The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations which
prevent improper disturbance or alteration of steep slopes. These
regulations are enacted with the intent of providing a reasonable
balance between the rights of the individual property owner to the
fair use of property, and the need to protect the local environment
in the interests of the general public health and welfare by employing
building and development methodologies and mitigation measures to
preserve the character and quality of the natural and as-built environment
of the site. The Town of Pound Ridge finds and declares it to be the
public policy of the Town to further preserve, protect and conserve
its steep slopes so as to:
A. Maintain and protect existing terrain and its vegetative features;
B. Preserve wetlands, water bodies and watercourses;
C. Prevent flooding; protect important scenic views and vistas;
D. Preserve areas of wildlife habitat;
E. Provide safe building sites;
F. Preserve the aesthetic character of the property;
G. Protect adjoining property by preventing:
H. Promote the use of sensitive and sustainable methodologies and mitigation
measures to preserve the character and quality of the natural and
as-built environment of developed land.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
CUSTOMARY LANDSCAPING
Land maintenance involving tree trimming and pruning, the
removal of dead and diseased vegetation, the care of existing lawn,
the care of established noncommercial gardens, the care and the planting
of decorative trees, shrubs and plants, provided that such activity
complies with all other applicable ordinances, laws and regulations
of the Town of Pound Ridge.
DISTURBANCE
The removal of vegetation and/or the filling, excavation,
regrading or removal of soil, rock or retaining structures whether
by hand labor, machinery or explosive, or any combination thereof,
and shall include the conditions resulting from any excavation or
fill. The condition of disturbance shall be deemed to continue until
the area of disturbance is permanently stabilized.
PERMIT
That form of Town approval required by this chapter for the
conduct of any regulated activity within any area of the Town defined
as a "steep slope."
STEEP SLOPE
Any geographical area whether on a single lot or not, having
a topographical gradient of 25% or greater (ratio of vertical distance
to horizontal distance), with a minimum horizontal dimension of 25
feet, measured perpendicular to grade contours (see diagram below
for reference), whether man-made or natural, whether created by a retaining
structure or not, and shall be greater than 500 square feet in area.
Individual areas of steep slopes within 25 feet of each other shall
be regulated as a single steep slope area.
TOWN ENGINEER
A professional engineer licensed by the State of New York
working as an employee or consultant for the Town of Pound Ridge,
and/or the Town Engineer's and/or the Town Board's duly
appointed and authorized representative.