All applications for subdivision or site plan approval shall
be evaluated for their impact on critical slope areas as set forth
herein. No buildings, improvements or structures, including roads,
driveways and parking areas, shall be constructed nor shall any displacement
of soil occur within critical slopes areas except in accordance with
the following requirements:
A. Categories of slopes; map delineations. The following categories
of slopes shall be identified on a plan drawn at a scale required
as per the Township's site plan or subdivision submission requirements
and showing existing and topographic elevations at two-foot contour
intervals:
(1)
Category 1 slopes: 15% to 19.99%.
(2)
Category 2 slopes: 20% to 24.99%.
(3)
Category 3 slopes: 25% or greater.
B. The map shall also delineate those areas proposed for clearing, regrading
and development; the location of all existing and proposed wells and
septic systems; the location of all trees in excess of six inches
in caliper and contiguous wooded areas; and soil types contained on
the lot with specific reference to highly erodible soils as defined
by the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service.
C. In platting a parcel for subdivision and siting proposed development,
the applicant shall avoid disturbance of critical slope areas to the
greatest extent practical. Maximum disturbance percentages are applied
to each individual lot in a subdivision or site plan. Limited disturbance
and development of critical slope areas is permitted in accordance
with the following schedule:
Permitted Levels of Disturbance and Development in Critical
Slope Areas
|
---|
Slope Category
(percent)
|
Maximum Area of Disturbance and Development
|
---|
15% to 19.99%
|
35%
|
20% to 24.99%
|
25%
|
25% or greater
|
15%
|
D. Disturbance of critical slope areas in an amount greater than indicated in §
430-345C shall require a variance.
E. The Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment may waive the disturbance
and development of small isolated noncontiguous pockets of critical
slopes that are under 1,000 square feet in area per individual lot.
Such disturbance may be permitted if the Board determines that the
disturbance of the critical slope area is consistent with sound planning
and promotes the goals and objectives of the Township's Master Plan;
would not substantially impair the purposes of the Township's Zoning
and Land Use Ordinances; and would otherwise result in practical difficulties
for the applicant. Where the Board determines that such pocket or
pockets are proximate to other critical slope areas and collectively
are of such size to constitute a significant and substantially contiguous
area, the Board may determine that the area is subject to the requirements
of this section.
F. These requirements shall not apply to any development for which preliminary
major subdivision approval, preliminary major site plan approval,
final subdivision approval or final site plan approval was granted
by a resolution of approval adopted by the Planning Board prior to
the adoption of this provision, and which approval has not expired.
In such cases, the requirements and conditions contained in the resolution
of approval shall apply.