Springfield Township Montgomery County
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XIIB
Regulations for Areas of Steep Slopes
§ 114-12B0 Legislative intent.
In the interest of the public health, safety and welfare, the provisions of this Article are intended to:
A.
Minimize runoff and soil erosion which is caused by inappropriate development of steepslope land areas.
B.
Protect the Township from development of steep slopes of land which may cause a subsequent expenditure for public works and disaster relief which affects the economic well-being of the Township and its residents.
C.
Protect residents from property damage and personal injury due to runoff and erosion and landslides attributable to nearby development on steeply sloping land.
D.
Relate the intensity of development to the steepness of terrain in order to minimize grading, the removal of vegetation, runoff and erosion and to help ensure the utilization of land in accordance with its natural capabilities to support development.
E.
Restrict sedimentation and the alteration of natural drainage patterns which may aggravate flooding both in the immediate area and in downstream areas.
§ 114-12B1 Modification of requirements.
The requirements of all zoning districts shall be modified in accordance with the provisions of this Article on all land having a slope of 10% or more as delineated on a plan which meets the requirements of a preliminary plan as specified in the Springfield Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.[1]
§ 114-12B2 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
The slope of land determined according to the formula:
0.0023 | ||||
S | = | A | x I x L |
Where: | ||
S = The "average slope" in percent. | ||
I = The contour interval in feet. | ||
L = The combined length in contour lines in feet. | ||
A = The area in acres of the parcel being considered. | ||
Surfaces that do not absorb rain; all buildings, parking areas, driveways, roads, sidewalks and areas of concrete and nonporous asphalt or other areas as determined by the Township Engineer shall be considered "impervious surfaces."
§ 114-12B3 Regulations.
In every zoning district, the following regulations shall apply:
A.
Every lot hereafter created by subdivision having an average slope of at least 10% but less than 15% shall have the minimum lot area increased by a factor of 1.3 and shall not have impervious surfaces exceeding 30% of the lot areas. No more than 40% of the total lot area shall be regraded and/or stripped of vegetation.
B.
Every lot hereafter created by subdivision having an average slope of at least 15% but less than 25% shall have the minimum lot area increased by a factor of 1.5 and shall not have impervious surfaces exceeding 20% of the lot area. No more than 30% of the total lot area shall be regraded and/or stripped of vegetation.
C.
Every lot hereafter created by subdivision having an average slope of at least 25% but less than 35% shall have the minimum lot area increased by a factor of two and shall not have impervious surfaces exceeding 10% of the lot area. No more than 15% of the total lot area shall be regraded and/or stripped of vegetation.
E.
All freestanding structures, buildings and substantial improvements, with the exception of driveways and utilities when no other location is feasible, are prohibited on slopes of 35% or greater and are prohibited on slopes where soil type is classified as "stony land, steep," by the document entitled "Soil Survey Montgomery County, Pennsylvania," prepared by the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, dated April 1967, copies of which are on file in the Township Office, 1510 Paper Mill Road, Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19118.
§ 114-12B4 Liability.
Neither the approval of any proposed subdivision by an officer, employee or agency of the Township of Springfield nor the grant of any subdivision approval by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Springfield shall constitute a representation, guaranty or warranty of any kind by the Township of Springfield or by any of its officers, employees, agencies or members of its agencies of the safety or practicality of the proposed subdivision and use, and such approval or grant of approval shall create no liability on the part of the Township of Springfield or its officers, employees, agencies or members of its agencies.