[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Hampton 10-27-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-10.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Building construction — See Ch. 43.
Uniform construction codes — See Ch. 53.
Development and application fees — See Ch. 56.
Excavations — See Ch. 58.
Site plan review — See Ch. 85.
Soil removal — See Ch. 87.
Subdivision of land — See Ch. 91.
Zoning — See Ch. 108.
Stormwater control — See Ch. 109.
[1]
Editor’s Note: The provisions of this ordinance were originally adopted as Ch. 124 but were renumbered to fit into the organizational structure of the Code.
A. 
Areas within Hampton Township are underlain by carbonate bedrock such as limestone and dolomite. The solution of this bedrock causes surface depressions, open drainage passages, and the development of irregular, subsurface rock topography known as karst. These conditions make such areas unstable and susceptible to subsidence and surface collapse. As a result, the alteration of drainage patterns in these areas by the placement of impervious coverage, grade changes, or increased loads from site improvements can lead to land subsidence and sinkholes.
B. 
Fractures or solution openings and fissures in the limestone rock may lead to public or private water supplies, making those sources especially susceptible to groundwater contamination. Contamination of water sources can occur from solid and liquid wastes, contaminated surface water, septic tank effluent, or other hazardous substances moving through fractures or solution openings and fissures within the rock.
C. 
The Township relies on a clean supply of subsurface water to foster and promote human health, welfare and economic and social development. Therefore, the purposes of enacting this chapter are to protect, preserve and enhance a sensitive and valuable potable groundwater resource and to reduce the frequency of structural damage to public and private improvements by sinkhole collapse or subsidence in areas of limestone geology, thus protecting the public health, safety and welfare and ensuring orderly development within the Township.
For the purposes of this chapter the following definitions shall apply:
AGRICULTURAL USE
The production, keeping or maintenance of plants or animals for sale, lease or personal use.
APPROVAL AUTHORITY
The Hampton Township Planning Board constituted pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.
[Amended 10-26-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-12]
BEDDING
The arrangement of a sedimentary rock in layers of varying thickness and character.
BEDROCK
A general term for the rock that underlies soil or other unconsolidated material.
CARBONATE AREA DISTRICT
The Carbonate Area District is comprised of the Carbonate Rock District and the Carbonate Drainage Area.
CARBONATE DRAINAGE AREA
Watershed areas which directly drain into the Carbonate Rock District.
CARBONATE ROCK
Rock consisting chiefly of calcium and magnesium carbonates.
CARBONATE ROCK DISTRICT
Those land areas underlain by carbonate rock formations.
CAVE
A natural opening of a size permitting human exploration and extending into a region of sharply reduced or no light.
CLOSED DEPRESSION
A shallow, dish-shaped hollow on the land surface which, in areas of limestone geology, may be indicative of old sinkholes or incipient collapse.
COLLAPSE SINKHOLE
A sinkhole caused by the collapse of the roof of a bedrock cavern.
DEVELOPMENT
Any improvements in the Carbonate Area District requiring, pursuant to existing land use statutes or ordinances, subdivision or site plan approval; this chapter shall also be applicable to any improvements that require the disturbance of one or more acres of land and/or the construction of 0.25 acre or more of new impervious cover. Disturbance for the purpose of this rule is the placement of impervious surface or exposure and/or movement of soil or bedrock or clearing, cutting, or removing of vegetation.
DISAPPEARING STREAM
A stream that enters the subsurface through a sinkhole or other entrance.
DISSOLUTION
A space or cavity in or between rocks, formed by the solution of part of the rock material.
DOLINE
See "sinkhole."
DOLOMITE
A carbonate rock that contains more than fifteen-percent magnesium carbonate.
DRAINAGE
The process by which water moves from an area by stream or overland sheet flow and/or the removal of excess surface water from soil by downward flow through the soil profile.
FAULT
A surface or zone of rock fracture along which there has been noticeable differential movement.
FISSURE
An extensive crack, break, or fracture in the rock.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAM
A program which identifies the geologic nature of the bedrock materials underlying the site and provides solutions directed at preserving the water quality and assuring the safety of any planned facility or improvement built over carbonate rocks.
JOINT
A fracture in rock generally more or less vertical or transverse to bedding, along which no appreciable movement has occurred.
KARST
A type of topography that is formed over limestone or dolomite by dissolving or solution of the carbonate rocks, characterized by sinkholes, closed depressions, caves, solution channels, internal drainage, and irregular bedrock surfaces.
LIMESTONE
A carbonate sedimentary rock consisting chiefly of calcium carbonate. Limestone is commonly used as a general term for that class of rocks which consists of at least eighty-percent calcium or magnesium carbonate. In this chapter, the term "limestone" shall be used generically to refer to carbonate rocks, limestone formations and Precambrian marbles.
LINEATION
Any straight line or alignment of natural features seen on an aerial photograph or any geographically referenced source. Although some lineations may be geologically controlled, ground-based geologic investigations are necessary to define their existence and significance.
MARBLE
A metamorphic rock consisting chiefly of crystalized limestone or dolomite.
OUTCROP
An exposure of bedrock projecting through the ground surface.
PINNACLE
An irregular rock projection often buried beneath the ground surface.
SHEAR ZONE
A zone in which shearing has occurred on a large scale so that the rock is crushed and brecciated (broken).
SINKHOLE (DOLINE)
A localized land subsidence, generally a funnel-shaped or steep-sided depression, caused by the dissolution of underlying carbonate rocks or the subsidence of the land surface into a subterranean passage, cavity or cave. Sinkholes are formed by the underground removal of soil and rock material.
SOIL
The material found in the surface layer of the earth's crust which may be moved by a spade or shovel.
SOLUTION CHANNELS
Tubular or planar channels formed by solution in carbonate rock terrains, usually along joints and bedding planes. These openings are the main water carrier in carbonate rocks.
SOLUTIONED CARBONATES
Carbonate rocks that have had cavities formed, fractures widened, and passages in the rock created through the dissolution of the rock by the passage of surface water.
SOLUTION SINKHOLE
A depression formed from the slow dissolution of bedrock.
SPRING
A place where water naturally flows from rock or soil upon the land or body of surface water.
SUBSIDENCE SINKHOLES
Sinkholes formed by the downward settlement of unconsolidated overburden into openings in the underlying, soluble bedrock.
SURFACE RUNOFF
The part of the precipitation that passes over the surface of the soil.
VOID
Opening in the soil or rock materials.
A. 
This chapter shall be applicable to any development in the Carbonate Area District requiring, pursuant to existing land use statutes or ordinances, subdivision or site plan approval and requiring the disturbance of one or more acres of land and/or the construction of 0.25 acre or more of new impervious cover. Disturbance for the purpose of this rule is the placement of impervious surface or exposure and/or movement of soil or bedrock or clearing, cutting, or removing of vegetation. The provisions of this chapter may be applied to any development which in the opinion of the Township Engineer and geotechnical consultant is located in an area underlain by limestone or carbonate bedrock.
B. 
This chapter shall also be applicable to existing single lots where an application is filed with the Hampton Township Construction Official for a construction permit.
A. 
Carbonate Area District (CAD). The Carbonate Area District is hereby created and shall be an area identified as such upon the Hampton Township Carbonate Area District Map.[1] The district shall be constituted as secondary, or as an "overlay," to the zoning districts heretofore established by the Carbonate Area District Map and may encompass all or portions of more than one existing zoning district. Regulation of the CAD shall be in addition to those requirements governing the existing zoning district. The Carbonate Area District shall contain two areas which shall be known as the Carbonate Rock District and the Carbonate Drainage Area.
(1) 
Carbonate Rock District (CRD). The Carbonate Rock District is composed of those areas of Hampton Township underlain by limestone or carbonate rocks. The geologic mapping utilized to prepare the CRD overlay boundary is derived from New Jersey Geologic Survey and United States Geological Survey maps. These maps are interpretations developed from available field observations and subsurface data; additional unmapped areas of limestone rocks may exist in Hampton Township. Therefore, the provisions of this chapter may be applied to any development which, in the opinion of the Township Engineer or geotechnical consultant, is located in an area underlain by limestone. The CRD map shall be updated as information is developed through the application of this chapter.
(2) 
Carbonate Drainage Area (CDA). The Carbonate Drainage Area shall consist of all lands which drain surface water into the Carbonate Rock District. Changes in the quantity, quality and rate of discharge of surface water runoff from lands upslope of the Carbonate Rock District can adversely affect the CRD. Therefore, development activities in the CDA which may alter the surface drainage patterns or affect the water quality or increase runoff into the CRD shall be subject to the requirements of this chapter.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said map is on file in the Township offices.
A. 
General requirements.
(1) 
All applicants filing for site plan or subdivision approval for a site located within the Carbonate Area District, requiring the disturbance of one acre or more of land and/or the construction of 0.25 acre or more of new impervious cover, shall undertake a geotechnical investigation program. Projects located in the Carbonate Drainage Area shall complete the Phase I requirements. Projects located in the Carbonate Rock District shall first complete the Phase I requirements. Submission of the Phase II requirements shall be based on the recommendation of the Township geotechnical consultant (GTC) to the Planning Board as set forth in § 48-7.
[Amended 10-26-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-12]
(2) 
The geotechnical investigation program shall be prepared by a professional engineer or geologist with experience in karst terrains. The Township's geotechnical consultant (GTC) shall be similarly qualified to review all projects submitted.
(3) 
The geotechnical investigation program shall identify the geologic nature of the materials underlying the site.
(4) 
The geologic investigation report shall evaluate site information gathered during the geotechnical investigation, and provide recommendations for the planning, engineering design, and construction techniques to be utilized. All design recommendations shall minimize, to the greatest extent practical, impacts upon water quality and structural hazards associated with limestone formations.
(5) 
Because the results of the geologic investigation are essential to the planning, engineering design and construction techniques to be utilized for the development, the geologic investigation program shall be completed and the geologic investigation report filed with the formal application for preliminary subdivision or site plan approval.
(6) 
Prior to the submission of an application for preliminary subdivision or site plan approval involving a geologic investigation, the applicant may, and is encouraged to, consult or meet informally with the Township GTC or the Planning Board as deemed necessary to receive guidance on its investigation.
(7) 
An applicant for a proposed construction permit is required to submit a plot plan showing the proposed building, well septic system, driveway and grading. As part of the building permit application, the Township Construction Official shall review the lot location with respect to the Carbonate Area District Map[1] and shall determine if the lot is located within the Carbonate Rock District. For a lot located in the Carbonate Rock District, he shall require the applicant to provide borings and test data in the area of the proposed dwelling and septic system for his review in the event that, in the discretion of the Township Construction Official, he deems it is necessary. He may consult with the Township Engineer's Office and/or the Township GTC concerning the tests that should be required as a condition of issuing a building permit. He may require the recommended testing prior to the issuance of a construction permit on a single lot.
[1]
Editor's Note: Said map is on file in the Township offices.
B. 
Geotechnical investigation program process. For all properties located in the CAD, a comprehensive geologic investigation program shall be conducted by the applicant. The purpose of this program is to provide the approval authority with sufficient data to define the nature of all existing geologic conditions that may affect construction and land use activities on the site. Specifically, the investigations shall yield information which shall demonstrate that the proposed development will identify any existing geologic conditions for which appropriate site design and/or engineering solutions may be necessary to minimize any adverse environmental impacts caused by the project. The geotechnical investigation program shall consist of the following:
(1) 
The applicant shall complete the Phase I requirements. Upon completion, the applicant shall have the option to submit the information to the Planning Board to obtain an informal review and guidance prior to proceeding with Phase II.
(2) 
The applicant shall complete the Phase II requirements. Upon completion, the applicant shall have the option to submit the information to the Planning Board to obtain an informal review and guidance prior to proceeding with the on-site geotechnical investigation.
(3) 
The applicant undertakes on-site geotechnical investigation program in accordance with § 48-8, with observation by the Township GTC.
(4) 
Submission of a geologic investigation report and site recommendation by the applicant.
(5) 
Township GTC review, report and final recommendation to the Planning Board.
[Amended 10-26-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-12]
A. 
United States Geologic Survey 7 1/2 minute topographic quadrangle maps with parcel identified.
B. 
United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service soil survey map indicating soils present on parcel.
C. 
Information from any special report completed by New Jersey State Geological Survey, United States Geologic Survey, or New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
D. 
Site plan map at a scale of one inch equals 1,000 feet, identifying proposed development site and boundaries of site that are within the CRA and/or CDA as designated on the Township CAD map.
E. 
Aerial photograph print for the proposed site and surrounding area (taken at a minimum scale of one inch equals 1,000 feet obtained during periods of little or no foliage cover).
F. 
Location of all known water production wells and well log information within 1/2 mile of the project.
G. 
A project sketch plat at a minimum scale of one inch equals 200 feet, with existing surface water bodies, location of any existing water production wells, faults, outcrops, springs, sinkholes, disappearing streams, and surface water flows.
H. 
Written narrative describing proposed activity.
I. 
If the proposed project includes the storage or manufacturing of toxic or hazardous materials, provide an explanation of the type of activity.
J. 
Other published geologic information which the applicant deems pertinent, such as information from other geologic investigation programs, which are on file with the Municipal Clerk.
A. 
General requirements.
(1) 
Test borings and test pits are to be used as the primary means of identifying potential geologic hazards. Percussion probes and other geophysical techniques (e.g., seismic refraction and reflection, ground-penetrating radar, magnetic gravity and conductivity) can be used to provide data between test borings and pits.
(2) 
Proposed exploration techniques which are not outlined in this chapter may be submitted to the GTC for review and possible inclusion in the approved investigation program. Alterations to the planned program can be made during the progress of the field investigation upon request to the GTC if so required by the nature of the encountered subsurface conditions.
(3) 
The intention of the site investigation program is to define the nature and limits of possible design, construction and operating concerns that could result from the existence of carbonate soil and/or rock formations underlying the proposed development site.
(4) 
Name and address of the New Jersey Licensed Professional Engineer, New Jersey Licensed Well Driller and geologic consultant to be used.
B. 
Direct testing procedures.
(1) 
Provide number of proposed test borings. The minimum number of borings required is shown in the following table; however, the Township GTC may require additional tests as site conditions warrant.
Residential Development
Type
(number of dwellings)
Foundations
(per dwelling)
Infrastructure
(per 1,000 feet roadway)
Stormwater Management
(per basin)
1 to 10
1
1
2
11 to 50
0.15
0.75
2
Greater than 50
0.1
0.5
2
Nonresidential Development
Type
(S.F. building area)
Foundations
(per 1,000 S.F. feet building area)
Infrastructure
(per 1,000 S.Y. impervious)
Stormwater Management
(per basin)
1 to 5,000
0.4
0.33
2
5,001 to 10,000
0.3
0.3
2
Greater than 10,000
0.2
0.2
2
Note: Additional investigation may be required based upon actual field conditions encountered.
(2) 
Provide anticipated depth of borings. If rock is encountered within 40 feet of ground surface, a minimum of 10 feet rock is to be cored. Rock cores shall be a minimum of two inches in diameter to be obtained by double tube, split barrel coring device or equivalent.
(3) 
Describe boring techniques to be used. Unless written approval is obtained, all test borings will be drilled using rotary wash/without use of drilling muds. Water losses in borings are to be monitored as to depth and quantities. Air loss, drilling speed and rod drops must also be monitored.
(4) 
Describe proposed borehole grouting techniques. Grouting shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:9-9.1 et seq.
(5) 
Provide description of proposed monitoring wells.
(6) 
Describe anticipated soil and rock sampling procedures. Sampling shall be in accordance with ASTM D420, D1586, D1587 and D2113.
(7) 
Borings and test pits shall be logged in accordance with the Unified Soil Classification System and in relation to the geologic origin of the constituents of the encountered materials, i.e., light yellow brown silty clay (CH), with occasional angular dolomite fragments, moderately stiff, residual soils, some stained paleo jointing.
(8) 
Provide number and depth of proposed test pits. The minimum bottom area of pits shall be 10 square feet and shall encounter rock surface over 50% of the pit area.
(9) 
Describe proposed method of test pit backfill. Test pit backfill shall be composed of excavated material placed in layers and compacted to preexcavation density, unless otherwise authorized by GTC.
(10) 
Provide proposed number and types of piezometers and/or lysimeters to be used. They shall be installed and monitored in sufficient locations to identify depth to seasonal high water table and the rate and direction of groundwater flow.
(11) 
Provide descriptions of any other proposed methods for measuring ground water levels and rate and direction of flow.
(12) 
Provide description of methods for the geotechnical testing of the properties of soils, rock and water.
C. 
Indirect testing procedures.
(1) 
Provide the proposed number, anticipated depths, and measuring techniques of proposed percussion probes.
(2) 
Describe the proposed number of seismic refraction and reflection tests and equipment to be used.
(3) 
Describe the proposed number of ground penetrating radar tests and equipment to be used.
(4) 
Describe the proposed number of magnetic, gravity or conductivity tests and equipment to be used.
(5) 
Describe geologic reconnaissance factors to be examined, i.e., vegetative changes, observable seeps or groundwater discharge, circular depressions, swales.
(6) 
Describe any other geologic reconnaissance field investigation techniques proposed.
D. 
Maps, drawings and other documentation.
(1) 
Provide the location of the site on 1:24,000 scale U.S.G.S. topo map and general site plan showing proposed locations of all field testing procedures in relation to the planned development at a minimum scale of one inch equals 100 feet.
(2) 
Provide timetable of proposed field investigation, laboratory testing, test data receipt and final report to the Planning Board.
(3) 
Describe proposed technical inspection of procedures during investigation. Continuous technical supervision of field investigation is strongly recommended.
(4) 
Describe any special factors or conditions the applicant wishes to bring to the attention of the GTC.
A. 
Any on-site investigations and tests undertaken pursuant to this chapter shall not begin until the applicant has submitted the appropriate fees as required in § 48-13 and has provided proper notice to the Township. The applicant shall also be responsible for providing, at least 15 days prior to commencement of any testing procedures, written notice of same to the Municipal Clerk, which notice shall be transmitted by certified mail, returned receipt requested, or served personally. All site investigations shall be properly closed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:9-9.1 et seq.
B. 
The proposed development site shall be subject to inspection by the GTC, Township Engineer, or designated Township inspectors at any time. All testing data and results shall be made available to Township officials and inspectors on demand.
C. 
All samples taken shall be properly preserved and shall be available for examination by the Township upon request until final action is taken by the Planning Board on the application.
[Amended 10-26-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-12]
A. 
At the completion of the field investigation, a formal site investigation report shall be submitted and include any of the following required information gathered during the testing protocol:
(1) 
Logs of all borings, test pits, and probes including evidence of cavities, loss of drilling fluid circulation during drilling, voids encountered and similar cavities.
(2) 
Type of drilling or excavation technique employed.
(3) 
Drawings of monitoring or observation wells as installed with results of monitoring.
(4) 
Time and dates of explorations and tests.
(5) 
Reports of chemical analyses of on-site surface- and groundwater and the potential reaction with the underlying rock with an assessment of the likelihood of formation of solution cavities.
(6) 
Names of individuals conducting tests if other than the New Jersey Licensed Professional Engineer, New Jersey Licensed Well Driller, or geologic consultant provided in the Phase II requirements.
(7) 
Analytical methods used on soils, water samples, and rock samples.
(8) 
A topographic map at a scale of one inch equals 100 feet of the site (at a contour interval of two feet) locating all test pits, borings, wells, seismic or electromagnetic conductivity or other geophysical surveys in relation to the proposed development.
(9) 
Analysis of the groundwater including any potentiometric maps constructed from site data or aquifer tests with rate and direction of flow.
(10) 
A geologic interpretation of the observed subsurface conditions, including soil and rock type, jointing (size and spacing), faulting, voids, fracturing, grain size, and the likelihood of sinkhole formation, especially in projects where water from storm sewers, roof drains, septic systems, etc., is being discharged in the ground.
B. 
The report shall also define the extent of geotechnical findings at the site in relation to the planned development or land use. The engineering solutions proposed to minimize environmental and structural impacts for the useful life of the project, as well as during construction, must be clearly detailed together with the conclusions reached. The report shall, at a minimum, address the following:
(1) 
The probable effects of the proposed development upon Township water resources and the likelihood of future sinkhole formation.
(2) 
The appropriateness of the site for the proposed development and the appropriateness of the location and design of proposed roadways, buildings, and facilities for stormwater management, water supply and sewage disposal.
(3) 
The adequacy of support for buildings, roadways, utility lines. Foundations should be reinforced to span a minimum of 10 feet of soft soils or voids.
(4) 
Stormwater and sanitary sewer lines shall be designed and constructed with watertight joints which have been tested to ensure their integrity.
(5) 
Pipe materials, joints, construction methods and materials, and infiltration or exfiltration testing shall be subject to the approval of the Township Engineer.
(6) 
Pressurized utility lines shall provide for automatic shutoff when sudden pressure loss is detected.
(7) 
Site grading and blasting shall be minimized.
(8) 
General methodology for management of sinkholes or solution cavities, depressions, or other questionable areas which have been discovered during the investigation or which could be discovered during construction.
(9) 
Provisions for inspection and monitoring during construction and any long-term inspection or monitoring which may be recommended. It is strongly recommended that the developer employ the services of an expert in construction in karst terrain to be on site during all construction activities requiring excavation.
[Amended 10-26-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-12]
The GTC's review of the geotechnical investigation report for proposed development in the CRD shall consider the data, formal reports, maps, drawings and related submission materials and shall advise the Planning Board whether or not the applicant has provided the Township with:
A. 
Sufficient design, construction and operational information to ensure that the proposed development of the tract will not adversely impact on the health, safety and welfare of the community.
B. 
Proof that the proposed method of development of the tract will minimize any adverse effects on the quality of surface or subsurface water, and will not alter the character of surface and/or subsurface water flow in a manner detrimental to known on-site or off-site conditions.
C. 
Specific details ensuring that design concepts and construction and operational procedures intended to protect surface and subsurface waters will be properly implemented.
D. 
Specific details on inspection procedures to be followed during construction and after project completion.
E. 
The following note shall be provided on the final subdivision plat or final site plan for any project located within the CRD: "This site is underlain by limestone formations which are susceptible to sinkholes and subsidence. The occurrence of sinkholes and/or subsidence is not predictable and therefore Hampton Township, its employees, the Township Engineer, and the Township geotechnical consultant assume no liability for any damages which may occur on private property as a result of the formation of sinkholes or subsidence."
In certain situations, a specific geologic hazard may not be identified while the geologic investigation program is underway and may be discovered during or after construction. In such cases the applicant shall:
A. 
Report the occurrence of the hazard to the Municipal Clerk within 24 hours of discovery.
B. 
Halt construction activities which would impact the geologic hazard.
C. 
Prepare a report on the geologic hazard which analyzes the impact of the hazard and details a remediation plan for review and approval by the Township geotechnical consultant.
D. 
After obtaining approval from the Township, perform necessary remediation of the hazard to prevent or minimize damage to buildings, structures, utilities, driveways, parking areas, roadways, and other site improvements, and to minimize pollution of the groundwater.
E. 
Repair any damage to improvements and restore ground cover and landscaping.
F. 
In those cases where the hazard cannot be repaired without adversely affecting the site plan or subdivision, the applicant shall file an amended application for a site plan or subdivision approval in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
A. 
Compliance with this chapter is required prior to the granting of subdivision or site plan approval or the Township endorsement of state permits and treatment works approvals, unless waivers have been granted pursuant to § 48-13D.
B. 
Failure to comply with any of the conditions in this chapter may result in the issuance of a stop-work order, revocation of building permits, or denial of certificates of occupancy. Remedial and corrective measures may be mandated if the appropriate construction and site planning techniques, as outlined in the applicant's approved geotechnical report, are not followed and result in actions which adversely impact karst features.
A. 
Application fee. For any project in the CAD requiring a submission, there shall be an application fee of $500.
B. 
Review fee. Funds shall be place in escrow for review of the application as follows:
(1) 
Escrow for Phase I submittal: $1,500 + $20 per acre in the CAD.
(2) 
Escrow for Phase II submittal: $5,000 + $100 per acre in the CRD.
C. 
Inspection fee.
(1) 
It is recognized that the Municipal Land Use Law, particularly N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53, Subdivision h, provides a limitation on engineering inspection fees which shall, in all cases, be reasonable and shall, except for extraordinary circumstances, be limited to the greater of $500 or 5% of the cost of improvements, which cost of improvements shall be determined pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53.4.
(2) 
It is also recognized that when the testing methodology provided for herein has been employed and determines the existence of critical geological formations underlying the site of the proposed development, extraordinary and exceptional construction methods may be required to be employed by the developer during site improvements, which work is required to be witnessed by the Township Engineer or his representative.
(3) 
The construction of improvements in developments underlain by critical geological formations is herewith deemed to constitute an extraordinary circumstance, thereby rendering inapplicable the engineering inspection fee limitations otherwise provided by N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53, Subdivision h, and enabling the charging of inspection fees in excess thereof which, in all cases, shall be reasonable and shall otherwise comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53.
D. 
Waivers. Subsequent to the submission of the Phase I information required in § 48-6, the Planning Board, upon recommendation by the Township geotechnical consultant, may grant a waiver from all or any part of the geotechnical investigation and report requirements in § 48-7.
[Amended 10-26-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-12]
E. 
Disclaimer of liability.
(1) 
In carbonate rock areas, the alteration and development of land may be hazardous with respect to the foundation safety of structures, the creation of unstable land as a result of changes in drainage and grading, and the contamination of ground- and surface waters.
(2) 
The exact occurrence of sinkholes and/or subsidence is not always predictable; therefore, the administration of these regulations shall create no liability on behalf of Hampton Township, the Township Engineer, the Township geotechnical consultant, Township employees, or municipal agencies as to damages which may be associated with the formation of sinkholes or subsidence. Compliance with these regulations represents no warranty, finding, guarantee, or assurance that a sinkhole and/or subsidence will not occur on an approved property. The municipality, its agencies, consultants, and employees assume no liability for any financial or other damages which may result from sinkhole activity.
(3) 
It is also noted that sinkholes and ground subsidence may occur in areas outside the CRD and/or in areas of carbonate geology presently not identified as such. The applicant and/or property owner should always make independent investigations of these matters prior to using this land for construction of a building or structure or any activity which alters the soil and bedrock materials.
F. 
Reimbursement of fees.
(1) 
The applicant shall reimburse the Township of Hampton for all expenditures it expends for professional fees in reviewing an application, including, but not limited to, the fees of the following:
(a) 
Township Engineer.
(b) 
Township GTC.
(c) 
An outside engineering firm.
(d) 
All attorneys' fees.
(e) 
All professionals' fees.
(2) 
The reimbursement of said fees shall be subject to the provisions of the Municipal Land Use Law, including N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53.