[Added 8-19-1998 by Ord. No. 166]
In expansion of the statement of community development objectives in Article I, § 150-3 of this chapter, it is the intent of this article to:
A.
Conserve and protect steep slope areas from inappropriate
development and excessive grading.
B.
Minimize stormwater runoff, accelerated soil erosion
and resultant stream siltation which may create a danger to life and/or
property.
C.
Protect the Township from inappropriate development
of steep slope areas which may cause a subsequent expenditure for
public works and disaster relief, thus affecting the economic well
being of the Township and its residents.
D.
Restrict sedimentation and the alteration of natural
drainage patterns which may aggravate flooding both in the immediate
area and in downstream areas.
E.
Protect residents from property damage and personal
injury due to runoff, erosion and landslides.
The SS Steep Slope Conservation District is
an overlay of all other zoning districts within Worcester Township
and applies to all steep slope areas within these zoning districts.
A.
Slopes of 15% or greater shall be considered steep
slopes.
[Amended 3-22-2006 by Ord. No. 208]
B.
Steep slopes shall be determined by one of the following
methods:
(1)
On-site measurement of slopes by registered
professional engineers, surveyors or landscape architects using accepted
engineering practices.
(2)
Use of maps prepared by the Soil Conservation
Service, United States Department of Agriculture, found in the Soil
Survey of Montgomery County, 1967.
(3)
Use of United States Geological Survey 7.5 Minute
Quadrangles.
C.
The Township Board of Supervisors, in consultation
with the Township Engineer, shall make the final determination of
where steep slopes exist on a site. Any party that disagrees with
the Township's determination of the location of steep slopes may appeal
this decision to the Worcester Township Zoning Hearing Board.
A.
Areas with slopes of 15% to less than 25% shall meet
the following requirements:
[Amended 3-22-2006 by Ord. No. 208]
(1)
All development shall be laid out in such a
manner as to avoid or minimize development on or regrading of areas
with slopes of 15% to less than 25%.
(2)
It shall be incumbent on the applicant to show
that areas with slopes of 15% to less than 25% have been avoided to
the greatest extent possible. If requested by the Township, the applicant
shall produce evidence such as written documents or plans certified
by a registered engineer or other qualified professional showing that
no alternative layout would reduce the amount of steep slopes that
need to be regraded.
B.
Areas with slopes of 25% or greater shall meet the
following requirements:
[Amended 3-22-2006 by Ord. No. 208]
(1)
All structures, buildings, parking areas, regraded
slopes and substantial improvements (with the exception of driveway
and utility crossings when no other location is feasible) are prohibited
on slopes of 25% or greater.
