The natural terrain and
features of the land, including heritage, memorial, significant and specimen trees,
natural watercourses, perennial streams and other water areas, historic and archaeological sites, scenic
areas and other features and resources worthy of preservation located within the area
encompassed by any proposed subdivision of property in the county shall be preserved and
protected during the development process to the extent possible while enabling reasonable
development of property. In this regard, no more land disturbance than absolutely
necessary to accommodate reasonable development shall occur and extensive cut and fill of
the natural topography shall not be allowed.
The removal of trees or the clearing and grading of land by the
subdivider shall be generally permitted only to accommodate the construction and
installation of those improvements required by this chapter or other portions or this code
or on those lots for which a valid building permit has been issued. Mature trees
throughout the remainder of the area encompassed by any proposed subdivision of property
shall be protected in accordance with the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Manual or
other generally accepted tree protection measure during construction and installation of
subdivision improvements. In any case, limits of clearing and grading shall be clearly
shown on development plans.