Worcester Township City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XXA
SS Steep Slope Conservation District
§ 150-146.1 Legislative intent.
In expansion of the statement of community development objectives in Article I, § 150-3 of this chapter, it is the intent of this article to:
A.
Conserve and protect steep slope areas from inappropriate development and excessive grading.
B.
Minimize stormwater runoff, accelerated soil erosion and resultant stream siltation which may create a danger to life and/or property.
C.
Protect the Township from inappropriate development of steep slope areas which may cause a subsequent expenditure for public works and disaster relief, thus affecting the economic well being of the Township and its residents.
D.
Restrict sedimentation and the alteration of natural drainage patterns which may aggravate flooding both in the immediate area and in downstream areas.
E.
Protect residents from property damage and personal injury due to runoff, erosion and landslides.
§ 150-146.2 Overlay concept; applicability.
The SS Steep Slope Conservation District is an overlay of all other zoning districts within Worcester Township and applies to all steep slope areas within these zoning districts.
§ 150-146.3 Determination of steep slope areas.
A.
Slopes of 15% or greater shall be considered steep slopes.
[Amended 3-22-2006 by Ord. No. 208]
B.
Steep slopes shall be determined by one of the following methods:
(1)
On-site measurement of slopes by registered professional engineers, surveyors or landscape architects using accepted engineering practices.
(2)
Use of maps prepared by the Soil Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture, found in the Soil Survey of Montgomery County, 1967.
(3)
Use of United States Geological Survey 7.5 Minute Quadrangles.
C.
The Township Board of Supervisors, in consultation with the Township Engineer, shall make the final determination of where steep slopes exist on a site. Any party that disagrees with the Township's determination of the location of steep slopes may appeal this decision to the Worcester Township Zoning Hearing Board.
§ 150-146.4 Steep slope regulations.
A.
Areas with slopes of 15% to less than 25% shall meet the following requirements:
[Amended 3-22-2006 by Ord. No. 208]
(1)
All development shall be laid out in such a manner as to avoid or minimize development on or regrading of areas with slopes of 15% to less than 25%.
(2)
It shall be incumbent on the applicant to show that areas with slopes of 15% to less than 25% have been avoided to the greatest extent possible. If requested by the Township, the applicant shall produce evidence such as written documents or plans certified by a registered engineer or other qualified professional showing that no alternative layout would reduce the amount of steep slopes that need to be regraded.
B.
Areas with slopes of 25% or greater shall meet the following requirements:
[Amended 3-22-2006 by Ord. No. 208]
(1)
All structures, buildings, parking areas, regraded slopes and substantial improvements (with the exception of driveway and utility crossings when no other location is feasible) are prohibited on slopes of 25% or greater.