2678-22 Ordinance - Steep Slope - Amended Rev. 5 - Redlined.pdf

1 2678-22 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CHAPTER 25 SECTION 28 OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE, ENTITLED "STEEP SLOPE AND NATURAL FEATURES ORDINANCE” BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWNSHIP COUNCIL OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE, in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey that Chapter 25 Section 28 of the Revised General Ordinances of the Township of West Orange is hereby amended and supplemented as follows: I. PURPOSE It is the purpose of this chapter to provide development controls for all lands located within the Township of West Orange that have within their boundaries topographical conditions hereinafter defined as "steep slopes." These controls are enacted to minimize the potentially adverse impacts associated with disturbance of steeply sloped areas. The most appropriate method of alleviating such conditions is through the regulation of soil disturbance, vegetation removal in steep slope areas, limitation of building and impervious coverage, reduce densities and increase lot areas. Such regulation promotes and protects the public health, safety and welfare of the Township in their existing physical state or condition as of the effective date of the enactment of this chapter. II. CHAPTER 25-28 SHALL BE AND HEREBY IS AMENDED AND REVISED TO READ AS FOLLOWS: § 25-28 STEEP SLOPE AND NATURAL FEATURES ORDINANCE. § 25-28.1 Background. Disturbances of steep slopes results in accelerated erosion processes from storm water runoff and the subsequent sedimentation of water bodies 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. § 25-28.2 Statement of Purpose. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide development controls for all lands located within the Township of West Orange that have within their boundaries topographical conditions hereinafter defined as "steep slopes." These controls are enacted to minimize the potentially adverse impacts associated with

of West Orange that have within their boundaries topographical conditions hereinafter defined as "steep slopes." These controls are enacted to minimize the potentially adverse impacts associated with disturbance of steeply sloped areas. The most appropriate method of alleviating such conditions is through the regulation of soil disturbance and vegetation removal in steep slope areas; limitation of building and impervious coverage; and reductions of densities and increase in lot areas in areas of steep slope. Such regulation promotes and