The design and development of all subdivision and land development
plans shall preserve, whenever possible, natural features which will
aid in providing open space for recreation and conditions generally
favorable to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the
Township. These natural features include: the natural terrain of the
site, woodland areas, large trees, natural watercourses and bodies
of water, wetlands, rock outcroppings and scenic views.
The existing natural terrain of the proposed subdivision tract
shall be retained whenever possible. Cut and fill operations shall
be kept to a minimum.
Areas of steep slope shall be preserved as required below.
A. All grading and earthmoving on slopes exceeding 15% shall be minimized.
B. No site disturbance shall be allowed on slopes exceeding 25% except
grading for a portion of a driveway accessing a single-family dwelling
when it can be demonstrated that no other routing which avoids slopes
exceeding 25% is feasible.
C. On slopes of 15% to 25%, the only permitted grading beyond the terms
described above, shall be in conjunction with the siting of a single-family
dwelling, its access driveway and the septic system, if required (which
should typically be designed with a long, narrow drainage field following
the land contours).
D. Grading or earthmoving on all sloping lands of 15% or greater shall
not result in earth cuts or fills whose highest vertical dimension
exceeds six feet, except where in the judgment of the Board of Commissioners
no reasonable alternatives exist for construction of roads, drainage
structures and other public improvements, in which case such vertical
dimensions shall not exceed 12 feet. Roads and driveways shall follow
the line of existing topography to minimize the required cut and fill.
Finished slopes of all cuts and fills shall be as required to minimize
disturbance of natural grades.
[Amended 5/10/2012 by Ord. 12-09]
All subdivision and land development in any floodplain as defined
in the Susquehanna Township Floodplain Ordinance shall comply with
the Susquehanna Township Floodplain Ordinance, which shall be incorporated
herein.