A.         One (1) of the principal factors that will influence the intensity of development on a particular parcel of land is the requirement for protecting the designated environmental resources existing on the site.  Specific natural resources that are sensitive to development, such as WOODLANDS, steep slopes, floodplains and streams, are protected under §208-1706 of this chapter.  All land area consisting of the natural resources or natural features listed in the following table shall be mapped and quantified by the developer as part of the site development plan review process.  The Resource Protection Land shall be calculated in the following manner:

1.   Calculate the total area (acreage) of each natural resource.

2.   Multiply the total area of each resource by the preservation ratio for that resource to determine the amount of Resource Protection Land required to be kept in open space or conservation easements in order to protect the resource or feature.

3.   On that portion of the site where two (2) or more resources overlap, only that natural resource which has the highest preservation ratio shall be calculated.

4.   All Resource Protection Land must be preserved by either open space or conservation easements.  All Resource Protection Land for woodlands, wetlands and floodplains must be located in open space and outside of lot areas.

Resources/ Natural Features (All Districts)		Preservation Ratio		Acres of Land in Resource		Resource Protection Land (Acres in Resource x Preservation Ratio)
Drainageways		.50
Floodplains		1.00
Wetlands		1.00
woodlands		.45
Steep slopes (15% to 25%)		.40
Steep slopes (greater than 25%)		.80
TOTAL LAND IN RESOURCE
TOTAL RESOURCE PROTECTION LAND

 

Last Updated on September 29, 2008
This Visual Interactive Code is intended to assist property owners, developers and residents in understanding and applying the Township's land development ordinances; However, the VIC; does not contain the Township's official land use ordinances in the exact form in which they were adopted, and may not contain the most recent versions of these ordinances. Official copies of the Township's land use ordinances may be obtained by visiting Township offices during regular business hours, 8 am to 4 pm, Mondays through Fridays, or by contacting Township staff at 724-935-3090, extension no. 109.