[Added 8-19-1998 by Ord. No. 1661

In expansion of the statement of community development objectives in Article I, § 150-3 of this chapter, it is the intent of this article to

A. Conserve and protect steep slope areas from inappropriate development and excessive grading

B. Minimize stormwater runoff, accelerated soil erosion and resultant stream siltation which may create a danger to life and/or property

C. Protect the township from inappropriate development of steep slope areas which may cause a subsequent expenditure for public works and disaster relief, thus affecting the economic well being of the township and its residents

D. Restrict sedimentation and the alteration of natural drainage patterns which may aggravate flooding both in the immediate area and in downstream areas

E. Protect residents from property damage and personal injury due to runoff, erosion and landslides

The SS Steep Slope Conservation District is an overlay of all other zoning districts within Worcester Township and applies to all steep slope areas within these zoning districts

A. Slopes of 10% or greater shall be considered steep slopes

B. Steep slopes shall be determined by one of the following methods

(1) On-site measurement of slopes by registered professional engineers, surveyors or landscape architects using accepted engineering practices

(2) Use of maps prepared by the Soil Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture, found in the Soil Survey of Montgomery County, 1967

(3) Use of United States Geological Survey 7 5 Minute Quadrangles

C. The Township Board of Supervisors, in consultation with the Township Engineer, shall make the final determination of where steep slopes exist on a site Any party that disagrees with the township's determination of the location of steep slopes may appeal thus decision to the Worcester Township Zoning Hearing Board

A. Areas with slopes of 10% to less than 18% shall meet the following requirements-

(1) All development shall be laid out in such a manner as to avoid or minimize development on or regrading of areas with slopes of 10% to less than 18%

(2) It shall be incumbent on the applicant to show that areas with slopes of 10% to less than 18% have been avoided to the greatest extent possible If requested by the township, the applicant shall produce evidence such as written documents or plans certified by a registered engineer or other qualified professional showing that no alternative layout would reduce the amount of steep slopes that need to be regraded

(3) When regrading is necessary on areas with slopes from 10% to less than 18%, the slopes shall be protected in accordance with slope protection standards in the township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance

B. Areas with slopes of 18% or greater shall meet the following requirements

(1) All structures, buildings, parking areas, regraded slopes and substantial improvements (with the exception of driveway and utility crossings when no other location is feasible) are prohibited on slopes of 18% or greater

(2) When regrading is necessary for driveway and utility crossings on areas with slopes of 18% or greater, the slopes shall be protected in accordance with slope protection standards in the township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance