[Ord. No. 07-11 § 1]
The purpose of this section is to regulate the intensity of
use in areas of steeply sloping terrain in order to limit soil loss,
erosion, excessive stormwater runoff, the degradation of surface water
and to maintain the natural topography and drainage patterns of land.
[Ord. No. 07-11 § 2]
Disturbance of steep slopes results in accelerated erosion processes
from stormwater runoff and the subsequent sedimentation of waterbodies
with the associated degradation of water quality and loss of aquatic
life support. Related effects include soil loss, changes in natural
topography and drainage patterns, increased flooding potential, further
fragmentation of forest and habitat areas, and compromised aesthetic
values. It has become widely recognized that disturbance of steep
slopes should be restricted or prevented based on the impact disturbance
of steep slopes can have on water quality and quantity, and the environmental
integrity of landscapes.
[Ord. No. 07-11 § 3]
This section shall be applicable to new development or land
disturbance on a steep slope within the Borough of Jamesburg.
[Ord. No. 07-11 § 4]
DISTURBANCE
Shall mean the placement of impervious surface, the exposure
or movement of soil or bedrock, or the clearing, cutting, or removing
of vegetation.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE
Shall mean any structure, surface, or improvement that reduces
or prevents absorption of stormwater into land, and includes porous
paving, paver blocks, gravel, crushed stone, decks, patios, elevated
structures, and similar structures, surfaces, or improvements.
REDEVELOPMENT
Shall mean the construction of structures or improvements
on areas which previously contained structures or other improvements.
STEEP SLOPES
Shall mean any slope equal to or greater than 20% as measured
over any minimum run of 10 feet. Steep slopes are determined based
on contour intervals of two feet or less.
[Ord. No. 07-11 § 5]
The percent of slope (rise in feet per horizontal distance)
shall be established by measurement of distance perpendicular to the
contour of the slope. The percent of slope shall be calculated for
each two-foot contour interval. For example, any location on the site
where there is a one-foot rise over a ten-foot horizontal run constitutes
a 10% slope; a one and one-half foot rise over a ten-foot horizontal
run constitutes a 15% slope; a two-foot rise over a ten-foot horizontal
run constitutes a 20% slope.
[Ord. No. 07-11 § 6]
For steep slopes any disturbance shall be prohibited except
as provided below:
a. Redevelopment within the limits of existing impervious surfaces;
and
b. New disturbance necessary to protect public health, safety or welfare,
such as necessary linear development with no feasible alternative;
to provide an environmental benefit, such as remediation of a contaminated
site; to prevent extraordinary hardship on the property owner peculiar
to the property; or to prevent extraordinary hardship, provided the
hardship was not created by the property owner, that would not permit
a minimum economically viable use of the property based upon reasonable
investment. For example, redevelopment, within the footprint of existing
impervious cover should be allowed to support efforts to revitalize
development that has fallen into disrepair.
The applicant shall demonstrate through site plans depicting
proposed development and topography that new disturbance is not located
in areas with a 20% or greater slope.