The following definitions are applicable to this article:
DISTURBANCE
Any alteration or change to the natural terrain (including
soil and vegetation). This term includes any activity involving the
grading or filling of a site but does not include restoration or stabilization
of an existing condition.
EMBANKMENT
An elevated deposit of soil, rock or other materials either
constructed or natural.
GRADE
The percent of rise or descent of a sloping surface. For
example, a grade of 15% corresponds to a fifteen-foot vertical change
in elevation for every 100 feet of horizontal distance. (Refer to
accompanying slope diagram for further clarification.)
GROUND COVER
Grasses or other vegetation used in the stabilization of
soils.
RETAINING WALL
A structure constructed and erected between lands of different
elevations to protect structures and/or to prevent erosion and which
is minimally four feet in height.
SLOPE
The deviation of a surface from the horizontal, usually expressed
in percent.
All applications for minor and major subdivision or site plan
approval, or for a permit for construction, grading or clearing of
any lot, except for a permit to construct upon premises of a one single-family
dwelling and except as otherwise provided in the definition of "disturbance"
herein or exempted in this chapter, shall be evaluated for the presence
of critical slope areas.
A. Slope categories. The applicant shall prepare and submit a slope
analysis for the entire site (including proposed roadways and common
areas), and each proposed or existing lot. The property shall be evaluated
to determine the presence of critical slope areas in the following
categories:
Table 1
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Slope Analysis Categories
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Slope Category
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Percent Grade
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1
|
15% but less than 20%
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2
|
20% but less than 25%
|
3
|
25% or greater
|
B. Slope analysis. The slope categories shall be identified on a plan
drawn at a scale as required by the Borough's site plan or subdivision
submission requirements. It shall show the existing and proposed topographic
contours at two-foot intervals and delineate the categories of critical
slope areas as shown in Table 1 above. Existing contours shall be
shown for a minimum distance of 25 feet beyond the property boundaries.
C. Additional information required. The analysis provided by the applicant
shall contain the following additional information:
(1) It shall delineate and quantify those areas proposed for disturbance.
The applicant shall provide a table showing the calculation of disturbed
area in square feet and as a percent of the lot area, for each proposed
lot.
(2) It shall identify soil types present on the property, with specific
reference to highly erodible soils as identified by the United States
Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service.
(3) Details on how the proposed construction will minimize adverse impacts
upon existing natural features of the lot shall be provided.
(4) Plans and specifications for any retaining walls, steps, fences or
other protective structures shall be provided.