Purpose: This Part 4 establishes standards and regulations governing environmental constraints. See also Article VII (Floodplain Management). This article is designed to minimize the negative effects of grading steep slopes and to encourage applicants to avoid erosion, sedimentation, or other impacts resulting from development in significant natural areas. In addition, this article implements the following requirements of the Conservation Element of the Master Plan:
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Provides for the protection of existing vegetation (especially large trees) in development sites in the site plan and subdivision regulations (Conservation Element).
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Clear cutting or near clear-cutting of vegetation should be prohibited (Conservation Element).
A. 
This Part 4 applies to subdivision plans or site plans, as more particularly described in each section or article of this Part 4.
B. 
A waiver or appeal from the requirements of this article may be filed with the Planning Board pursuant to § 190-148.
A. 
Applicability. This section applies to all applications for subdivision and site plan approval except applications within the D-1/MU and D-3 Downtown Zoning Districts.
B. 
Application submittal requirements.
(1) 
An application subject to this section shall include the location and extent of any knolls, ravines, unique views or slopes exceeding 15%, stone walls, rock outcroppings, woodlands or stands of trees, cluster of vegetation, trees exceeding 10 inches diameter at breast height, endangered species or fauna, highly erodible soils, or similar significant natural or historic features.
(2) 
Applicants shall consider impacts to sensitive site features. For purposes of this subsection, "impacts" may include erosion, sedimentation, water quality, or stormwater runoff.
C. 
Incentives.
(1) 
As an incentive to encourage the protection of sensitive site features, the Planning Board may grant a full or partial waiver from the minimum lot size requirements and dimensional requirements of § 190-16, so long as the proposed development does not exceed the maximum density required for the applicable zoning district.
(2) 
Sensitive site features may be included as part of the parks, open space, landscaping or buffers required for subdivision or site plan approval where permitted by Article XXIX.
A. 
Applicability. This section applies to any development subject to an application for subdivision or site plan approval.
B. 
Requirements.
(1) 
Any conservation area or common open space established pursuant to the regulations for a conservation subdivision (§ 190-40), a planned residential development (§ 190-26), or a buffer established pursuant to Article XI (Wetlands) shall be indicated by a permanent, freestanding marker at the edge of the conservation area or common open space. This requirement applies to each lot of record to be created by any subdivision plan.
(2) 
The marker height shall be at least three feet above the ground. It shall indicate that it marks the edge of a conservation area, common open space or wetland buffer and shall contain the following language: "Conservation Area: Restrictions Apply." The marker shall be composed of a post with a metal plaque. The post shall be constructed of composite treated wood, granite, recycled plastic, pressure treated posts that do not contain arsenic. The plaques may purchased from the Planning Department.
(3) 
If markers have been located on an approved subdivision or site plan, they should be located according to the plan, unless site conditions warrant an exception.