Instead of parging the icf at ground level could one use steel or aluminum siding over the waterproof membrane up to where the vinyl siding starts approx. 10" I've seen some icf parging cracked from weed eaters etc. just thought this might wear better?

I'm curious - why not run the vinyl down to and even below ground level? I'ts not like you have to worry about it rotting.

Weed eaters will cut through vinyl siding.  I would use some type of metal or rock that the soil would not eat.

I've seen spec for cement board in this area, then parge coat to clean it up, still can get damaged.

jonr, I understand your point, unfortunately our Building Code specifies brick must start 6" (150mm) above grade, everything else 8" (200mm), it doesn't have any clause that if you do ICF this doesn't apply.

What about a perimeter of stone or mulch to eliminate the need to trim against the building?

If you can't prevent people from using weed eaters next to your foundation, then I suspect that thickening the parging/stucco in that area would solve the problem. Fibers in the stucco also helps (this is what I have, but I haven't tried to crack it).

Concrete Bonding Cement

Why not place landscape stone around the perimiter of the wall? A nice 24" section would work great and it would help with moisture issues since you don't have grass that needs to be watered constantly. Keeping water and landscape away from the house perimeter helps with keeping the foundation dry.

 A dry foundation is a happy foundation