The provisions of this article shall overlay and supplement the provisions of the underlying zoning district. In the event that the provisions of the underlying zoning district and the provisions of this article are in conflict, the more restrictive provision shall apply.

In the event that two or more natural resource areas identified in this article overlap, the resource with the most restrictive standard (the least amount of alteration, regrading, clearing or building) shall apply to the area of overlap.

It shall be a violation of this chapter to regrade, fill, pipe, divert, build upon or otherwise alter a natural resource protected by this article prior to the submission of applications for zoning or building permits or the submission of plans for subdivision or land development.

Definition. A "floodplain" is a relatively flat or low land area which is subject to partial or complete flooding from an adjoining or nearby stream, river or watercourse; or any area subject to the unusual accumulation of surface waters from any source. For the purpose of this chapter, the floodplain shall include, but is not limited to, the area included in the Floodplain Conservation Overlay District as defined in Article VIII of this chapter.

Resource protection standards.

Delineation. The applicant shall delineate floodplains which are on the site, in accordance with § 224-31.

Definition. "Lakes and ponds" are natural or artificial bodies of water which retain water year-round. Artificial ponds may be created by dams or result from excavation. Lakes are bodies of water two or more acres in extent. Ponds are bodies of water less than two acres in extent.

Resource protection standards. Lakes and ponds shall not be regraded, filled, piped, diverted, built upon or otherwise altered.

Delineation. The applicant shall delineate lakes and ponds which are on the site, in accordance with § 224-31.

Definition. "Lake and pond shorelines" are the landside edges of the water from the established shoreline to an upland boundary. Lake and pond shorelines shall be measured 100 feet from the spillway crest elevation.

Resource protection standards. No more than 20% of the shoreline of a lake or pond shall be regraded, filled, built upon or otherwise altered.

Delineation. The applicant shall delineate lake and pond shorelines which are on the site, in accordance with § 224-31.

Definition. The "Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Index" is a comprehensive computerized inventory of Pennsylvania's most significant natural areas. The database, which is maintained by the Department of Environmental Resources, contains the status and location of plants, animals, geologic landmarks, natural communities and other natural features which are considered exemplary, unique, rare or endangered within the state.

Resource protection standards. Areas containing endangered species and species believed to be in danger of population decline have been located within the City of Coatesville and documented in the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory and the Chester County Natural Areas Inventory. The applicant shall consult these inventories to determine whether these species or any other elements of special concern are located on the site. If a PNDI site is located, the applicant shall contact the Nature Conservancy, Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory - East, for assistance in determining whether the proposed development will conflict with species on the site as well as measures which may be taken to mitigate potential damage to the identified species.

Delineation. The applicant shall delineate PNDI sites, in accordance with § 224-31.

Definition. "Steep slopes" are those areas of land where the grade is 15% or greater and which, because of this grade, are subject to high rates of stormwater runoff and susceptible to erosion.

Resource protection standards.

Delineation. The applicant shall delineate the two categories of steep slopes (15% to 25%; more than 25%) which are on the site, in accordance with § 224-31.

Definition. A "watercourse" is a stream, such as a creek, run or other body of running water; or any stream in which water flows in a definite direction or course, either continuously or intermittently.

Resource protection standards.

Delineation. The applicant shall delineate watercourses which are on the site, in accordance with § 224-31.

Definition. "Wetlands" are those areas that are inundated and saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support and that under normal circumstances do support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, including swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas.

Resource protection standards. Wetlands shall not be regraded, filled, piped, diverted, built upon or otherwise altered except where state and federal permits have been obtained. Any applicant proposing a use, activity or improvement which would entail the regrading or placement of fill in wetlands shall provide the City with proof that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (Bureau of Dams and Waterway Safety and Bureau of Water Quality Management) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers have been contacted to determine the applicability of state and federal wetland regulations.

Delineation. A full wetland report conducted by a qualified wetland biologist or others of demonstrated qualifications shall be submitted to the City. Such a person shall certify that the methods used correctly reflect technical concepts currently used and accepted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, including identification and analysis of wetland vegetation, hydric soils and/or hydrologic indicators. The wetland report shall include a determination of whether wetlands are present on site and a full delineation, area measurement (in square feet) and description of any wetlands determined to be present. The wetland definition and analysis methodology accepted by the United States Army Corps of Engineers shall be used. The study shall be approved by the City Council on the recommendation of the City Engineer. In the event that a wetlands delineation validated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers is shown to vary from the wetlands boundary derived from the wetland report described above, the Corps delineation shall govern.

Definition. A "wetland margin" is the transitional area extending from the outer limit of the wetland. For the purposes of this chapter, the wetland margin shall extend 100 feet from the wetland boundary or to the limit of the hydric soils, whichever is less. The limit of the hydric soils shall be as defined in this chapter unless reclassified by a certified soil scientist.

Resource protection standards. No more than 20% of a wetland margin shall be regraded, filled, built upon or otherwise altered. In addition, any Department of Environmental Protection regulations under Chapter 105 concerning activities in wetland margins shall be met.

Delineation. The applicant shall delineate wetland margins which are on the site, in accordance with § 224-31.

Definitions.

Resource protection standards.

Tree protection zone. A tree protection zone shall be established where trees or woodlands on the site are to be retained. In this zone, the following standards shall apply:

Delineation. The applicant shall delineate woodlands which are on the site, in accordance with § 224-31. In addition, where trees or woodlots on the site are to be preserved, they shall be clearly delineated on the plan as a tree protection zone.

A site plan which identifies the limits of all natural resources on the site, excluding PNDI sites and the proposed use of the site.

All encroachments and disturbances necessary to establish the proposed use on the site.

Where applicable, a narrative description of all elements of special concern identified in the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory and Chester County Natural Areas Inventory and verification that the Nature Conservancy has been contacted regarding the PNDI site and the proposed structure or use.

The minimum buildable area as described in Subsection B below.

Calculations indicating the area of the site with natural resources and the area of natural resources that would be disturbed or encroached upon. The calculation shall be shown on the plan as follows:

Individual lots. For natural resource protection areas on individual lots, restrictions meeting city specifications shall be placed in the deed for each site or lot that has natural resource protection areas within its boundaries. It shall be clearly stated in the individual deeds that the maintenance responsibility lies with the individual property owner. The restrictions shall provide for the continuance of the resource protection areas in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

Natural resource areas held in common. For natural resource protection areas held in common, the provisions of § 224-54 shall apply. In addition to the provisions of § 224-54, restrictions meeting city specifications shall be placed on the natural area to be held in common. The party or organization responsible for the maintenance of the natural area shall be clearly identified in the deed. The restrictions shall provide for the continuance of the resource protection areas in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.