[Added 10-19-09 by Ord. No. 2009-311]
The purpose of this ordinance is to regulate the intensity of
use in areas of steeply sloping terrain in order to limit soil loss,
erosion, excessive stormwater runoff, the degradation of surface water
and to maintain the natural topography and drainage patterns of land.
[Added 10-19-09 by Ord. No. 2009-31]
Disturbance of steep slopes results in accelerated erosion processes
from stormwater runoff and the subsequent sedimentation of water bodies
with the associated degradation of water quality and loss of aquatic
life support. Related effects include soil loss, changes in natural
topography and drainage patterns, increased flooding potential, further
fragmentation of forest and habitat areas, and compromised aesthetic
values. It has become widely recognized that disturbance of steep
slopes should be restricted or prevented based on the impact disturbance
of steep slopes can have on water quality and quantity, and the environmental
integrity of landscapes.
[Added 10-19-09 by Ord. No. 2009-31]
This ordinance shall be applicable to minor and major site plans
and subdivisions on a steep slope within the Township of Barnegat.
[Added 10-19-09 by Ord. No. 2009-31]
DISTURBANCE
The placement of impervious surface, the exposure or movement
of soil or bedrock, or the clearing, cutting, or removing of vegetation.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
Any structure, surface, or improvement that reduces or prevents
absorption of stormwater into land, and includes porous paving, paver
blocks, gravel, crushed stone, decks, patios, elevated structures,
and other similar structures, surfaces, or improvements.
REDEVELOPMENT
The construction of structures or improvements on areas which
previously contained structures or other improvements.
STEEP SLOPES
Any slope equal to or greater than twenty percent (20%) percent
as measured over any minimum run of ten (10) feet. Steep slopes are
determined based on contour intervals of two (2) feet or less.
[Added 10-19-09 by Ord. No. 2009-31]
The percent of slope (rise in feet per horizontal distance)
shall be established by measurement of distance perpendicular to the
contour of the slope. The percent of slope shall be calculated for
each two-foot contour interval. For example, any location on the site
where there is a one-foot rise over a 10-foot horizontal run constitutes
a ten percent (10%) slope; a 1.5 foot rise over a 10-foot horizontal
run constitutes a fifteen percent (15%) slope; a two-foot rise over
a 10-foot horizontal run constitutes a twenty percent (20%) slope.
[Added 10-19-09 by Ord. No. 2009-31]
For steep slopes any disturbance shall be prohibited except
as provided below:
A. Redevelopment within the limits of existing impervious surfaces;
for example, redevelopment within the footprint of existing impervious
cover should be allowed to support efforts to revitalize development
that has fallen into disrepair.
B. New disturbance necessary to protect public health, safety or welfare,
or to provide an environmental benefit, such as remediation of a contaminated
site.
The applicant shall demonstrate through site plans depicting
the proposed development and topography that new disturbance is not
located in areas with a twenty percent (20%) or greater steep slope.
[Added 10-19-09 by Ord. No. 2009-31]
The applicant or designated representative shall be responsible
for the initial determination of the presence of a steep slope on
a site, and for identifying the steep slope on any plan submitted
to the approving authority of Barnegat Township in conjunction with
a development application. This initial determination shall be subject
to review and concurrence of the Planning or Zoning Board engineer
or the Municipal Engineer.