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Steep Slope Model Ordinance: Regulating Development on Steep Terrain, Study notes of Topography

A steep slope model ordinance designed to regulate new development or land disturbance on steep slopes in order to prevent soil loss, erosion, excessive stormwater runoff, and maintain natural topography and drainage patterns. The ordinance applies to areas with a slope equal to or greater than 20%, and includes definitions, designations, steep slope limits, conflicts and severability, enforcement, violation and penalties.

Typology: Study notes

2021/2022

Uploaded on 09/12/2022

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STEEP SLOPE MODEL ORDINANCE
[The requirements set forth in this Model Ordinance are consistent with those found in
the State of New Jersey’s Water Quality Management Planning rule (N.J.A.C. 7:15).]
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this ordinance 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.
II. BACKGROUND
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.
III. APPLICABILITY
This ordinance shall be applicable to new development or land disturbance on a steep
slope within [insert municipality].
IV. DEFINITIONS
“Disturbance” means the placement of impervious surface, the exposure or movement of
soil or bedrock, or the clearing, cutting, or removing of vegetation.
“Impervious surface” means 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 other similar structures,
surfaces, or improvements.
“Redevelopment” means the construction of structures or improvements on areas which
previously contained structures or other improvements.
“Steep Slopes” means any slope equal to or greater than 20 percent as measured over any
minimum run of 10 feet. Steep slopes are determined based on contour intervals of two
feet or less.
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STEEP SLOPE MODEL ORDINANCE

[The requirements set forth in this Model Ordinance are consistent with those found in the State of New Jersey’s Water Quality Management Planning rule (N.J.A.C. 7:15).]

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this ordinance 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.

II. BACKGROUND

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.

III. APPLICABILITY

This ordinance shall be applicable to new development or land disturbance on a steep slope within [insert municipality].

IV. DEFINITIONS

“Disturbance” means the placement of impervious surface, the exposure or movement of soil or bedrock, or the clearing, cutting, or removing of vegetation.

“Impervious surface” means 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 other similar structures, surfaces, or improvements.

“Redevelopment” means the construction of structures or improvements on areas which previously contained structures or other improvements.

“Steep Slopes” means any slope equal to or greater than 20 percent as measured over any minimum run of 10 feet. Steep slopes are determined based on contour intervals of two feet or less.

V. DESIGNATION OF AREAS

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 10-foot horizontal run constitutes a 10 percent slope; a 1.5 foot rise over a 10-foot horizontal run constitutes a 15 percent slope; a two- foot rise over a 10-foot horizontal run constitutes a 20 percent slope.

VI. STEEP SLOPE LIMITS

For steep slopes any disturbance shall be prohibited except as provided below:

  1. Redevelopment within the limits of existing impervious surfaces; and
  2. 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 percent or greater slope.

[Municipalities may include additional restrictions for 20 percent slopes or include restrictions for lesser slopes, at their discretion, as long as the minimum requirements above are met.]

[The municipality may wish to include a section stating minimum requirements needed in a site plan and/or the approval process.]

VII. CONFLICTS AND SEVERABILITY

A. Conflicts: All other ordinances, parts of ordinances, or other local requirements that are inconsistent or in conflict with this ordinance are hereby superseded to the extent of any inconsistency or conflict, and the provisions of this ordinance apply. B. Severability:

  1. Interpretation: This Ordinance shall be so construed as not to conflict with any provision of New Jersey or Federal law.
  2. Notwithstanding that any provision of this Ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, all remaining provisions of the Ordinance shall continue to be of full force and effect.
  3. The provisions of this Ordinance shall be cumulative with, and not in substitution for, all other applicable zoning, planning and land use regulations.