[HISTORY: Adopted by the Council of the City of Perth Amboy 4-25-2011 as Ord. No. 1557-2011. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The purpose of this chapter 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.
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.
This chapter shall be applicable to new development or land disturbance on a steep slope within the boundaries of the City of Perth Amboy.
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%) as measured over any minimum run of ten (10) feet. Steep slopes are determined based on contour intervals of two (2) feet or less.
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.
A. 
For steep slopes any disturbance shall be prohibited except as provided below:
(1) 
Redevelopment within the limits of existing impervious surfaces; and
(2) 
New disturbance necessary to protect public health, safety or welfare, such as necessary linear development with no feasible alternative; to provide an environmental benefit, such as remediation of a contaminated site; to prevent extraordinary hardship on the property owner peculiar to the property; or to prevent extraordinary hardship, provided the hardship was not created by the property owner, that would not permit a minimum economically viable use of the property based upon reasonable investment. For example, redevelopment, within the footprint of existing impervious cover should be allowed to support efforts to revitalize development that has fallen into disrepair.
The applicant shall demonstrate through site plans depicting proposed development and topography that new disturbance is not located in areas with a twenty percent (20%) or greater slope.
A. 
Conflicts. All other ordinances, parts of ordinances, or other local requirements that are inconsistent or in conflict with this chapter are hereby superseded to the extent of any inconsistency or conflict, and the provisions of this chapter apply.
B. 
Severability.
(1) 
Interpretation. This chapter shall be so construed as not to conflict with any provision of New Jersey or federal law.
(2) 
Notwithstanding that any provision of this chapter is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, all remaining provisions of the chapter shall continue to be of full force and effect.
(3) 
The provisions of this chapter shall be cumulative with, and not in substitution for, all other applicable zoning, planning and land use regulations.
A. 
A prompt investigation shall be made by the appropriate personnel of the City of Perth Amboy, of any person or entity believed to be in violation hereof. If, upon inspection, a condition which is in violation of this chapter is discovered, a civil action in the Special Part of the Superior Court, or in the Superior Court, if the primary relief sought is injunctive or if penalties may exceed the jurisdictional limit of the Special Civil Part, by the filing and serving of appropriate process. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to preclude the right of the City of Perth Amboy, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:3A2-25, to initiate legal proceedings hereunder in Municipal Court. The violation of any section or subsection of this chapter shall constitute a separate and distinct offense independent of the violation of any other section or subsection, or of any order issued pursuant to this chapter. Each day a violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.
B. 
Municipal penalties. Any person, persons, association, corporation or other business entity violating this chapter shall be subject to one or more of the following: a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each and every offense; a term of imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days or be subject to a period of community service not exceeding ninety (90) days.