The purpose of this section 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 waterbodies 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 section shall be applicable to new development or land disturbance on a steep slope within Cliffside Park.

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 one 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 fifteen (15%) percent slope; a two-foot rise over a 10-foot horizontal run constitutes a twenty (20%) percent slope.

Additionally, any areas in the R-5 zone adjacent to a steep slope area must provide a 100-foot buffer between the R-5 area and identified steep slopes. If new construction in the R-5 zone adjacent to a steep slope requires more than 100 parking spaces, a minimum of two (2) means of ingress and egress are required. New construction in this area shall provide access around the entire structure with a minimum of a 20-foot drive aisle.

For steep slopes any disturbance shall be prohibited except as provided below:

A prompt investigation shall be made the appropriate personnel of Cliffside Park, of any person or entity believed to be in violation hereof. If, upon inspection, a condition which is in violation of this section 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 section shall be construed to preclude the right of Cliffside Park, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:3A2-25, to initiate legal proceedings hereunder in Municipal Court. The violation of any subsection of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct offense independent of the violation of any other section or subsection, or of any order issues pursuant to this section. Each day a violation continues shall be considered a separate offense.