether the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Study have been incorporated into the design of the Development Plan, Subdivision Plat, drainage plan, grading plan, street construction documents, and other public improvement construction drawings. In cases where significant geologic hazards are identified, appropriate mitigation measures shall be required in conjunction with the approval of the project.
2. Required mitigation measures shall include but not be limited to:
a. Changes to the proposed land use configuration;
b. Modification of land use types;
c. Modification of lot boundaries or building envelopes;
d. Special foundation designs;
e. Geotechnical engineering solutions;
f. Limitations on irrigated landscape designs;
g. Special drainage or underground utility infrastructure design; and
h. Avoidance.
B. Independent Review: City staff, Planning Commission, or City Council may, at their discretion, have geologic hazard studies independently reviewed by the Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) or by a City-approved professional geologist or qualified geotechnical consultant. This separate discretionary review shall be completed within twenty-one (21) working days of the date on which the decision to request independent review is made, shall supplement the City's review, and will be considered by the City in making a final recommendation or determination on the land development proposal application.
C. Applicant Request for Consultant Review Panel:
1. Prior to Planning Commission consideration or final administrative decision, an applicant may request that the City convene a consultant review panel. Applicant's request shall be in writing and shall specify the issue(s) raised by independent review or City staff recommendation regarding a Geologic Hazard Study with which the applicant disagrees. Applicant's request must be filed within ten (10) days after the date of either discretionary review or staff recommendation, whichever is later.
2. The consultant review panel shall consist of three (3) members who may be either professional geologists or geotechnical engineers, or qualified Colorado Licensed Professional Engineers selected by the City Engineer who shall conduct a thorough evaluation of the geologic hazard study or independent review and may conduct site visits or request additional testing. The panel's findings shall be included in staff's recommendation on the application. The Manager may establish policies and procedures for panel review. The cost of the panel shall be borne by the applicant.
D. Incorporation of Recommendations: Recommendations of the geologic hazard study shall be incorporated, as applicable, into the approval of a Land Use Plan, Development Plan, public improvement construction drawings, landscaping plan, and building construction plans.
E. Geologic Hazard Study Review: At the discretion of the Manager, and concurrent with other City reviews, a copy of a final geologic hazard study and its related Land Use Plan, Development Plan and/or Final Plat may be provided for review to the Colorado Geological Survey, a City-approved professional geologist, or an independent professional geotechnical engineer, with an anticipated response to the City within fourteen (14) days. If the City does not receive a response to the final geologic hazard study review from the Colorado Geological Survey, independent professional geologist, or independent professional geotechnical engineer within fourteen (14) days after submission, the City shall have the authority to process any approvals or denials of the associated plan or plat.
F. Improvement Location Certificate: For any single-family or duplex land development proposal subject to a Geologic Hazard Study, the applicant shall submit to the Manager an improvement location certificate prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Regional Building Official. The improvement location certificate shall be prepared pursuant to the requirements set forth in C.R.S. § 38-51-108. The Regional Building Official shall not issue a Certificate of Occupancy until the manager reviews the improvement location certificate for conformance with the City approved land development proposal and site plan. (Ord. 23-03)
