West Orange City Zoning Code

A colored topographic map, prepared, signed and sealed by a New Jersey licensed engineer and surveyor showing existing contours at two-foot intervals, extending a minimum of 200 feet beyond the property lines.

Areas clearly noted in different colors on the topographic map showing the following slopes as measured between two-foot contour lines designated as areas one through five: Area 1: 0% to 10%; Area 2: 10% to 14.99%; Area 3: 15% to 19.99%; Area 4: 20% to 24.99%, and Area 5: 25% or more.

Calculations, in square footage and acres, of amount of area in the various slope categories listed above.

On the colored topographic map superimpose all existing trees as defined under the tree ordinance and mark tree to be removed.

On the colored topographical map, superimpose the location of the state open waters, wetlands, wetland transition areas, flood hazard areas, floodways, and riparian zones.

A separate map shall be prepared showing proposed improvements overlain on the preceding color topographic map.

Identification of soil types on the property, with specific reference to highly erodible soils as identified by the United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service or other recognized authority;

Erosion potential of exposed soils;

Length, steepness and surface roughness of exposed slopes;

Resistance of soil to compaction and stability of soil aggregates;

High-water table, water infiltration capacity and capacity of soil profile;

Type and location of construction activity, including the amount of site grading;

Location of construction access roads;

Stormwater management plan;

Soil erosion and sediment control plan, including, but not limited to, a plan explaining how the applicant will minimize adverse impacts upon existing natural features;

Plans and specifications for any retaining walls, steps, or other soil protective structures proposed;

A stabilization and revegetation plan prepared, signed and sealed by a New Jersey professional engineer, including a complete description of the existing vegetation, the vegetation to be planted and slope stabilization measures to be installed;

The developer of a parcel with steep slopes shall submit a geotechnical analysis of the slope stability and the need for remedial work such as shaping of the rock face, pinning and/or grouting of the exposed rock for stabilization and the installation of safety netting in areas of concern. The geotechnical analysis shall be performed by a qualified Professional geotechnical engineer licensed in the State of New Jersey, with a minimum of five years of professional experience in the geotechnical field. The analyses of local and global, rock slide, and rock face slope stability shall be conducted by a qualified professional geotechnical engineer adhering to the principles of geotechnical engineering for soil and rock mechanics, and utilizing conventional methods of analyses. The determination of slope stability shall include, but is not limited to, geologic research, subsurface explorations, laboratory testing to assess soil/rock properties, visual evaluations, stereoscopic analyses of the rock face, and adequate factors of safety against failure;

In areas where the potential for rockslides exists, a rock fall zone, or catchment area width, shall be provided at the toe of slope. The required width of the rock fall zone would be determined by the geotechnical engineer utilizing established criteria such as those developed by Arthur M. Ritchie and included in the Rockfall Catchment Area Design Guide. (https://www.dot.ny.gov/main/businesscenter/designbuildproject13/repository/Oregon%20DOT%20Rockfall%20Area%20Design%20Guide%20-%2020141211.pdf)

If the parcel being developed is adjacent to a parcel with steep slopes, then the developer shall obtain the approval of the owner of the adjacent parcel to perform the required geotechnical analysis to determine the slope stability and the potential for rockslides. If the developer is unable to obtain the approval of the owner, then the geotechnical engineer shall evaluate the worst-case scenario and shall provide an appropriate rock fall zone as discussed above.

The developer of a parcel with steep slopes shall prepare a maintenance plan to ensure that the slope is maintained in a safe and stable condition over the years. The maintenance plan shall include site inspections every two years which would include visual observations with pertinent photos of the slope, rock face, and vegetation status at the site. The steep slope maintenance plan must be prepared by a New Jersey licensed geotechnical engineer and must be recorded against the deed of record for each property on which the steep slope is located. The steep slope maintenance plan shall address, but not be limited to, the following: monitoring movement and property condition changes, inspection and maintenance of slope drains, installation of drought-tolerant ground cover, over-irrigation of slope landscaping, direct drainage to slopes, disposal of soil or debris on slopes, ponding of water against retaining walls, monitoring movements and property condition changes. If any deficiencies are noted during the inspection, the necessary corrective action must be taken. Copies of the inspection reports must be filed with the Township of West Orange immediately following completion of the inspection.

For areas at the top of a steep slope or adjacent to a parcel with steep slopes, a minimum setback of 50 feet is required from the top of slope to any proposed improvements such as buildings, roads, parking lots, septic fields, swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds, or other uses at or near the top of steep slopes, except as otherwise recommended by a qualified professional. Where development is near steep slopes greater than 30%, increase setback to a minimum of 100 feet, except as otherwise recommended by a qualified professional. The minimum setback shall be established considering site-specific topographic conditions and the recommendations of the qualified professional geotechnical engineer performing the slope stability analysis.

Other engineering data deemed reasonably necessary by the Township Engineer and Planner to determine compliance with this chapter.