Township of Easttown, PA Article VI Steep Slopes

§ 274-22 Purpose.

The purposes of this article are as follows:

A. To permit only those uses of steep slope areas which are compatible with the conservation of natural resources and which maintain stable soil conditions by minimizing disturbances to vegetative ground covers and restricting the regrading of steep slope areas.

B. To protect watersheds by minimizing soil erosion and the resultant destruction of the land, siltation of streams and property damage.

C. To protect low-lying areas from flooding by limiting the increase in stormwater runoff caused by the grading of sloped areas, changes in ground cover vegetation, and the erection of structures.

D. To allow the continuing replenishment of groundwater resources and the maintenance of springs.

E. To maintain the ecological integrity and habitat value of steeply sloped areas.

§ 274-23 Delineation.

A. For the purposes of this chapter, slopes shall be divided and delineated into the following two categories:

(1) Moderately steep slopes: those areas of land where the grade is 15% to 24.9%.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

(2) Very steep slopes: those areas of land where the grade is 25% or greater.

B. Slope shall be measured as the change in elevation over the horizontal distance between consecutive contour lines. For the purposes of this chapter, slope shall be measured over three or more two-foot contour intervals (six cumulative vertical feet of slope).

§ 274-24 Resource protection standards.

A. Steep slope areas shall be preserved in their natural state. Disturbance shall be kept to a minimum and in no case shall exceed the following permitted disturbance allowances:

(1) Moderately steep slopes. No more than 50% of moderately steep slopes shall be regraded, cleared, built upon, or otherwise altered or disturbed. The maximum impervious surface coverage shall be 15%.

(2) Very steep slopes. No more than 15% of very steep slopes shall be regraded, cleared, built upon, or otherwise altered or disturbed. The maximum impervious surface coverage shall be 5%. Permitted activities within the 15% disturbance on very steep slopes shall be limited as follows.

[Amended 6-2-2008 by Ord. No. 384-08[1]]

[1] Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed original § 25(b), regarding grading for driveways and utility lines, which immediately followed this subsection.

B. Forestry (timber harvesting) is prohibited, except when conducted in compliance with a required timber harvesting plan in conformance with Article VII of this chapter.[2]

[2] Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).

C. Clear-cutting of trees is prohibited on slopes greater than 15%.

D. There shall be no grading or filling on very steep slopes within 100 feet of any stream, wetland, lake, or pond, except to protect the stream bank or shoreline and prevent erosion.

E. There shall be no storage of toxic materials, including petroleum-based products, within 75 feet of the top of slope in steep slope areas.

F. Mineral extraction and the removal of topsoil are prohibited on very steep slopes.

G. On-lot sanitary disposal systems are prohibited on very steep slopes.

H. Emergency vehicle access roads may be permitted on moderately steep slopes. Such design shall be subject to review by the Township Engineer, Fire Marshal or their designee.

§ 274-25 Erosion control standards.

A. Where permitted, each building or structure shall be constructed in such a manner as to provide the least disturbance necessary of the existing grade and natural soils condition.

B. Where a disturbance is proposed, a grading plan shall be provided identifying the existing contours of the site, proposed finished grades, and the proposed location of all buildings and structures.

C. Any disturbance of land shall be in compliance with the erosion and sedimentation control and soil stabilization standards in § 400-56, Erosion and sedimentation control, of Chapter 400, Subdivision and Land Development, § 388-15, Erosion and sediment control, of Chapter 388, Stormwater Management, and any other applicable regulations.

D. No topsoil shall be removed from a site unless a sufficient amount is retained to provide at least six inches of topsoil cover over all of the site's exposed earth surfaces. Topsoil removed by grading operations shall be redistributed and stabilized as quickly as possible following the completion of a project or project phase.