Lower Frederick Township
City Zoning Code

The SSC District shall have no effect on the permitted uses in the underlying zoning district, except where uses located within the district are in conflict with permitted uses set forth in this article.

In those areas where the SSC District applies, the SSC requirements shall supersede the requirements of the underlying zoning districts.

Changes in the underlying zoning district(s) shall have no effect on the boundaries of the SSC District.

Areas of steep slope defined in this section may be plotted on a map which may be made a part of this chapter and be known as the "Steep Slope Conservation District Map of Lower Frederick Township," and which will indicate the approximate boundaries of the SSC District.[1]

In the absence of a topographical survey prepared by a registered professional engineer or surveyor, whenever there is a difference between the SSC District Map and the U.S.G.S. topographical map, the U.S.G.S. map shall determine the boundary of the SSC District, upon review by the Township Engineer. However, where there is a difference between the SSC District map and a topographical survey prepared by a registered professional engineer or surveyor, that topographical survey shall determine the boundaries of the SSC District upon review of the survey by the Township Engineer.

Changes in the boundaries of the SSC District shall be plotted, if feasible, on the SSC District Map as amendments thereto.

Any party aggrieved by the decision of the Township Engineer, either because of an interpretation of the exact location of the district boundary or because the criteria used in delineating the boundary is or has become incorrect due to changes to topography, may appeal said decision to the Zoning Hearing Board as provided for by Article XIX in this chapter.

The burden of proving the incorrectness of the Township Engineer's decision shall be upon the appellant.

Wildlife sanctuary, woodland preserve, arboretum, passive recreation area (including parks but excluding enclosed structures).

Game farm or hunting preserve for the protection and propagation of wildlife, excluding enclosed structures.

Forestry and reforestation in accordance with recognized soil conservation practices.

Pasture and controlled grazing of animals in accordance with recognized soil conservation practices.

Recreational uses, including parks with activities such as hiking, bicycle and equestrian trails, camps, and picnic areas, excluding enclosed structures.

Outdoor plant nursery or orchard in accordance with recognized soil conservation practices.

Cultivation and harvest of crops in accordance with recognized soil conservation practices.

Nonstructural accessory uses necessary to the operation and maintenance of the above-permitted structures.

Similar uses to the above which are in compliance with the intent of this article.

Front, side and rear yards and required lot area in the underlying zoning district.

Sealed public water supply wells with approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Sanitary or storm sewers and stormwater detention basins with the approval of the Township Engineer and the Department of Environmental Protection.

Underground utility transmission lines.

On-site sewage disposal systems, when approved by the Montgomery County Department of Health.

Extractive uses and borrow pits in accordance with recognized conservation practices.

Roads, access driveways, and parking facilities, when no viable alternative alignment or location is feasible.

Freestanding structures, buildings and retaining walls, or swimming pools, unless the applicant can demonstrate to the Board of Supervisors that the proposal will be sound from architectural, engineering, and environmental perspectives, the proposal will have no adverse impacts on the health, safety, and welfare of the community, and there are no viable alternatives. If the applicant can so demonstrate, the use may be permitted by conditional use (see Subsection B, above).

The filling or removal of topsoil except when related to an activity related to an approved special exception use.

Solid waste disposal or recycling uses.

Junkyards or other outdoor storage uses.

Plan view of the site, conforming to the preliminary plan requirements of Chapter 145, Subdivision and Land Development.

Topographic survey showing contour elevations at two-foot contours as well as typical tract cross-sections at a scale of one inch equals 100 feet or larger. In addition, typical tract cross-sections at a vertical and horizontal scale deemed appropriate by the Township Engineer.

Specifications of building materials and construction including filling, grading, materials storage, water supply, and sewage disposal facilities.

Proposed modifications to the existing topography and vegetative cover, as well as the means of accommodating stormwater runoff and preventing erosion.

Documentation of any additional engineering and/or conservation techniques designed to alleviate environmental problems created by the proposed activities, or documentation prepared by a geologist regarding subsurface materials, properties, and excavation methods.

Type of foundation to be used for the structure, with all accompanying calculations.

The proposed development, any impervious surface, and the resultant disturbance to the land and existing vegetative cover will not cause excessive runoff and/or related environmental problems.

Proposed buildings or structures are of sound engineering design and that footings are designed to extend to stable soil and/or bedrock.

Proposed roads, drives and parking areas are designed that land clearing and/or grading will not cause accelerated erosion. Both vertical and horizontal alignment of such facilities shall be so designed that hazardous conditions are not created.

Proposed on-lot sewage disposal facilities shall be properly designed and constructed in conformity with applicable regulations.

Proposed nonagricultural displacement of soil shall be for causes consistent with the intent of this chapter and shall be executed in the manner that will not cause erosion or other unstable conditions.

Surface runoff of water will not create unstable conditions, including erosion, and that appropriate stormwater management facilities will be constructed as necessary.