§ 450-43. Steep slopes.

A. 

Purposes. The following provisions are primarily intended to avoid erosion, sedimentation, stormwater management problems and winter driving hazards, in addition to serving the overall purposes of this chapter. This section shall not regulate slopes that were clearly man-made prior to the adoption of this chapter.

B. 

Conditional use. Development in areas shown on the as steep slopes (25% and over) may be allowed as a conditional use in accordance with the conditional use process in § 450-21, the provisions of this section, and other required provisions of this chapter.

C. 

Regrading. Non-man-made slopes of over 25% shall not be regraded after the adoption of this chapter in such a manner that circumvents the requirements of this chapter.

D. 

Access. Each lot shall be accessible from an existing or proposed street by means of a driveway with a maximum grade of 15%.

E. 

Site plan and natural features. If an applicant proposes to alter or build upon slopes of 25% or greater, then a site plan shall be submitted to the Zoning Officer. A separate site plan is not required if the same information was included in an approved subdivision or land development plan.

(1) 

Site plan. In addition to the site plan items listed in § 450-6C(2) and (3) the site plan shall show:

(a) 

The existing and proposed contours;

(b) 

Existing natural features including wooded areas, watercourses, water bodies, rock outcroppings; and

(c) 

Existing and proposed building locations, and the outer perimeter of the proposed "building area," defined as all proposed buildings and parking areas and outdoor storage areas and an area 20 feet around buildings, parking and storage areas.

(2) 

Mature trees and other natural features. Where building or alteration is proposed on slopes of over 25%, the applicant shall prove to the satisfaction of Borough Council that the removal of healthy trees with a trunk width of over six inches (measured at a height 4.5 feet above the ground level) and other attractive natural vegetation will be minimized. The site plan shall show wooded areas to be removed or preserved, and methods to be used to make sure trees are protected by temporary fences or other measures during the construction process. In addition to trees, proposed uses shall be designed to preserve natural watercourses, water bodies and rock outcroppings.

(3) 

Stormwater management and erosion control. Adequate and acceptable stormwater management and erosion controls shall be provided.